Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Final Drafts Council Plan Action Plan 2024-2025, Financial Plan 2024-2034 And Annual Budget 2024-2025

Final Drafts Council Plan Action Plan 2024-2025,

Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Annual Budget 2024-2025

People, Partnerships and Performance

Georgie Hill and Mark Stoermer

Rachel Deans and Andrew Brae

1. Phase Two Community Consultation Report [

2. Final Draft Council Plan - Year Four Annual Action Plan

3. Final Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 [

4. Final Draft Annual Budget 2024-2025 [

For Council to consider adoption of the Final Draft Council Plan Action Plan Year 4

2024/2025, the Final Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Final Draft Annual Budget

Officer Recommendation

a. Having considered the Phase 2 Community Consultation Report (at

Attachment 1), adopts the Final Draft Council Plan Annual Action Plan

(Year 4) 2024/2025 (at Attachment 2).

b. Having considered the Phase 2 Community Consultation Report (at

Attachment 1), adopts the Final Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 (at

c. Having considered the Phase 2 Community Consultation Report (at

Attachment 1), adopts the Final Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025 (at

i. Sets the rate in the dollar (Capital Improved Value (CIV)) for

Residential properties

Residential flats/units' properties

Commercial/industrial properties

Vacant land properties

Commercial/industrial vacant land properties

Retirement village properties

Cultural and recreational land properties

ii. Sets the Municipal Charge for each rateable property at $84.00

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

iii. Sets Service Rates and Charges for 2024/2025 at:

Public Amenities Cleansing Levy

80 Litre Environmental Charge

140 Litre Environmental Charge

240 Litre Environmental Charge

140 Litre Green Waste Charge

240 Litre Green Waste Charge

d. Notes that as part of the budget process additional information has

informed changes to operating income/expenditure and the schedule of

fees and charges. The net effects result in an immaterial change in the

e. Authorises the Chief Executive Officer to give public notice of the decision

to adopt the Final Draft Council Plan Action Plan Year 4 2024/2025, Final

Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Final Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025.

f. Writes to submitters thanking them for their submissions on the Final

Draft Council Plan Action Plan Year 4 2024/2025, Final Draft Financial

Plan 2024-2034 and Final Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025.

‘Together We are Brimbank’ is an integrated plan that describes the Council Plan 2021-

2025, Community Vision 2040, and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. Adopted

on 19 October 2021, ‘Together We are Brimbank’ sets the four-year strategic direction

for Brimbank City Council, whilst working towards the long-term Community Vision 2040

and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing priorities.

Local Government Act 2020

) requires Council to develop a four-year

Council Plan following a municipal general election. To ensure implementation of the

strategic directions outlined in the Council Plan, an Annual Action Plan is developed and

Quarterly Council Plan Annual Action Plan reports are presented to Council and annual

achievements are published in the Brimbank City Council Annual Report, in line with

legislative requirements of the

Local Government Act 2020

states that a Council must:

• Prepare and adopt a budget for each financial year and the subsequent 3 years

by 30 June each year – Section 94 (1)(a).

• Develop the budget and any revised budget in accordance with the financial

management principles – Section 96 (1)(a).

• Develop the budget and any revised budget in accordance with its community

engagement policy – Section 96 (1)(b).

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

In respect of the Financial Plan, the

states a Council must:

• Develop, adopt and keep in force a Financial Plan in accordance with its

deliberative engagement practices – Section 91 (1)

• Develop or review the Financial Plan in accordance with its deliberative

engagement practices and adopt the Financial Plan by 31 October in the year

following a general election – Section 91 (4).

Matters for Consideration

Final Draft Council Plan Annual Action Plan (Year 4) 2024/2025

The final draft Council Plan Annual Action Plan (Year 4) 2024/2025 (

outlines Council’s commitment to 81 actions that contribute towards the implementation

of ‘Together we are Brimbank.’ These actions further progress work towards the Council

Vision, ‘A transformed Brimbank that is beautiful, thriving, healthy and connected.’

No material changes to draft Council Plan actions have been made in response to

community consultation.

Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034

The final draft Financial Plan is linked to Brimbank’s objectives of providing high levels of

appropriate services and a strong capital expenditure program (

developed to provide a long-term view of the resources that are expected to be available

to Council and the proposed application of those resources over a 10-year period.

The Financial Plan is designed as a high-level summary document that outlines future

planning of Council’s financial resources. It outlines Council's objective of being

financially sustainable in the short, medium and long-term to deliver on future projects

and address challenges, while upholding strong financial management principles.

It is important to note, however, that Council faces several diverse and complex strategic

financial challenges including:

• Maintaining services and managing growth at a level to meet community

expectations while rates, being Council’s main source of income, are capped in

line with the Victorian Government’s rate capping system

• The risk and liability that Council and the community face if Council does not

invest in asset renewal at an adequate rate

• Continuing to provide an appropriate range of services to an evolving and

• Climate change and the impact of the climate emergency

• Land contamination in areas of Brimbank and;

• Maintaining a sound financial position in light of these challenges.

The draft Financial Plan includes a 10-year forecast across the following key financial

• Income statement

• Cash flow statement

• Statement of changes of equity

• Capital work statement

• Statement of human resources.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Final Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

The final draft Annual Budget 2024/2025, at

, provides for a total

operating expenditure of $263.3 million and a capital works program of nearly $58.7

million. The budget includes a total rate increase of 2.75 per cent across all properties.

Shifting demographics, changes to Government policy, service model reforms, and

ensuring social equity and access in a constrained financial environment, are creating

pressure on the way services and infrastructure are funded and delivered. The

preparation of the draft Annual Budget 2024/2025 has been influenced by the following

The Victorian State Government introduced a cap on rate increases in

2016/2017. The cap for 2024/25 has been set at 2.75%. This rate cap poses significant

challenges to Council as it is set well below CPI.

The landfill levy payable to the State Government upon disposal of

waste into landfill has increased from $6.59 million in FY2023/2024 to $7.61 million in

FY2024/2025 and is included in Council's waste management budget.

The Fire Services Property Levy is a State Government levy, which is collected by Council

on behalf of the State Government. This year the State Government increased the Fire

Services Property Levy by 22%. All this revenue is collected for the State Government.

