ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON
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/DandenongJournal
Tuesday, 4 July, 2023
@StarJournal_SE
Dandy hit-run sentence
Chisholm awards wrap
Falcons soar high
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Stalled streetworks ire
40¢ Inc. GST
Budget backlash City of Greater Dandenong’s “modest” 202324 Budget received mixed reactions as it was passed down at a council meeting on Monday 26 June. Councillor Rhonda Garad called it a “modest budget”, which was supported by majority of the councillors. But Crs Tim Dark and Bob Milkovic opposed the “half-baked” budget. “I’m embarrassed by the way this has gone out,” Cr Dark said. “We’re facing massive amount of inflation. Businesses are going out and under and people are losing their jobs. “When it comes to the council’s budget we have significant operational expenditure. We have not done proper feasibility on the efficiency and dividend on what can be achieved. “I will not support a budget to say it’ll go fund infrastructure when people are suffering. This Council has gone too far.” According to the budget papers, Greater Dandenong is set to borrow extensively to fund for major projects. They will be funded by nearly $75 million in loans and $34 million from reserves over
the next four years for the $22m Keysborough South Community Hub, the $98m Dandenong Wellness Centre (the new Oasis) and the $30m Dandenong Community Hub. A council budget report declared the projects as important for community wellbeing, as well as stimulating local employment, businesses and suppliers. Ms Garad also argued that although the Council and councillors empathise with those doing it tough at these times, these are community needs that are being listened to and delivered. “I think we are all in furious agreement that everybody is hurting. In terms of council, we are facing tough times. “We still have to deliver services and do the council work. Residents can be rest assured that this is a modest budget,” she said. “The budget is not a rise as such we’re just keeping pace with the general economy.” There has been a combined 30 per cent increase on waste fees with the major fees on bin delivery - up by $3.80 - along with minor increases in parking tickets on streets. Continued page 5
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Through the looking glass Window artist Lou Endicott has been getting a clear view of things at Doveton Library during the mid-year school holidays. Her art has been part of Connected Li-
braries’ school holiday events, including a Things That Go Eye Spy Room and treasure hunts at Doveton. For more, turn to page 6
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By Sahar Foladi