JUNE 28, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Council’s $127m spend Maribyrnong home owners will pay on average $2000 for their rates in the next financial year. The city has allocated $127.3 million of its $134 million budget to major projects. It will increase average residential rates by almost 2 per cent – equivalent to about $38 per household – in 2017-18. The rise is on par with last year’s increase, which pushed the average annual rate notice up to $1968.78. Maribyrnong corporate service director Celia Haddock said the value of a property also contributed to how much a home owner in the city would actually pay. “The average dollar amount ratepayers will pay differs per property as rates also reflect increased property valuations,” Ms Haddock said. “This means some residents will pay more while others may find that, due to a low valuation, their rates have not greatly increased.” To offset the rise, pensioners will receive a 2 per cent rate-rebate increase from $181.70 to $185.35. As outlined in the council budget, which was adopted last week, rates are considered “a major source of operating revenue, accounting for, or in excess of 71 per cent of all income”. Rates raised in Maribyrnong during 2017-18 are expected to pour almost $95 million into the city’s coffers. Statutory fees and fines, user charges
and government grants are also significant contributors to total income. The 2017-18 budget also reaffirms the city’s improved financial position. The city has been back in the black since July 2016 after almost a decade in debt.
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The average dollar amount ratepayers pay differs per property
’’
- Celia Haddock Maribyrnong has no debt and will have no borrowings in the next financial year. The council projects a surplus of $6.7 million. Budget allocations include: • An almost $44-million capital works program; • $1.5 million to rebuild the Church Street Children’s Centre in West Footscray; • $1.1 million to construct a regional playground as part of the Footscray Park Masterplan; • $1.05 million to upgrade the bicycle network; • $800,000 to upgrade the Kingsville Tennis Club; • $800,000 for graffiti removal; • $700,000 to plant 1895 trees; • $300,000 to crack down on dumped rubbish; and • $200,000 for a waste education program to promote recycling.
Western Health Foundation Special liftout on page 25
(Damjan Janevski)
By Stella Tzobanakis
JASPER, 6, AS HARRY POTTER, NOAH, 10, MIYA, 10, AND NIAMH, 4
Potter holds us in his spell Children across Hobsons Bay are using all their wizadry to celebrate two decades of Harry Potter. Monday marked 20 years since JK Rowling published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Hobsons Bay libraries are hosting Harry Potter art and craft events until the end of Sunday. Those fascinated by the animals in Harry Potter’s world can find out more about Hobsons Bay’s magical creatures at Altona library on Wednesday from 4.30-5.30pm or you can play wizard’s chess and games with the Rookies Chess Club at Altona Meadows library on Friday from 4-5pm. Wizards, witches and muggles are invited to dress up for all activities. Details: libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
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