Legislative Changes:

The Federal Budget delivered in 2021 announced increases in the

Superannuation guarantee percentage for the 2021/22 financial year, moving the rate

from 9.5% to 10.0%, and a further 0.5% increase, each financial year, until the rate

reaches 12.0% in the 2025/26 financial year. These Superannuation guarantee

percentage increases have been factored into the Draft Annual Budget 2024/25, and

Legislative changes have and will continue to have an impact on operating costs for many

Council services. One example is the impact of traffic management planning accreditation

and provision on Parks Services, which costs an extra $250,000 per annum.

As funding from the Federal and State Governments either lessens or

remains the same, the 'gap' between the true cost of running Council services and the

level of subsidy continues to grow. Grant revenue as a proportion of total revenue is

budgeted to decrease from a position of 10.65% in 2023/2024 to 10.37% in 2024/2025.

The construction industry relies on global supply chains for

materials, equipment, and labour. Capital works costs have grown from 5% to 15% over

baseline (FY2024 to FY2034 budget). This has increased the average annual spending

from $3M (5% uplift) to $8.8M (15%uplift).

Impact of Climate Emergency is contributing to increased costs for

many Council services. One example is Parks Services, where prolonged spring seasons

result in greater vegetation growth and more frequent and severe storm events increase

The cost of borrowings is forecast to be significantly impacted by

future interest rate movements. The current loan balance as at 30 June 2023 is $88.3m,

where the majority of the balance is locked in at historically low rates of less than 2%.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

The projected 10year Treasury Corporation of Victoria Bond Rate is expected to reach

Community Expectations:

Our community are at the heart of our work and drive our

service provision. Over time we have seen an increase in expectations relating to the

use of technology, and access to Council services online. This is having an impact on our

technology infrastructure and systems that are ageing and in need of significant uplift.

Council will invest $263.3 million into operations. Our operational budget funds 76

diverse services ranging from arts and culture and maternal and child health to statutory

planning and urban design.

The operational budget allocates $25.6 million for Waste Services, $13.9 million for

Libraries, Arts and Culture and our Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres, $6.5

million to deliver Maternal and Child Health services across Brimbank and $15 million

towards our Leisure services (which includes the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre

and Sunshine Leisure Centre).

Next year Council will spend an increased amount, $17.6 million, on Parks and Trees

across the municipality in addition to:

• $4.6 million towards Environmental Sustainability and Conservation

• $10.7 million for Road Maintenance and Cleansing Services

• $6.5 million to deliver Maternal and Child Health services

• $3.4 million on Statutory Planning and;

• $2.6 million for Animal Management across Brimbank.

An investment of $58.7 million will be made into the capital works program in 2024/

2025. Highlights include:

• $27.9 million on roads and drainage upgrades

• $5.2 million towards playgrounds, parks and gardens

• $2.1 million for walking and cycling paths to connect our city

• $18.8 million towards improvements to community facilities including sports and

early learning facilities

• $0.9 million for a range of assets including $825,000 for library books

• $3.8 million for cyclical replacement of plant and vehicle fleet.

Changes to the draft Annual Budget:

As part of the budget process, additional information has informed changes to operating

income/expenditure and the schedule of fees and charges. The net effects result in an

immaterial change in the budget position. The budget surplus has increased by $0.037

million to $1.775 million.

Community Engagement

In November and December 2023, the first phase of community engagement was

undertaken to inform the development of the Draft Council Plan Action Plan Year 4

2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

A Phase One Community Consultation Report was tabled at the Council Meeting 16 April

The Phase 2 community engagement process was held from 18 April to 16 May 2024.

Council made the above documents available on the Your Say webpage. 55 written

submissions were received.

In-person engagement activities connected with 94 people. This comprised five Pop-up

consultations held at:

• Sunshine Market Place

• Brimbank Shopping Centre in Deer Park

• St Alban’s Square

• Watergardens Shopping Centre

The Phase 2 Community Consultation Report June 2024 is included as

A petition signed by 380 people, regarding the sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons Reserve

was presented to the May 2024 Council meeting where it was referred to this

consultation process.

Changes to the capital budget in response:

• The JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project has been brought forward to

Year 1 with an allocation of $400K to commence construction in 2024/2025.

Resource And Risk Implications

Resource requirements can be met within the Annual Budget 2023/2024.

significant financial impacts

• Yes - Council must ensure that it has implemented the principles of sound financial

management including prudently managing financial risks faced by Council, pursuing

spending and rating policies consistent with a reasonable degree of stability, ensuring

decisions are made and actions taken having regard for the financial effects on future

generations, and ensuring full, accurate and timely disclosure of financial information

relating to Council. This report and its attachments address the risks associated with

demonstrating Council’s commitment to the principles of sound financial management

by developing a Budget that outlines the future planning of Council's financial

outcomes, particularly in relations to key components such as rate levels, service

levels to the community, major infrastructure asset replacement and renewal, loan

borrowings and cash reserves.

legal, legislative or regulatory implications including the rights/obligations

• Yes - In respect of the Annual Budget, the

Must prepare and adopt a budget for each financial year and the subsequent 3

years by 30 June each year – Section 94(1)(a)

Must develop the budget and any revised budget in accordance with the financial

management principles – Section 96 (1)(a)

Must develop the budget and any revised budget in accordance with its

community engagement policy – Section 96 (1)(b)

Legislation/Council Plan/Policy Context

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

This report supports the Council Plan 2021-2025 strategic direction and objective of:

4. Leadership and Governance - A high performing organisation that enacts the

vision and decisions of Council through the delivery of quality and innovative

services - A fairer place for all

• Engaged and Responsive – Community insights are valued to enhance connection and

engagement with Council.

• High Performing and Accountable - Our workforce strives to enhance services and

liveability for the Brimbank community.

This report complies with Council Plan 2021-2025,

Local Government Act 2020

Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2014

Accounting Standards.

Council officers contributing to the preparation and approval of this report, have no

conflicts of interests to declare.

