Proposed Annual Budget 2020-21 and Strategic Resource Plan

The contract expires in June 2021. It is more cost effective to have this obligation performed by a contractor than employees.

This is a typographical error and will be rectified in the final Annual Budget document.

City Amenity covers a range of proactive and reactive cleansing and sanitation programs across the City of Maribyrnong to ensure the City is safe, accessible and clean. These programs include:

• 24 hour/7 day a week cleansing and sanitation of the Footscray Business District, Yarraville Shopping Precinct, Seddon Shopping Precinct and Barkley Shopping Precinct
• Street Sweeping of roads, carparks, laneways
• Servicing street litter bins in shopping precincts and parks
• Graffiti response
• Servicing ‘Butt Out’ Bins in the public realm
• Weed Management in road reserves and laneways
• Collection of illegally dumped rubbish
• Loose litter collection

Last year after we hosted a series of community forums, the decision was made to move to the Capital Improved Value or CIV system of rating. This is the most commonly used valuation by Victorian Councils. The CIV system takes into account the full development value of the property and is also reflective of the general market value of the property as at the date of valuation. The formula for calculating rates is then: Property value (CIV) times by rate in the dollar, plus waste management service charge, plus municipal charge, plus fire services levy charges. The rate in the dollar is set by Council annually, and the Fair Go Rates System sets out the maximum amount councils may increase rates by each year, which is capped at 2% this year.

The difference in cost is due to a number of factors, including the average CIV value within a municipality (which differs from council to council), and where a property’s value sits in the distribution curve of the municipality. Because of these factors, it is difficult to compare rates and charges for the same CIV values in different municipalities.

The enforcement of parking permits is not a separate item and is incorporated in general enforcement of all parking controls.

The Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy recognises the need for cycle infrastructure investment, the budget for this investment will need to be supplemented with grants to achieve the desired outcomes over the next four years. At present our capital works budget over the next four years to deliver on the Maribyrnong Bicycle Strategy is $4.15million.

Thank you for tuning in to the 20/21 Proposed Budget Webinar with Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, and CEO, Stephen Wall. Council uses a range of platforms to engage with the community and this is just one of them. Council will look to utilise webinars for further engagement opportunities in the future, where appropriate.

We are glad you enjoyed the 20/21 Proposed Budget Webinar with Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, and CEO, Stephen Wall. Council uses a range of platforms to engage with the community and this is just one of them. Council will look to utilise webinars for further engagement opportunities in the future, where appropriate.

Thank you for your question. Council works with local schools and universities on a range of educational programs, and an educational program for the entire community around graffiti is a great idea. We will share this with the relevant team in Council to follow up.

Thank you for your question. Implementing new and emerging technologies that positively impact the life of residents throughout the city is important. One of the ways that we are doing this at the moment is through the development and implementation of our Climate Emergency Plan and Action Plan. In 2019 Council acknowledged a state of Climate Emergency and is currently working with a group of residents to create the Climate Emergency Plan, which identifies key areas in which Council and the city can improve its carbon footprint and reduce its carbon emissions. Within these plans will be the implementation of innovative technologies that help positively impact the lives of residents. Another example of implementing new technologies is Council’s collaboration with Victoria University to roll out smart technologies across the city, including digital kiosks, expanded free public Wi-Fi and energy efficient lighting. You can read more about both of these projects on our website.

As per Council’s policy, these capital expenditure line items meet our threshold limits within network of Computer and Telecommunication asset class.

This financial modelling identifies the whole of life costs, such as ongoing maintenance and staffing requirements, of works that have been discussed but not approved for commencement such as the NeXT project and upgrade to RecWest Footscray.

Council has introduced digital applications which reduce processing costs. Traders in Class 1 and 2 refer to food related businesses such as restaurants. Traders in Class 3 and 4 relate to non-food specific businesses such as beauty salons and tattoo shops as well as businesses that only sell packaged food such as service stations, stall vendors and mobile food trucks.

This reflects a typographical error which has been corrected, there is not a drop in fees. The proposed fees are in line with the existing fees.

These fees apply to the issuing of building permits. These fees have not increased as Council no longer issue these permits as they are now issued by private building surveyors.

These fees apply to the issuing of building permits. These fees have not increased as Council no longer issue these permits as they are now issued by private building surveyors.

These fees apply to the issuing of building permits. These fees have not increased as Council no longer issue these permits as they are now issued by private building surveyors.

The cost of parking permits is expected to be only carried by those that require this service and therefore reducing rates for those not requiring permits. A permit parking review will be undertaken and will include public consultation later this year.

CAP 233 and CAP 224 totals $325,000. CAP 233 relates specifically to improvement works on the section of Stony Creek running through Hyde Street Reserve, there are other areas of Stony Creek being updated, as identified in the budget, in support of the Stony Creek Directions Plan which was adopted earlier this year. Council continually updates and maintains its streetscapes $125,000 has been allocated for streetscape works including design for Irving Street, Footscray.

