By Parker McKenzie
92 per cent of Knox City Council’s capital works projects have been completed out of 201, and spending on maintenance matched the deterioration of assets, according to the council’s 2021/2022 capital works program report.
The report highlighted the following achievements for the council over the last year: 15 road reconstruction projects completed, in excess of 100 streets re-surfaced, oval renewal works completed at Windermere Reserve, renewal of cricket nets at three grounds, Tennis court renewals at Glenfern Park, Millers Reserve and Eildon Park, Floodlighting upgrades at Gilbert Park, new shared paths around the municipality, upgrades to the Knox Park Athletics change rooms, the completion of the Knox Express Library facility and the planting of 2,425 trees.
Cr Jude Dwight said the Capital Works Program is the biggest service the council delivers to the community.
“Although I have little to no involvement with most of the projects in the program, I really enjoy being able to celebrate them and let people in my area know when something’s been replaced, improved or made safer,” she said.
“To see that more than 100 streets across Knox have been resurfaced, 2435 street trees have been planted, we have drainage and pipe renewal to the value of $2.68 million, essential work to support our stormwater system which is under a massive load at the moment, this is all fantastic and for me it’s worth celebrating.”
185 projects were either started or completed in the 2021/2022 period.
Cr Marshia Leitch said the capital works program is always “juicy and fun” to look at.
“It’s probably one of the most visual things that we deliver for our community,” she said.
“If you haven’t read it yet, I absolutely encourage you to do so to celebrate the work that we’re delivering for our community and the services that we’re providing for health, safety and wellbeing in the capital works space.”
The total budget for the Capital Works Program was $68.9 million, of which 98 per cent was expended.
Cr Nicole Seymour said when running a big budget and when there are fiscal restraints, it is easy to cut maintenance.
“This council decided not to do that, we’ve held firm and kept investment in critical spend categories,” she said.
“We’re now funding maintenance at a level that matches deterioration. Same with road surfacing, the same with footpaths, the same with our shared paths and so on. That is absolutely critical that we’re not creating a legacy problem for future generations and future councils.”
The asset renewal program revised budget for 2021/22 was $27.9 million, of which 85 per cent or $23.6 million was spent.