Draft Council Plan Action Plan

2024/2025, Draft Financial

2024–2034 and Draft Annual

Budget 2024/2025

Community Consultation

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises

the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land and

pays respect to their Elders, past, present and future.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

....................................................................................................................................................................... 1

......................................................................................................................................................................................................1

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

....................................................................................................................................... 2

................................................................................................................................................................................................................2

.................................................................................................................................................................3

CONSULTATION FINDINGS

............................................................................................................................................. 4

..........................................................................................................................5

...................................................................................................................................6

............................................................................................................7

.............................................................................................................7

APPENDIX 1: ‘POP-UP’ POST-IT NOTE COMMENTS

..................................................................................... 9

APPENDIX 2: SUBMISSIONS AND OFFICER RESPONSE TABLES

....................................................11

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Brimbank City Council prepares a draft Annual Budget and Council Plan Action Plan each year.

The 2024/2025 draft budget outlines our financial commitments towards the delivery of

important services, programs and infrastructure.

The draft Council Plan Action Plan Year 4 outlines Council’s

commitment to over 80 actions that contribute towards

implementing the ‘Together We are Brimbank’ Council Plan.

‘Together We are Brimbank’ describes the strategic directions

and objectives that describe what Council is aiming for in order

to achieve Council’s vision for a transformed Brimbank that is

beautiful, thriving, healthy and connected.

Strategic Direction

Strategic Objectives

This report presents the outcomes of a second phase community engagement process about

the Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025 and Draft

Financial Plan 2024-2034 that was held from 22 April to 18 May 2024.

This Community Consultation Report will be presented to Council, along with final versions of

the three documents, at the Council meeting on 18 June 2024.

Wellbeing & Belonging

Responsive services that

support mental and physical

Pride & Participation

Community and cultural

connections built through

social and artistic expression

Liveable & Connected

Inviting and liveable spaces

and facilities, connected so

people can get around

Sustainable & Green

Protect natural environments

for current and future

Growing & Transforming

Optimise community

opportunities through

infrastructure innovation and

Earning & Learning

Everyone has access to

education, training and

lifelong learning to support

Engaged & Responsive

Community insights are

connection and engagement

High Performing &

Our workforce strives to enhance

services and liveability for the

Brimbank Community

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Community Consultation

Phase 1 community consultation, conducted in November and December 2023, provided

Council with valuable insights and feedback from more than 120 community members about

key priorities and needs in Brimbank, to inform the draft Council Plan Action Plan for Year 4

The Phase 1 Report can be accessed here https://yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au/action-plan

During April and May 2024, Phase 2 consultation was conducted. This included five ‘pop-up’

consultation sessions held at the following locations:

Sunshine Market Place

Brimbank Shopping Centre

Watergardens Shopping Centre

Council connected with a total 94 community members who provided their thoughts and ideas

on notes that were added to a central poster. Community members were also interested in

feedback provided by others, generating discussions with Council Officers.

Community members were invited to provide input through

Council’s YourSay page; 55 people provided responses.

A petition signed by 380 people, regarding the sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons Reserve was

presented to the May 2024 Council meeting where it was referred to this consultation process.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Your Say Submitter Profile

By far, most submitters (92%) live in Brimbank, 8% work in Brimbank and 4% are connected

through sport. (Note: six people did not provide a response)

Identified Gender

Just over half of all submitters self

identified their gender as female.

(Note: seven people did not provide a

Submissions were received from people aged

between 18 to 74 years. (Note: ten people did not

Country of Birth and Language

Australia was the main place of birth of submitters (82%).

Nine people (16%) spoke a language other than English at home (Bangla, Bengali, Greek,

Tamil, Spanish and Vietnamese)

Other submitter profile information

Two people identified as LGBTQIA+

Two people identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders

Eight people identify as a carer of someone with a disability and;

Two people identified as having a disability.

12-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Consultation Findings

In total 149 people provided input, either adding a note with comments to the poster at a

community ‘pop-up’ or providing a submission through Council’s YourSay page.

The full list of ‘pop-up’ comments is included as Appendix 1 and;

A full account of all YourSay submissions and Council officer responses is provided in

Information received has been themed and aligned to the Strategic Directions from Council's

Together We Are Brimbank Council Plan.

The following diagram shows the percentage of comments and submissions per Strategic

The following section includes tables with themes grouped from ‘highest to lowest’ in relation

to the number of people who prioritised the area. For example, as per the Strategic Direction:

People and Community, 38 people identified Sporting Facilities as their key area of interest.

Council places significant importance on engaging with community and welcomes community

perspectives and ideas regarding current and future priorities. During consultation in both

phases community told us that they are not always aware of the diverse range of activities and

programs delivered by Council. This report includes some of Council’s initiatives and service

activities that relate to the community themes, many of which are reflected in our Year 4

Council Plan Action Plan and Annual Budget 2024/2025.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Strategic Direction: People and Community

Community Activities and Events

Housing and Homelessness

Support for people with a disability

Support for people with additional needs/at risk

Support for young people

33 responses relate directly to JR Parsons Reserve Sporting Pavilions.

A petition about JR Parsons Reserve Sporting Pavilion, and signed by 380 people was also received.

Council’s work

Council has allocated $14.65 million for

sports and recreation

capital works in 2024/2025.

The sports pavilions at JR Parsons Reserve are a top priority in the Council’s Sports Facility

Development Plan. Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will

commence in Year 1 (2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K. This is a change to the draft

Budget that did not include funding for this project. The change responds to community

feedback and confirmation that the project is ready to commence in 2024/25. Council is

committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget

Council coordinates the strategic Safety and Wellbeing Partnership. The Partnership is a joint

Council and Victoria Police initiative that brings together key local stakeholders to build and

safe and inclusive

community. Council also installed a CCTV system throughout

Sunshine Activity Centre to increase perceptions of safety.

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/living-here/our-wellbeing-and-safety/community-safety

Council’s Neighbourhood Houses and Libraries provide a large range of

programs throughout the year, for all ages. Throughout the year, there are also a number of

for both the community and visitors to attend. Check these links for information.

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/explore-brimbank/whatson

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/explore-brimbank/learning-and-connecting

Council adopted the Mental Wellbeing Plan 2022-2024 to shape and strengthen strategies for

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/media

release/media-release-mental-wellbeing-plan-shape-and-strengthen-mental-health-strategies

Implementation Plan in 2020 reflecting Council’s

commitment to support people in Brimbank without a home. Council also closely collaborates

with police and support services through a 'Hotspots committee' to address safety concerns

and provide assistance to people who are experiencing homelessness.