The Maribyrnong Employment Industrial Land Use Strategy identifies industrial areas that require improved amenity - particularly local streetscape improvements  these improvements will include working with businesses to prevent trucks accessing footpath areas, protecting existing trees and providing improved pedestrian and bike connections among other requirements.

The Footscray Smart City for Social Cohesion (SC2) includes a Federal Government $400,000 grant and technical support from Victoria University. The project uses technology to improve city performance and citizen experience, including instalment of smart lighting, digital kiosks that promote information in the city, air quality sensors, traffic counting devices and an expansion of the free public WiFi network. The project is a partnership with Council and Victoria University.

We’re buying land to addresses gaps in our open space network based upon our 2014 Maribyrnong Open Space Strategy. The land we purchase will be from various sources across the city and is funded by collecting open space contributions as per the Subdivisions Act 1988.

Three people are in the Economic Development team.

The Maribyrnong Planning Scheme was first introduced in December 1999. The planning scheme is not a static document and does change over time to reflect new circumstances. Amendments to this document are taken through a legislated consultation process as outlined under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 which may require public notice. This process can be either managed by Council or the Minister for Planning.

Following a period of consultation Council may reintroduce parking enforcement in the Footscray Activity Centre, should the consultation be successful there will be an increase in parking revenue.

The Major Projects and Strategic Relationship service involves Council representing the interests of the community on State and Federal Government projects such as the West Gate Tunnel Project, Melbourne Metro and Defence Site Maribyrnong redevelopment project. This involves facilitating Council comments on these projects, liaison with State led project partners and stakeholders to negotiate best outcomes for the City of Maribyrnong.

Ensuring the City of Maribyrnong is safe and accessible for all road users is important, which is why Council is proposing $3.060 million to improving the footpaths and cycle ways across the city in the 20/21 Proposed Budget. You can review a breakdown of the $3.060 million under section 4.4.2, CAP80 on page 58 and section 4.5.2, CAP214 on page 68 of the 20/21 Proposed Budget.

Council will be allocating the full amount of the 2% rate increase of $1.9 million to ratepayers struggling with the impact of COVID-19. This will be quarantined as a rate rebate, ensuring every last dollar is spent assisting those who need it the most. It has yet to be determined how the relief will be issued to those who need it the most.

Council aims to deliver a responsible and balanced budget that maintains excellence in service delivery and is responsive to the growing needs of our community. We anticipate a 2.53% increase in rate assessments in the 2020-21 period. Although rates and charges continue to be the main source of income to Council, there are other revenue streams such as statutory fees and fines and user fees that support expenditure.

Salaries are market based and tend to be scaled to the size of the municipality. Further details can be found in our 2018/19 Annual Report.

Under the Auditor General’s Financial Sustainability risk assessment criteria, all councils need to produce a surplus each year, otherwise there is a risk of long term run down to cash reserves and inability to fund asset renewal. Council’s adjusted underlying result measures an ability to generate surplus in the ordinary course of business. For 2020/21 this amount is 3.74%. As per VAGO’s financial sustainability risk assessment criteria, Council should be generating more than 5% to be considered as low risk. The proposed budget predicts a $16.126 million surplus for 2020/21 but the underlying result is $5.19 million.

This is a State Government project that Council is delivering on their behalf. The project is fully funded by the State Government (Sport Recreation Victoria).

It’s not uncommon to have unspent funds in the capital works program that need to be carried forward into the new financial year. This can be due to some of the projects being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or reasons beyond Council control like government grants, delays in obtaining necessary permits, contractor availability and change in user expectation and scope of works.

Council is committed to addressing the Climate Emergency, and the Climate Emergency Advisory Group is currently developing Council’s Climate Emergency Plan. Council will then use this Plan to develop a dedicated Action Plan, which will outline a range of measurable and achievable outcomes that Council will implement to transition to zero emissions and tackle climate change, while preventing further contribution to climate issues. Some of these actions are expected to support improved efficiencies for construction and current buildings, and energy programs to continue to support residents. The 20/21 proposed budget outlines $243,000 (section 4.5.2, CAP189) for Climate Emergency Works, so Council can deliver outcomes listed in the Action Plan within the 2020/21 financial year.

CAP22 is the subtotal of costs from CAP23 to CAP39.

DDA is an abbreviation of “Disability Discrimination Act”. The budget allocated in CAP21 is for modifications to buildings to comply with the Act.

CAP17 refers to building Bi-Locks, which is the installation and ongoing upgrade of Bi-Lock systems across all Council buildings. CAP18 refers to the Building Anchor Points Program, which is an ongoing allocation to conduct Annual Roof Access Certification. This is inclusive of remediation works.

