Inflation, cost of living pressures and tightening economic conditions have been carefully considered in the City of Boroondara’s Budget for the 2023–24 financial year.
Adopted on 19 June, the Budget 2023–24 also accounts for significant cost escalations affecting both existing and planned community construction projects.
Overall, Council has aligned its budget to continue delivering on the Boroondara Community Plan 2021–31 and allocate funds to projects and initiatives focusing on what is most important to the Boroondara community.
Our Mayor, Cr Felicity Sinfield, says our population is growing and demand for Council services continues to increase.
'This budget provides a way for us to manage the impact of cost escalation and a growing community, while still ensuring we deliver on our commitments to our community. [It] reflects responsible and prudent financial management for both the year ahead and for our future.'
Cr Sinfield says Budget 2023–24 is the blueprint for Council’s expenditure, 'and most importantly showcases how we will continue to build towards our community’s vision for a more sustainable and inclusive community'.
In 2023–24, Council has committed to fund projects and initiatives to further support the environment, protect the character of our neighbourhoods and care for community members.
Some of the Budget 2023–24 commitments include:
- $20.46 million (over 3 years) to redevelop Kew Library
- $27.45 million (over 4 years) to refurbish the Michael Tuck Stand at Glenferrie Oval, along with $431,329 to deliver a new open space at the precinct
- $8.13 million to renew sporting pavilions at Willsmere Park, Canterbury Sports Ground, Lynden Park and Ferndale Park
- $397,000 to introduce a new process to assess community nominations of properties with potential heritage significance
- $2.11 million for sportsground reconstructions
- $414,800 to support our local economy through Place Plan initiatives, which will help improve the streetscapes in our shopping precincts
- $1 million to continue delivering key environmental initiatives to reduce Council's emissions and meet climate-related targets.
Council will continue maintaining our city’s infrastructure to a high standard. For 2023–24, Council has allocated:
- $5.24 million for drainage renewal
- $2.39 million for footpath and cycleway renewal
- $13.83 million for road renewal
- $10.5 million for 7 other community building renewal works and minor works across many of the other properties under Council stewardship.
Our high level of service provision to residents will also continue, with expenditure of:
- $10.3 million to provide library services 7 days a week
- $9.4 million on health and wellbeing services including immunisation, youth and recreation services
- $20.9 million on parks and gardens, biodiversity and street-tree maintenance
- $3.7 million on arts and cultural services and events
- $12.7 million on planning, development and building controls
- $12.4 million on maintenance of the city’s infrastructure.
'By continuing to invest in our services, facilities and community activities, Council will strengthen its pivotal role in fostering community connection, and contributing to people’s health and wellbeing in Boroondara,' Cr Sinfield says.
To view our latest budget, visit the Budget 2023–24 page.