In January this year, Council engaged with

ageing and disability supports in Brimbank. This process sought to identify what is most

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

important in supporting residents to live and age well in Brimbank and to inform future work.

Council will allocate $5,317,000 towards ‘aged and disability’ programs in 2024/2025; an

increase of $76,000 on 2023/2024.

Council’s Youth Services work with schools to help

with their mental health

and well-being through counseling and other activities. Other programs offer positive

recreational options for vulnerable young people through pop-up activations of spaces

throughout Brimbank, with a focus on hot-spot areas linked to youth offending. The

‘Community Services’ budget will increase by more than $7m in 2024/2025. Community

Services include Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Families and Children and Youth.

Strategic Direction: Places and Spaces

Traffic Management and Parking

Council’s work

The open space network in Brimbank includes 157 parks with playgrounds. In the last financial

year, Council invested $7,527,000 in capital works in playgrounds,

Council is also working towards a 30% canopy cover and allocates $2 million annually to plant

new trees in streets and parks.

Improving open public spaces and ‘

’ is an important and continued focus for

Council. In 2023/2024, this saw several projects delivered including upgrades to shared user

paths and road cycle route connections (as part of Council’s Cycling and Walking Strategy) and

improvements to playgrounds, footpaths and roads.

Council delivered capital works for

projects to the value of $24.5m in

2023/2024. Works to footpaths is planned based on condition and road works are determined

through Council’s Road Rehabilitation and Surfacing Program. The budget allocation for Roads

will increase to more than $5m for 2024/2025. Council also advocates for maintenance and

upgrades to roads under the Victorian Government Department of Transport and Planning.

Council’s Waste, Recycling and Litter Strategy includes 18 clear actions to promote

sustainability, expand recycling, reduce dumping of rubbish and assist community to minimise

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about-council/how-we-work/policies-plans-and

strategies/strategies/waste-recycling-and-litter-strategy

Council has developed a

Strategy to establish a coordinated and transparent approach

and policy basis for the provision and management of car parking across the municipality.

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about-council/how-we-work/policies-plans-and

strategies/strategies/parking-strategy

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Strategic Direction: Opportunity and Prosperity

Employment and Education

Planning and Regulations

Business Development

Council’s work

Council’s Neighbourhood Houses and Libraries Unit offer a range of programs that enable

people to access both

opportunities. Recent examples include

hosting ‘Apprenticeship Pathways’ for young people; working with partners on women's

employment opportunities in the construction industry; the ‘Makers Market’ project and

facilitating Brimbank Learning Futures (BLF) to support re-engagement with education,

training and employment.

Council is committed to the implementation of effective, timely and thorough

processes to encourage sustainable growth and meet future demand. This includes land-use

strategies, structure and strategic plans to inform future development. Council recently

adopted the Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy, providing the basis for a future

amendment to the Brimbank Planning Scheme.

Council’s Economic Development Strategy is working to grow and support the local economy

business development

, support and growth, investment attraction and facilitation

and participation in employment and growth. Last year, Council facilitated business

development programs attracting more than 350 attendees, delivered the ‘Think Shop Buy

Local’ campaign to encourage people to shop locally and continued to support and promote

the operation of iHarvest Co-Working Sunshine to provide a vibrant and affordable co-working

location for start-ups, entrepreneurs, freelancers and business.

Strategic Direction: Leadership and Governance

Community Engagement

Tax and Rate Charges (Cost of Living)

Council’s work

Council’s Advocacy Plan 2023-2025 sets out key

priorities for Brimbank. These

include mental health, road infrastructure, addressing unemployment, housing and

homelessness and parks.

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about-council/transforming

brimbank/advocacy-initiatives/brimbank-advocacy-plan.

Recent advocacy initiatives has seen Council escalate the ‘Fix the Calder’ campaign

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/media-release/renews-fix-the-calder-cal

l and continue a strong

focus on ‘Know the Facts on the Third Runway’

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about

council/transforming-brimbank/advocacy-initiatives/know-facts-third-runway,

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Council is committed to creating ongoing opportunities for community members to give

feedback and ideas to Council as we provide services to meet community needs and priorities.

Recent work saw Council redevelop our

Community Engagement

Policy to guide best

practice engagement and enable meaningful and genuine opportunities for community

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about-council/how-we-work/policies-plans-and

strategies/policies/community-engagement-policy

Council launched Brimbank Community Voice which saw just under 300 people register to be

part of this consultative panel. Working with Community Voice participants has enabled

Council to gather important feedback on Council’s overarching Community Engagement

Policy; LGBTQIA+ Action Plan, Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategies and the draft

Council Plan Action Plan Year 4.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Appendix 1: ‘Pop-Up’ Comments

These comments were provided by community at 5 face to face sessions across Brimbank.