Throughout the year, Council utilises specialist contractors and consultants to maintain Building Compliance elements, including Fire Panels and Fire Services, and Emergency Exits.

A full list of the major projects can be seen in section 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.5.2 and 4.5.3 of the proposed budget.

Council’s Waste Management team facilitates Waste Management services. This cost relates to additional services that Council offers to its residents at an additional cost, like additional hard waste collection on top of the allocated hard waste service. There are various factors that contribute to revenue prediction, this is based on historical demand and the predicted increase or decrease due to Council initiatives.

The net expenditure of $7.9 million for Waste Management is based on waste expenditure and income from additional services, like additional hard waste collections that are not included in Council’s general rates notice. Council’s waste charges are based on budgeted expenditure.

$1,239,330, calculated as per the following. The total cost for pension rebate in current proposed budget is $814,170 ($198.20 x assumption of 4,107 pensioners). If this goes up to $500, the total cost would be $2,053,500 ($500 x assumption of 4,107 pensioners). As such, we would need an additional $1,239,330 ($2,053,500-$814,170).

These projects are part of the Strategic Resource Plan, which gets reviewed every year with the budget. If the Strategic Resource Plan doesn’t get changed in the next budget cycle or due to new council plan then this forward funding is approved.

Single View of Customer is a project that, once completed, will allow the community to engage with Council and interact with Council services via a portal.

Cap 44 refers to desktop asset replacement and Cap 46 refers to network infrastructure renewal.

Some Council employees are entitled to receive gratuity payments on their retirement. This depends on the date they joined the organisation, and the gratuity liability is to recognise that amount.

The vehicle benefit provided by Council to an employee is liable for Fringe Benefits Tax. This FBT cost is included in the total cost of providing the vehicle and employees make salary sacrifice contributions towards the total cost of the vehicle as per the fleet policy. The vehicle is also used in Council’s car pool.

Intramaps is a Geographic Information System (GIS) that Council uses to gather, manage and analyse data, and it was first implemented in 2015. GIS integrates many types of data and it analyses spatial location and organises layers of information into visualisations using maps and 3D scenes. The cost is approximately $42,000 per year and the contract expires in October 2020. Council undertook a tender process for the implementation of the software. The system is available for the entire organisation. Intramaps provides data for the West Gate Tunnel Project and VicMaps.

The TRIM system (now known as CM9) is an electronic document management system that was first implemented in 2015. The cost is approximately $69,000 per year and the contract expires in 2023. Council undertook a tender process for the implementation of the software. The system is utilised by the entire organisation. This system is not integrated with external entities.

CIVICA Authority is an enterprise resource planning solution that provides a fully integrated management system for business processes. Implementation commenced in August 2013 and completed in August 2015. The cost is approximately $384,000 per year and the contract expires in 2023. Council undertook a tender process for the implementation of the software. The system is utilised by the entire organisation. This system is not integrated with external entities.

Funding Management includes an allocation of funds to reserves, employee oncost as well as the expenditure on financial management and planning. Under Section 2.7 of the budget, $5.6 million of that amount is shown as a transfer to reserves to fund major capital projects. Total amount of major project reserves used to fund capital projects is $18.032 million (section 4.6). Also included is employee oncost provisions for the whole of Council, Council strategic initiatives and reserve transfers for major projects. Total EFT in this team is 5.52. 

You are referring to figures in the Q3 forecast for 2019/20.

This is due to a number of factors. Although the Enterprise Agreement is 2.25%, most staff are on a banded salary and if they meet their KPI’s they move up a band. This movement adds to the cost of salaries. There are also some vacancies that need to be filled, and these are likely to be recruited for during 2020/21.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 21 April, Council endorsed comprehensive support packages to offer residents and businesses affected by COVID-19 a range of support options. The support package for affected businesses included the provision of a 50% reduction on the May 2020 rate payment to assist in saving jobs and supporting the local economy. Only COVID-19 affected businesses qualify for this discount. Residential ratepayers have been offered deferral of rates for 2 quarters and Council also endorsed a COVID-19 Hardship Policy.

Council is responsible in providing a wide range of services across the municipality, as outlined in the Council Plan 2017-21.  To ensure the delivery of these services to the community, Council needs to maintain, renew, upgrade and construct new infrastructure each year. To help Council make informed decisions about maintenance and capital work expenditure needs, we refer to a mature service planning profile and renewal modelling profile.

It is a legislative obligation of councils to contribute funding to the state election.

There is one staff member in the Innovation and Capability Service team.

The City Central Collective is comprised of the Councils of Port Philip, Yarra, Melbourne and Maribyrnong. The group conducts collaborative procurements with the benefit of achieving more competitive pricing based on aggregated supply across the Councils. The LEAP Procurement Plan is a project coordinated through MAV, which examines opportunities for Council to achieve better value through more strategic procurement.

