Council budget passed

By Jade Lawton
CASEY Council adopted its 2009/2010 Budget last week, with some changes made to the advertised draft proposals.
Following a submission to the Cranbourne Football Club, $970,000 has been re-allocated to upgrade the Oval 2 and 3 pavilions at Casey Fields so the club’s administrative and social facilities can be moved from the E.G. Allen Reserve in time for the 2010 football season.
Some of the funds came from the development of Grices Road Reserve, while $470,000 will be re-distributed from two projects that were originally funded from rates in council’s capital works program, but have now been identified as being eligible to be funded through other means.
The Grices Road development will include three soccer fields, a cricket oval, double pavilion, training lights and car park.
It was stressed that the re-allocation would not impact on the progress of the Grices Road project, but that the $500,000 would need to be re-included in 2010/11.
A submission was also received from a Rene Stolk that showed concern at the 4.7 percent rate rise. The submission was noted.
Other alterations include changes to family membership fees at Casey RACE, and changes to fees for Family Day Care administration.
Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce President Harry Hutchinson said traders were pleased with 2009/10 waste levies adopted in the budget, which range from $200 to $3900.