People and Community

Places and Spaces

Activities and Services to keep Seniors active

and connected to the community

Advocate for funding for green spaces and Sydenham Park

Activities for Families

Amenities, Parks and Roads

Activities for young people

Appropriate Tree Planting on nature strips

Advocating for Funding for Mental Health

Beautification of Sydenham

Brimbank Park Maintenance- Facilities after floods

Community Safety in Sunshine

Building/Planning Policy is too stringent & has an outdated covenant

Council to connect to VU students looking for

Bus shelters along the Neil’s Road bus stop in Deer Park

Change the policy on tree planting For Parks and Gardens- Native

Exercise Classes at the Library in Keilor and

Cleaning of Parks and Gardens

Finance Hardship Support

Deciduous trees are too much work

Improve Community Safety

Dumped Rubbish in parks

Enforce local laws about noise

Community Safety in Sunshine

Follow up on cat curfews and animal registrations

Mini Library across the suburbs

Footpath Maintenance

More playgroups and activities for kids in

Footpath Maintenance to be wheelchair friendly

More Policing Session

Footpath upgrades, Hertford Rd to Lynch Street

More Programs for the elderly

Go back to set hard rubbish collection

Guidance for Education of TAFE for Adults

Green waste bins should be emptied weekly

Supporting Vulnerable people

Improve lighting in Sunshine Ave, dangerous for women

Supporting Vulnerable people/ rough sleeping Introduce nature strip gardens

Invest in renewables

More CCTV in dangerous areas

More flowers and seating in parks, less grass

More focus in suburbs outside of Sunshine

More investment and more upgrades of neighborhood parks, not just

More Lights at Packard St Park

More Park Improvements - tree planting and aesthetics

New club rooms Keilor Tennis Club

Old Sydenham Station building; turn into hub for training young people

Park and Grass/Tree Maintenance

Park Maintenance and Dumped Rubbish

Potholes on Ballarat Road

Road repairs and dips into Lambert St

Sunshine Ave to St Albans Footpath include more drinking fountains,

more bins and drinking fountains

Taylor Rd needs to be doubled

Traffic Lights in Keilor Village are dangerous for pedestrians

Upgrade Alfrieda street

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Opportunity and Prosperity

Leadership and Governance

Diversity of retail offerings @ Sunshine Plaza

Advocate Public transport

Housing affordability

Better public Transport Connections

More Activations on Alfrieda Street

Better public Transport Connections

More Community Events at Packard Park

Cheaper everything, rates and cost of living

More support for local business

Land Tax is too Expensive

More work opportunities

Public Transport Reform Keilor

Upskilling and education opportunities

Stop the Pokies in the west.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Appendix 2: Submissions and Officer Response Tables

Submission content

Council Officer Response

ROADS AND FOOTPATHS IN GREEN SPACES -- Improving Accessibility in Public Green Spaces like

Parks, Reserves, and Gardens is a crucial undertaking. Priority should be given to enhancing

disability access in existing Parks and Reserves, such as Esplanade Reserve and Pioneer Park,

which currently have incomplete pathways for wheelchair users or individuals relying on mobility

aids. This limitation hinders seamless movement across these green spaces. For example, the

entry path to Esplanade Reserve from Buckingham Street includes a mix of pebbles and concrete,

presenting challenges for disabled individuals navigating from Victoria Rd to Buckingham Street.

Similarly, the entry points to Pioneer Park, from Victoria Rd to Buckingham St, face similar

accessibility issues, obstructing smooth passage for disabled visitors.

PARKS AND GARDENS -- It is imperative to prioritise the development of parks in Sydenham,

encompassing Pioneer Park, Esplanade Reserve, and the Victoria Rd precinct. This area needs to

be added to the list of developing Parks/gardens for Sydenham. Efforts should focus on

establishing new exercise circuits and creating walking trails that seamlessly connect Esplanade

Reserve to the Calder Highway along Victoria Rd. This initiative should be included in the budget

as a new walking trail. While the budget consistently emphasises the development of parks and

reserves in Taylors Lakes annually, attention must also be directed towards enhancing and

beautifying parks in Sydenham. Pioneer Park, valued for its ecological significance as a natural

reserve, currently lacks essential amenities such as BBQ facilities, drinking fountains, exercise

paths, and gym equipment. It is overdue for upgrades and should be a priority in this year's

budget. Establishing an exercise precinct in this area will significantly improve health and lifestyle

advantages for the Brimbank community. At present people use Victoria Road (the actual road,

walking in the middle of the road, as an exercise trail from The Sydenham Culvert, and as far up

as they walk towards Calder Park). This shows a lack of design and creativity in the development

of paths, exercise and wellbeing opportunities in the Sydenham area. It needs to be listed in the

budget, as Sydenham has missed out on funding for many years.

Enhancing the Greenery and Aesthetic Appeal of Sydenham. The areas surrounding the entry

points to Sydenham, beginning from the new bridge along Melton Highway (across from Liberty

Petrol station, and extending towards Calder Drive), along with the nature strips, roundabouts,

traffic islands, and other green spaces, are in need of imaginative landscape enhancements.

Currently, these areas feature bare mud, dirt, and basic grass patches, which do not befit a

suburb with such a profound historical legacy. Introducing innovative landscaping is crucial to

elevate the visual allure of these entry points within the suburb. Additionally, the placement of a

well-crafted historical sign at these entry points as one enters the suburb is essential to highlight

Sydenham's historical significance. Information boards that narrate the stories of our historical

landmarks are imperative, alongside the establishment of a walking trail that leads to

Sydenham's historical sites.

To manage budget implications, Council delivers a range of gravel and concrete footpaths

in reserves, reflective of frequency of use and the designation of parks under Creating

Better Parks Policy 2016. Regarding paths, it is noted that the reserve is host to valuable

native grasslands which are found across the site, limiting development of the site. While

Council is aware of the community interest in formalising pathways in this reserve, and

these will be considered when the reserve is next due for upgrade, when the constraints

around native vegetation can also be considered.

Council aims to deliver upgrades to Brimbank’s parks and reserves equitably across the

municipality. Pioneer Park is a Neighbourhood Park, which typically contain a small

playground, picnic tables, seating, and considerable tree planting. The addition of

barbeque facilities in Neighbourhood Parks is not supported by Council’s Creating Better

Parks Policy. Decisions to upgrade are made on the basis of condition audits and asset

lifecycle and changing demographic and community needs. Council plans to investigate

park improvements to Sydenham Basin Reserve during 2024-25, to enhance urban

greening, dog off leash facilities, and a pedestrian walking circuit, subject to feasibility

studies and design development. Community engagement will form part of the process.

The suggestions made in this submission will be considered as part of that process, which

is subject to funding confirmation. The connection between Esplanade Reserve and the

Calder Park drive is not currently listed as a route in the Brimbank Cycling and Walking

Strategy. The Strategy is due for review and this route will be considered as part of the

update. The aim of the Strategy is to make cycling and walking more attractive throughout

the municipality and lays out a framework for a well-integrated strategic infrastructure

network. Additionally in 2022 Council adopted the Creating Streets for People Policy which

aims to improve the design of our streets to focus not only on vehicle movement but to

also facilitate active travel choices. Since adoption of this policy, when streets are

rehabilitated this policy provides guidance as to how this can be achieved.

