THE Shire of Yarra Ranges will tonight (Tuesday) announce a record $39 million spending spree for its capital works program in its 2007-08-draft budget.
However, the council says it does not yet know how much it will cost ratepayers.
Capital Works spending has been highlighted as one of the budget winners for 2007-08 with an addition $11.3 million being put into the coffers this year.
Mayor Tim Heenan says the draft budget will propose the council’s biggest ever capital works expenditure in the shire’s history.
Cr Heenan said the $39 million would be spent on a massive 10-year capital works program, which is aimed at tackling aging infrastructure and delivering improved community facilities.
“The money we spend on our roads and infrastructure will not only benefit us today but will provide for future generations too,” he said.
Cr Heenan says a key factor in the 2007-08-draft budget was to make sure the council put cash into some of the aging facilities across the shire.
He said some of the areas that will receive much need cash injections are swimming pools, halls, and recreation facilities – many which are more than 50-years-old.
“This will be a budget that not only addresses a range of cost pressures, but most importantly delivers on the long-term needs of the entire community,” he said.
Cr Heenan says the budget will also include a strong emphasis on activities that reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental education.
The council was unable to release specific details of projects that will benefit from the record capital works program before the Mail went to print.
Capital works spending
$10.6 million for major projects; $2.3 million for new initiatives and one-off projects; $18.6 million for local road spending; $1.949 million for construction, improvement and maintenance to council buildings; $1.095 million for township works; $2.234 million for improvements to parks, sports grounds and trails; $804,000 for drainage; $620,000 for footpaths; $560,000 for bridges; $636,000 for waste management projects.
