Banyule Council has adopted its Budget, which invests $66.75 million in capital works projects and $7.54 million in initiatives in the financial 21-22 financial year.

Banyule Mayor Cr Rick Garotti said the Budget delivered for the community while maintaining the strong long-term financial sustainability of Council.

"We are investing significant funds in building and maintaining infrastructure to accommodate the service needs of the community," Cr Garotti said. "At the same time, we're paying down $10.26 million of debt."

"This budget underpins the creation of 400 local jobs in Banyule. We said we would boost the local economy to move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and that is exactly what we are doing."

"We continue to protect Banyule's natural environment and open spaces, and direct resources to other important initiatives identified through our 'Banyule 2041 Shaping our Future' community engagement."

"By partnering with other government initiatives, we are improving infrastructure and stimulating the local economy," he said. "Combined with the ongoing success of our inclusive jobs and social enterprises initiatives, we are creating more than 400 local jobs in Banyule."

"To help those experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, we continue to provide rate relief to those most in need of support."

"Rate waivers of $250 or $500 are available to residents depending on specific financial circumstances," Cr Garotti said.

Highlights of the Budget

Construction of Bellfield Community Hub ($11.75M)

Upgrade facilities at Olympic Park ($7.50M over 2 years)

Preparation for a food organics and garden organics (FOGO) waste service ($3.83M)

Improvements to Darebin Creek Shared Trail ($2.60M)

Climate Action Package ($2.04M)

Recovery Support Package ($1.5M)

Resurface of Beverley Road Oval ($1.35M)

Improvements to Redmond Court Wetland ($1.30M)

Upgrades to Macleod Park pavilion ($1.05M)