Darebin Council spends big on bike paths, sustainability in draft budget

A $10 MILLION nature trust and a cash splurge on bike paths are included in Darebin Council’s environment-focused draft Budget and four-year plan.

The council’s draft budget includes $6m for bike paths and pedestrian walkways. L-R: Cr Susanne Newton, Cr Steph Amir and Mayor Kim Le Cerf. Picture: David Smith

A $10 MILLION nature trust and a cash splurge on bike paths are included in Darebin Council’s environment-focused draft Budget and four-year plan.

The draft Budget and plan, published last week, promise to make Darebin “greener, bolder and more connected”.

The council will spend $6 million on walking and cycling upgrades, with plans to turn some roads into “shared streets where cars are guests” giving priority to cyclists and pedestrians.

Leader understands this would be similar to the Canning St “bike boulevard” which connects the Capital City Trail to Carlton Gardens.

The council will create a $10 million nature trust to support parks and native vegetation with the goal of all residents living within 500m of open space.

The council pledged to cut the speed limit to 40km/h in at least 30 per cent of the municipality to improve road safety and boost cycling.

The council’s staff wage bill was $81 million, or 51 per cent of expenditure.

The council expects a budget surplus of $13.2 million in the next financial year.

Rates will increase by an average of 2 per cent and the pensioner rate rebate will remain at $150.

Councillors voted to adopt the draft Budget and plan on Monday.

Public submissions can be made at darebin.vic.gov.au from May 10 to June 8.

NEW PROJECTS

$350,000 to reintroduce a levy on development.

$100,000 to set up a citizens’ jury.

$40,000 for speed limit reductions.

$50,000 to establish a nature trust and energy foundation.

$127,000 for graffiti removal.

$15,000 for a local law to protect significant trees.