Council has released its proposed Annual Budget 2024-25, which includes $126 million for services and nearly $77 million in infrastructure investment.

The budget was developed from extensive community feedback which took place in October 2023.

The Fund It tool allowed community members to allocate 1000 points to the services that they thought provided the most value. The results showed that the five most valued services were:

• Open Space and Biodiversity
• Roads and Transport
• Waste
• Libraries
• Seniors

The final engagement summary for the Fund-It tool is provided below.

The Community Survey was completed by 161 community members and asked whether there were further priority areas that Council should focus on.

Highlights of the 2024-25 capital works program, which incorporates nearly $77 million in infrastructure investment, includes the following new funding:

• $10.8 million on resurfacing and reconstructing local roads, using recycled material wherever possible, and renewing our drainage
• $5.3 million to renew sports reserves and facilities, including Wally Tew and Lewis Park ovals, and Fairpark and Windermere cricket nets
• $4.8 million to improve footpaths and cycling paths, in addition to $1.2 million to deliver a dedicated cycling path along Chandler Road, Boronia
• $11.4 million to upgrade sporting pavilions, including Carrington Park Pavilion and, subject to confirmation of state/federal funding, pavilions at Tormore and Wally Tew reserves
• $1.1 million to upgrade car parks in Stud Park Reserve, Carrington Park, Wantirna Reserve and Knox Park Reserve
• $2.6 million for flood mitigation on Forest Road, Boronia, and create wetlands at Liberty Avenue, Egan Lee and Gilbert Park reserves to improve stormwater quality and management and enhance the natural habitat. This is in addition to contributing to Melbourne Water wetland works in Lewis Park.
• $3 million in playground and recreation upgrades, including playground upgrades at Knox Gardens Reserve, Sovereign Crest Reserve and Roselyn Crescent Reserve. This is in addition to open space enhancements at Kings Park and Gilbert Park Skate Park.
• $900,000 to continue with LED streetlight replacement along major roads in Knox, reducing energy costs and greenhouse emissions.

Average residential rates in Knox continue to be among the lowest in metropolitan Melbourne. Overall rates revenue will increase by 2.75% in line with the Victorian Government’s rates cap.

Council has retained the rate rebate of up to $100 to all eligible pensioners on top of the Victorian Government’s pensioner rebate.

The final budget is expected to be adopted at the Council Meeting on 24 June 2024.

To find out more, visit Budget delivers for community | Knox