The suggestions made in this part of the submission about the entry ways roundabouts,

etc. to Sydenham, will be considered for future funding under the Council’s gateways,

parks and parks maintenance budgets. In planting street trees, Council must comply with

offset requirements for lighting infrastructure, services and sight lines for vehicles, as well

as other requirements set by VicRoads. Council has undertaken considerable tree planting

to this area to date. Many of the areas that may be perceived as vacant for potential tree

plantings are owned and managed by Watergardens Shopping Centre or other private

properties, which Council cannot plant out.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

2. Yes. I would like to submit a budget request to council on behalf of Western Chances to renew the

funding grant to support our Scholarship Program. I have sent a PDF letter outlining this request

alongside an acquittal report for our previous grant to Carol Ifkovich, Coordinator Enterprise

Performance and Service Innovation as specified in this process and also to Lynley Dumble, Director

Community Wellbeing.

In 2021 Brimbank increased its grant to Western Chances from $10,000 to $30,000 a year – a

significant increase. The scholarship is a valued part of Brimbank’s support for young people

however there are many other important elements to our support that also require funding

and reach a larger number of young people through training, networking, entrepreneurship,

work experience and more.

The current Western Chances funding request is for $50,000 is out of step with the

constrained or zero financial increases to other important organisations and programs.

Providing an additional $20,000 to Western Chances could result in cuts to other highly valued

programs for our community. Should an additional $20,000 be made available through the

budget process, there are many other internal or external programs that could put that money

to good use supporting a large number of community members to develop study and career

3. Residents want to see greater investment in disability, sustainability, roads, rubbish, and services.

This current plan seems no different from the last and none of these things were greatly improved

in the past 12 months.

Much of the 'Together We Are Brimbank Plan' has been ignored and its objectives are yet to be

achieved, particularly with regards to addressing isolation, loneliness, connection, mental health,

physical health, and disability.

The Council Plan Action Plan and Budget balance community priorities, delivering legislative

requirements and core services with financial sustainability.

Council has increased investment in the following areas for the 2024-2025 budget.

Aged & Disability 5,241

Sustainability 2,043

Implementation of Together We Are Brimbank is reported quarterly to Council. The most

recent report can be accessed at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about-council/how-we

work/council-plan-together-we-are-brimbank. It includes information about progress being

made towards objectives.

*Community Services includes a range of services provided by Council. The following service

categories were included: Food services, Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Early Years, Youth

Services, Arts & Culture, Leisure Services

4. Is the Balmoral skate park still being constructed FY24/25? I can't see it mentioned.

The Balmoral Skate Park is scheduled to commence construction in September/October 2024,

subject to favourable weather. It is expected to be available for public use early in 2025.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

I say no, because this process is, in my opinion, flawed. For community consultation of this nature

you really need summary documents. There is a lot to take in and much of it is out of context for

the majority of ratepayers/residents. I don't imagine there are many who will read each

document and pass effective comment. There are 5 lengthy documents here - it is difficult to see

the link between them, even though attempts have been made. I'm not sure how that is achieved

because there is simply a lot of information to wade through/present. Perhaps separate surveys

for each element would be more appropriate and at least encourage direct comment. I

appreciate the input of the Community Consultation group - but it seems to me this is just

another level of representation (albeit unelected): there is no apparent seeking of broader

opinion by them. I actually thought we elected Council reps to represent us, and it should be

incumbent on them to seek broader opinions.

One element of the actual budget that I am dismayed about is that there is $0 allocated for

In my ward alone, there are 2 buildings of significance that are rapidly deteriorating (Sydenham

Station and the Homestead adjacent to Sydenham Park). Council desperately needs to seek an

income stream via suitable grants and develop these as a community asset (in a hurry!)

Your feedback about community consultation is helpful. Council agrees that it is challenging

to present important and lengthy documents in an accessible format for community. We

had hoped that using different types of communication (in person and online) and focusing

on priorities as well as the documents, would make the process more accessible to

community. We had tried to simplify the feedback process by providing a single survey/

form, however, your comment about having single surveys to encourage feedback on

individual documents indicates that this has not worked well for you. The suggestions you

have provided will be considered when we develop the approach to engagement for the

next Budget and Council Plan.

Council no longer provide a funding stream for the maintenance of privately owned

heritage, although did have a Heritage Improvement Program which concluded at the end

of 2014/15. The Program ran for approximately eight years following an amendment to the

Brimbank Planning Scheme to list a significant number of properties in the schedule to the

Heritage Overlay. The program provided small grants of up to 2,000 for heritage

improvements from a pool of $25,000, which had decreased over time from a budget of

$80,000. The Program required significant staff time and was not fully subscribed to toward

the final years. Council continues to provide free heritage advice to owners of heritage

properties to promote appropriate maintenance and upgrade. The maintenance of privately

owned heritage buildings is considered to be the responsibility of the owner, and that the

re-establishment of such a fund would need to be considerable in order to be impactful and

meaningful for the many heritage buildings that exist. It is considered that Council is not

sufficiently resourced to take on the responsibility of maintaining privately owned heritage

buildings. Council is responsible for the maintenance of its heritage buildings and allocates

funding through the capital works program.

The former Sydenham Station is privately owned and its maintenance and refurbishment

are matters for the owner. The State Government can sometimes be a funding source for

State listed heritage buildings, however, this building is classified to be of local significance

and is therefore not eligible. Council officers continue to liaise with the property owner

about its maintenance. Robertson’s Homestead is currently listed as a two year project in

the 2023-2024 Capital Works Program. Works to stabilise and restore the Homestead are

currently underway with physical works are planned to commence in early 2024.

6. Whilst I agree in the way issues have been prioritised, I would still like to see a greater proportion of

funding and focus directed toward climate and conservation & greening & beautification, given we

are in the midst of a climate emergency and there is still much work for Brimbank, with its low

canopy cover and industrial history, to do in this area. I think this would be much more important

than resurfacing roads, unless they are in poor condition or pose a safety risk.

Taking action on climate change is a key priority for Council. Council declared a climate

emergency in June 2019 and recognises that action is required at scale and speed. Council

has reduced our corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 78% over the last 10 years. We

are also supporting the community to become more sustainable with programs such as

100% Renewables and My Smart Garden.

Conservation and urban greening are also a key priority. For example a mix of 74,000

trees, shrubs and wildflowers were planted in 20022-23.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

Climate change and sustainability has many touch points across the organisation including

maintaining our infrastructure such as roads and drainage. Climate change is leading to

increased flooding which impacts our roads and drainage.

