Kids the big winners

By Casey Neill
CHILDREN’S services were a key funding priority in the Yarra Ranges Council draft budget, unveiled last Tuesday 25 May.
Upwey’s long awaited children’s hub and playgrounds across the shire attracted cash, while a Birdsland trail and shire re-branding also won funds.
The council allocated $3.43 million in the draft 2010-11 budget to redevelop the Sherbrooke Children’s Centre in Upwey, and a further $3.5 million over the following two years.
The cash included $500,000 from the State Government and $1.6 million from the Federal Government.
The new hub will house preschool, long day and occasional care, maternal child health and family support services and a multi-purpose community space.
The existing Upwey Hall will also be revamped.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said a planning permit had been issued for the project and the detailed design process was currently underway.
The tender process will start within the month and the first of four building stages will begin later this year.
The fun and games continued with $89,610 to replace ‘softfall’ surfaces at playgrounds, $103,000 for playground renewal works and $206,000 to rejuvenate playground and park furniture.
In addition to this, it will spend $30,900 to repair vandalised playground equipment throughout the shire.
Yarra Ranges spokesman James 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 committed $163,000 to build a trail between Lysterfield Lake and Belgrave South’s Birdsland Reserve, and earmarked a further $512,000 allocation over the following two years.
The reserve will also receive a $30,000 public toilet upgrade.
Cr Dunn said the trail project was from the shire’s Hike and Bike Strategy.
“Bike trails are an incredibly loved and valued thing,” she said. “Not just for tourists, but for locals as well.”
The council will also spend $180,000 on “re-branding”.
Mr Martin said the money would replace 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,” he 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.