By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Despite rate capping and a $17 million Covid hit, Greater Dandenong will spend big on capital works in its draft 2021-‘22 budget.
Residential rates bills – including waste charges – will rise on average by $27.60 (up 1.92 per cent).
The median household rates will be $1467.
Meanwhile, commercial businesses get some rates relief – down by an average of 3.9 per cent.
The council’s proposed $63 million capital works program is up by $20 million on 2020-‘21. It is being presented as a stimulus measure.
“Capital spending will stimulate local employment, businesses and suppliers,” chief executive John Bennie stated.
“The budget is one that strikes a good balance between ensuring Council continues to provide operational services and support to the community and a capital spending program to provide much needed local infrastructure.”
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Greater Dandenong councillors have backed a push for a joint State and council taskforce to investigate human health impacts posed by Dandenong South’s toxic industry zone.
The proponent Jim Memeti said he raised the motion on 12 April out of long-held community concerns for the industry 2 zone, which includes the state’s only prescribed toxic waste dump.
He cited a cluster of “Chernobyl” like health problems, including a baby born without eyes, ears and nose a decade ago.
Recently, residents in neighbouring estates including Keysborough South have also complained of stenches and an impending waste-to-energy plant in Ordish Road.