Council also has a statutory duty to maintain roads to a certain standard.

7. Can we please have an upgrade at Thea court? The playground is quite old and there needs to be

space for older children. E.g. skate park, half court, footy goals.

Council’s park upgrade program is informed by Creating Better Parks Policy and Plan (2016)

which distributes park and playground infrastructure equitably across Brimbank.

Brimbank’s open space network includes 157 parks with playgrounds, and these are updated

on a renewal cycle, approximately every 20 years, in line with the typical lifespan of

equipment and subject to funding.

Thea Court Reserve playground is currently listed for upgrade in the 2032/2033 financial year,

subject to Council approval of the annual capital works budget. When this park is due to be

upgraded the local community will be notified and have an opportunity to provide comment

on the proposal and to inform new facilities, including ideas for older age groups.

In the interim, Council will continue to monitor and maintain the playground to ensure it is

safe for use, and address any issues that may arise.

8. I want stronger planning laws to protect St Albans liveability and its character, why did it take

Council so long to finalise the character and design clauses?

Council adopted the Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy (Strategy) at the Council

Meeting on 16 April 2024. This Strategy provides the basis for a future amendment to the

Brimbank Planning Scheme, including provisions that deal with character and design. Officers

have commenced the preparation of the amendment which is likely to be presented to Council

for their consideration mid-year.

Council had consulted community on a draft neighbourhood character study in 2019 however

was required to restart the process when the State Government updated its guidance on

housing and neighbourhood character, also in December 2019. These changes required

Council to prepare a new housing strategy in addition to undertaking the neighbourhood

character work and also prepare a residential development framework. On this basis the

original project was completely re-scoped and a larger budget allocated, which took time. The

preparation of the Strategy was a significant project that impacted all residential land in

Brimbank and took more than two years to complete.

Subject to Council supporting a planning scheme amendment to implement the Strategy, and

authorisation by the Minister for Planning, Council will be undertaking further statutory

consultation as part of the exhibition process about the amendment.

9. Thanks for your continued support of the needs of the local Keilor Park community.

As advised about 4 years ago, I have been very concerned with the speed of vehicles driving along

Foster’s Road Keilor Park between Spence St and Fullerton Rd.

There have been numerous incidents including vehicles La ding in our front yard less than metre

This could have been quite tragic.

Council officers have investigated road safety concerns along Fosters Road and have identified

that road safety can be improved along Fosters Rd by implementing the following treatments;

Modifications to the roundabout at the intersection of Fosters Road and Spence Street to

increase deflection and reduce vehicle speeds through the roundabout.

Proposed bus friendly flat top road humps along the length of Fosters Road to reduce

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

Recent attempts using mobile devices have not been successful in slowing down vehicles.

This has been evident by a recent incident and altercation between a local resident and a driver who

was speeding excessively.

As such, I formally request that speed reducing safety speed humps amongst other measures are

included for installation in the coming year 2024-25 along the above stretch of road.

The cost of this asset is minimal compared to the potential cost of injury due to not implementing

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

As Fosters road is a bus route, approval must be obtained from the bus operators and Public

transport Victoria (PTV) for the implementation of the traffic calming devices.

Council officers have submitted a concept plan but have not yet obtained support from PTV

and the bus operator to proceed with the proposal to install traffic calming devices along

Fosters Road. If approval is provided, Council officers will consult the owner / occupiers of

Fosters Road, seeking their comments on the proposal. Subject to the above, Council officers

will then seek funding from future budgets to enable their installation.

Funding will need to be considered against all other priorities and will be subject to Council

approval. The installation of the traffic calming treatments cannot proceed until such time as

funding is improved and included in the budget. Given the above, the project is not at a stage

ready for inclusion in the 2024/25 budget.

10. I'm disappointed at the lack of resources devoted to Grasslands Ward where I live. There is

NOTHING here that promotes a sense of community. There is no library, no neighbourhood house,

no community garden or anything of that nature. I feel our Councillor has let our area down and not

Council’s adopted Community Services Infrastructure Plan (CSIP) and Sports Facility

Development Plan (SFDP) consider the needs of the Brimbank community, current and future

demand and a strong evidence base to provide the priorities for the development of facilities

across Brimbank. Grasslands Ward has numerous community facilities including the Deer Park

Library, Westvale Neighbourhood House and Community Garden. From a sporting perspective

it has John McLeod, Sassella Park, Bon Thomas, Kevin Flint, Robert Bruce and Kings Park

Reserve at which Council has done various upgrades recently.

I am pleased that some of last year’s community engagement session feedback is factored in

here - safety, opportunities, beautification and removing waste.

Please factor in Sydenham for beautification

And traffics management around Watergardens, it’s majorly clogged.

And don’t forget singles/couples, no kids-there’s no plans for them yet they still pay rates. In my

area, this is the majority, not families, not aged, not other minority groups.

Council’s engagement with community late last year, informed the development of actions

related to safety, beautification and waste. We are pleased to see that these have

resonated with this submitter.

Council will continue to enhance the visual presentation of Sydenham through the roll out

of the Street Tree Infill Program under the Urban Forest Strategy; the Creating Better Parks

Policy and Plan, and Creating Streets for People Strategy. In 2024/2025, works which are

proposed to be undertaken in Sydenham include design development of a neighbourhood

park renewal at Overton Lea Reserve, Sydenham.

The roads surrounding Watergardens (Kings Road / Melton Highway) are declared arterial

roads under the care and management of the State Government Department of Transport

and Planning (DTP). Council has been advocating for the Calder Freeway to be upgraded

and a full interchange to be included at Calder Park Drive. This upgrade would reduce traffic

congestions along Melton Highway and Kings Road. Council will continue advocating for

these upgrade works.

Brimbank Council provides a variety of activities through our Neighbourhood House

program, sporting facilities, and libraries that are available to all residents. Additionally,

throughout the year, there are a number of events for both the community and visitors to

attend. If you're interested, make sure to check out the council's event webpage at

https://events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/for a full list of upcoming activities.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

12. More research with Brimbank residents who have lived in the area for decades. Align our feedback

with your strategy and everyone wins. I would support elderly centre, socialisation and cognitive

exercises etc. Too many elderly being forgotten in Brimbank it’s extremely sad to see. Do more here.

