Maroondah Council has passed its budget for the 2007/2008 fiscal year. While the budget unfortunately includes a rate increase of 7.4% it facilitates a number of initiatives that will finally commit Maroondah towards a path of urban sustainability.

The Maroondah Leader reported on the discussions that took place in regard to the Council Budget:

Cr Alex Makin said he had been concerned over a lack of detail in the draft budget, but with his questions answered by council officers he now supported the budget.

While the decision to pass the budget was not unanimous, petty politicking over our future sustainability should not be tolerated.

“No-one likes to put rates up, but this budget will ensure a solid foundation for the future,” Cr Makin said. “It looks at the issue of long-term sustainability and we need to bite the bullet by putting money into projects like water conservation.”

The budget includes $1 million of initiatives aimed to reduce Maroondah’s water usage and improve our urban sustainability. Transport emissions and energy usage are also being addressed through the appointment of a new full-time Transport and Sustainability Officer and an audit of Maroondah’s energy and water usage through a new utilities monitoring system.

This budget ensures that Maroondah is following a path of urban sustainability to ensure that natural resources are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Further details, including the list of confirmed projects for the Sustainability Fund, are available within the council meeting agenda.