The costs include labour and operating costs for the Corporate Planning and Performance team. The Key Performance Indicators relate to ensuring Council’s statutory and regulatory reporting requirements are met, ensuring service planning is undertaken and reported on, delivering workforce reporting, benchmarking and analytics, providing internal performance reporting including progress on Council Plan actions, delivering continuous improvement initiatives and process support.

The Minister for Local Government sets any increase to Councillor allowances. There is no increase announced for Councillors for 2020-21 as yet. For the current year, the Minister had approved an adjustment factor increase of 2%, effective 1 December 2019, under section 73B(4) of the Local Government Act 1989.

The Minister for Local Government sets any increase to Councillor allowances. There is no increase announced for Councillors for 2020-21 as yet. For the current year, the Minister had approved an adjustment factor increase of 2%, effective 1 December 2019, under section 73B(4) of the Local Government Act 1989.  

Two people are in the Social Policy and Social Infrastructure team.

CAP 229 refers to RecWest Footscray Detailed Design, a large scale project situated on a complex site involving a former landfill site. This requires a very specific skill set and specialist advice that is not resourced ongoing within Council. Relevant Council design staff will be contributing to the project, and Council staff are fully responsible for landscape design. CAP 230 refers to multiple projects of varying scale. Council staff will be leading some design where applicable, however external resources are required for more complex design projects.

Salaries are market based and tend to be scaled to the size of the municipality. Further details can be found in our 2018/19 Annual Report.

This is not something Council has the authority on – decisions such as these are the responsibility of the State Government.

As per Council’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, the staff salary increase for the 2020/21 financial year is 2.25%. This cannot be reduced as it is the amount Council and unions have signed up to through the Fair Work Commission.

The Minister for Local Government sets any increase to Councillor allowances. There is no increase announced for Councillors for 2020-21 as yet. For the current year, the Minister had approved an adjustment factor increase of 2%, effective 1 December 2019, under section 73B(4) of the Local Government Act 1989.  

This is not something Council has the authority on – decisions such as these are the responsibility of the State Government.

Council is continuing the provision of more than 60 key services to the community, including waste management, maternal and child health services, immunisation program, maintenance and improvements to parks and open spaces, drainage maintenance street lights, footpaths and cycle ways, and much more. Any reduction in operating costs would result in service closures.  Last year after we hosted a series of community forums, the decision was made to move to the Capital Improved Value or CIV system of rating. This is the most commonly used valuation by Victorian Councils. The CIV system takes into account the full development value of the property and is also reflective of the general market value of the property as at the date of valuation. The formula for calculating rates is then: Property value times by rate in the dollar, plus waste management service charge, plus municipal charge, plus fire services property levy. The rate in the dollar is set by Council annually, and the Fair Go Rates System sets out the maximum amount councils may increase rates by each year, which is capped at 2% this year.

Council is committed to addressing the Climate Emergency, and the Climate Emergency Advisory Group is currently developing Council’s Climate Emergency Plan. Council will then use this Plan to develop a dedicated Action Plan, which will outline a range of measurable and achievable outcomes that Council will implement to transition to zero emissions and tackle climate change, while preventing further contribution to climate issues. Some of these actions are expected to support improved efficiencies for construction and current buildings, and energy programs to continue to support residents. The 20/21 proposed budget outlines $243,000 (section 4.5.2, CAP189) for Climate Emergency Works, so Council can deliver outcomes listed in the Action Plan within the 2020/21 financial year.

Council uses the Capital Improved Value or CIV system of rating, which is the most commonly used valuation by Victorian Councils. The CIV system takes into account the full development value of the property and is also reflective of the general market value of the property as at the date of valuation. The Valuer-General is the sole authority on land valuations that take place annually. Council has no jurisdiction over valuing residential properties for rates purposes. House and rental prices have increased across Maribyrnong and the value of your property determines the rates paid.

Council received a $6 million commitment from the West Gate Tunnel Project for the Footscray Wharf and Promenade redevelopment. $4 million of the commitment has been received this year and contracts have been awarded for works to commence in July 2020. Further funding will be received upon completion of construction milestones.

Quarry Park has needed a lot of remediation work to turn it into an asset that can be enjoyed by our diverse community. Significant works were related to EPA requirements. To date we’ve spent $3 million on remediation works, the mountain bike tracks (including Sport and Recreation Victoria grant funding), the upper oval, paths and landscaping. We’ve allocated $2.15 million in the draft Annual Budget for the remainder of the EPA requirements. There’s a further $1.575 million funding required in the following year to further implement  the Quarry Park Masterplan actions.

Yes, the $130K allocated in the draft Annual Budget is expected to be used for the design and construction of the South Hampton Street park expansion, we will undertake consultation on the design later this year.