All Wyndham engagement informs the development of the Draft Budget. We hear from residents through multiple processes and forums, and feedback is captured and reflected in a range of reports, plans, strategies and policies, including our annual Budget.

The proposed total Capital Works Budget is $164.5 million. This includes funding for new sports ovals, community centres, playgrounds, new and existing roads and other major initiatives.

A total of $52.6 million has been proposed to improve, build, upgrade and repair local roads, footpaths and Active Transport Network. Additionally, Council proposes to spend $10.9 million on roads rehabilitation, maintenance and design.

Proposed key road projects include:

• Tarneit Road Intersection duplication (Sayers Rd to Leakes Rd) $10.8 million
• Road Reconstructions (Various) $8.6 million
• Road Surface Renewal Program $3.1 million
• Hobbs Road Extension Design work (Ballan Road to Sayers Road) $2.6 million

The draft budget proposes $1.4 million for Community Grants, putting more funds in the hands of community groups and organisations to run programs and events that make a difference locally.

Council remains firmly committed to services that benefit our community and environment, with $21.2 million in proposed funding. Our Open Space team will plant 6,500 advanced trees across the City in 24/25, as well as an additional 10,000 tubestock over two community planting day events this year.

A further $2 million has been proposed for Greening the Pipeline, a multi-year project that aims to transform the heritage listed Main Outfall Sewer pipeline reserve, along the Federation Trail bike path, into a parkland to service Melbourne’s west.

The Draft Budget proposes to spend $21.8 million on Kindergarten and Children Centre Services in 2024-25.

The Draft Budget proposes $28.5 million to maintain our parks, open spaces and streetscapes. This includes ongoing maintenance of our reserves and open space areas, playgrounds, and essential services such as mowing, watering and tree planting.

A further $13.1 million has been proposed in Capital Works for new and improved parks, open spaces and streetscapes. This includes Outdoor Recreation Renewal, playground upgrades and asset and park renewals.

A total of $11.7 million is proposed to be spent on our library services in the Draft Budget, plus an additional $1.4 million to purchase new library books and resources.

A total of $16.7 million is proposed for vital Maternal Child Health and Immunisation services.

A total of $5 million has been allocated for the Active Transport Network, to renew existing footpaths, and design, build and upgrade cycleways and footpaths.

Rates will increase by 3.5 per cent, in line with the State Government’s rate capping requirements.

The Draft Budget proposes to borrow up to $24.7 million by June 30, 2025. These borrowings will be used to help fund services and capital works, which are needed due to the rapid growth of our City. Future borrowings have been outlined in Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, which was endorsed by Council in late 2021. All borrowings, current and future, remain well within Wyndham City’s prudential limits and capacity to meet its repayment obligations.

The increase in Waste Management Charges has seen a minimal rise of 0.74%, equivalent to $2.90 per rateable property over the 23/24 budget.

Increases to the Waste Management Charge are due to higher costs to deliver services. These costs include increases to the State Government’s Landfill Levy, various contractual obligations, an increase in dumped rubbish and litter.

Councillor remuneration is set by the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal. From 18 December 2024 to 17 December 2025, the base allowances are:

• the Mayoral allowance is $133,822 per annum.
• the Deputy Mayor allowance is $66,190 per annum.
• the Councillor allowance is $39,390 per annum.

Wyndham City has budgeted an overall operating surplus of $245.6 million, which includes income from Rates, Developer Contribution Payments, Grants and other income.

We want to know what you think about our Draft Budget. You can provide your feedback online via The Loop or you can attend any of our Pop-Up events and have a chat with Councillors and Council Officers. Public Exhibition will take place between Thursday 25 April – Sunday 26 May 2024.

No, feedback can be provided online via The Loop or in person at any of the Pop-Up events.

All community members that provide feedback will receive a timely response letting them know how their feedback has been considered in the final Budget.

The finalised 2024/25 Budget is scheduled to be adopted by Councillors on Tuesday 25 June 2024.