Shire makes room in budget for fun

By Casey Neill
FAMILY fun was a key funding priority in the Yarra Ranges Council draft budget, with playgrounds across the shire attracting more than $400,000.
Shire ‘re-branding’ also won cash in the $38 million capital works program, but council spokesman James Martin said the spend would make locating services and activities easier.
The council allocated $89,610 to replace ‘soft fall’ surfaces at playgrounds, $103,000 for playground renewal works and $206,000 to rejuvenate playground and park furniture.
But it is also forced to spend $30,900 to repair vandalised playground equipment.
Mr Martin said it was always disappointing to have to use ratepayers’ funds to replace vandalised equipment.
“Playgrounds bring enormous joy to children and help stimulate learning and social interaction for children and their parents,” he said.
“It is disheartening to see the impact on children when they see their local playground vandalised and it is often quite difficult for parents to have to explain why someone would want to destroy a playground.”
The council will spend $180,000 on replacing damaged and missing township and gateway entry signs.
“The council is also undertaking a gradual spruce up of signs at key community facilities to make it easier for people to locate services and activities,” Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin said there would also be a “rationalisation” of many existing signs to reduce the total number.
Residents can view the draft budget at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au or at the shire’s Community Links. The submission period closes at 5pm on Friday 25 June.
Councillors will vote on the final document at a special council meeting on 29 June.