In January 2024 Council undertook a community engagement piece on ageing and disability

care in Brimbank to ensure the voices of clients, carers and community members were

included in further planning and decision processes. The engagement sought to understand

what is most important in supporting residents to live and age well in Brimbank.

The findings from this piece of engagement will inform a review underway of the services

provided to Brimbank residents by Council.

The 2024 Brimbank Seniors and Carers Expo, planned for June 2024, is a free event that will

provide older residents and carers with a valuable opportunity to connect with service

providers servicing the municipality and gather practical and up-to-date information on

services and supports available, empowering them to live and age well in Brimbank.

60 exhibitors will be in attendance, representing a range of service types including social and

13. I feel under mental health and welbeing community safety can be emphsized and also thougt about.

There are lot of violence happening for last few years among the teengae groups and also in schools.

i feel an erarly intervention or mapping of kids who need further support in their educational and

social journey need to be identified early on and also support need to be thought about and also

futaristic plan needed to be incorporated.

Council through its Youth Services team works closely with a range of key stakeholders,

including schools, to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

Youth Services provides a voluntary, early intervention and generalist service offering

individual support, therapeutic group work and counselling in a safe, supportive and

confidential environment. In addition to working alongside young people providing individual

support, they provide support, guidance and personal development programs to schools,

families and youth organisations through secondary consults, family and community education

Since 2021 Brimbank City Council has worked in partnership with schools to undertake the

annual Resilient Youth Survey. In 2023, 9319 students from grade 4 to year 12 completed the

survey. The data collected looks at the state of mental, emotional, social and physical health of

children and young people. This information informs youth program in schools, has been used

by schools to apply for community grants and been provided to youth specific service to

support service delivery.

In direct response to emerging safety concerns Youth Services has developed the ‘Unpacking

Safety’ program that was run with year 8 students at a Brimbank secondary school. This

program is a prevention model that seeks to support young people through a preventative

approach building their understanding around safety and crime.

14. Their is a growing number of kids who are neuro diverse and they fall in moderate to the high

spectrum. Only those who are on the higher spectrum can have access to services. The moderate to

medium most of the time don't get any support and they can became high after their need being

neglected all their life. Purpose built medical and support services need to be considered for the

The Brimbank Disability Action Plan 2022-2026 identifies advocacy for improved access to

health and wellbeing services and supports as a key priority for the municipality. To achieve

this, Council recognises the valuable partnerships and collaborations with a range of

stakeholders. This includes:

Working with service providers to plan and deliver vocational pathways and self-advocacy

workshops for people with cognitive disability.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

Neighbourhood Houses and Libraries offering a range of programs, activities and facilities

for individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

In addition, Council has also promoted the following online platforms:

Ask Izzy- https://askizzy.org.au/health/3020-VIC

The Living on the Spectrum website www.livingonthespectrum.com offers free and

accessible information and resources, including a service and events directory for neuro

divergent and autistic individuals by local neuro-divergent and autistic individuals.

15. Removal of projects from budget without advice to end users when projects were due to commence

this financial year and continue next

Without citing any particular project, as a general comment, Council makes decisions

regarding budget allocations based on project priority, readiness and affordability.

While it's understandable that end users may feel concerned about projects sometimes being

deferred or removed, the budget consultation process provides an opportunity for community

feedback and input, which can be considered when finalising the budget.

16. The Budget does not provide for the elements submitted by Albion & Ardeer Community Club, as

Community priorities, including four key ones:

Investigation of large tract of open space on the west end of Albion;

Requested comprehensive Landscape Development Plan for the heritage-listed Soldier

Settlement Estate in Albion;

Requested ongoing implementation of the Selwyn Park Masterplan, in the form of an

enhanced Park Entrance and traffic calming works, at the corner of Derrimut Street and Selwyn

- Provides no progress on a 'comprehensive plan for the Missing/Replacement Street Trees' of

historic Albion, with a recent Email from Council Officers suggesting 'not in the next 15 years',

which is clearly irresponsible.

We assume land is easement, owned by VicRoads and is not identified as public open space.

Development of this plan for open space use is currently not a priority for Council.

Preliminary investigations into the easement have highlighted existence of remnant

grassland and Stripped Legless Lizards. This may restrict any development of the land.

The existing Albion Neighbourhood Plan (2013) and the Brimbank Heritage Design

Guidelines for the ‘Soldier Settlement’ Estate in Albion, as well as Council policy documents

‘Creating Better Parks’ and the ‘Urban Forest Strategy’ provide sufficient guidance/ detail

for landscape improvements to Albion’s landscapes and streetscapes. Council does not

intend to develop any new master plans for Albion and no further works are identified as a

From the inception of Creating Better Parks Policy and Plan in 2008, over $1,165,000 in

funding has been allocated to upgrades to Selwyn Park, which is identified as a Suburban

Park. The two items proposed in the submissions are not considered priorities and Council

does not propose any further enhancement works within Selwyn Park in the near future.

Council allocates approximately $2M annually in planting new trees in streets and parks

across the municipality as part of the implementation of Council’s Urban Forest Strategy. As

previously reported to the submitter, the annual Street Tree Planting Program (STIP)

prioritises tree planting based on the following criteria:

Socio-economic disadvantage

Tree canopy coverage

Vacant sites per tree ratio

Urban heat measurements

The planning for 2024 planting season will consider the above to ensure trees are planted

in suburbs with the most need.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

A section of Albion between King Edward, Ridley, Kororoit and Anderson Road has been

identified for 13 tree plantings for the 2024 planting season. Additionally, streets across

Brimbank that are identified for Council’s Road Rehabilitation Program, will be assessed

for planting with street trees post-civil works, where appropriate space permits.

Council’s investment in replacing street trees will continue to be based on strategic

prioritisation and funding capacity.

17. Upgrade road (ie eliza st) footpaths, walking paths in keilor park. Plant trees in all streets not just the

2 main ones in keilor park.

The upgrade of pedestrian footpaths in streets is programmed based on asset condition. Eliza

Street is programmed for road rehabilitation in 2025/26 and as part of this project the

condition of the footpaths will be assessed and if included in the project if required based on

the audit result. Pathways in parks and reserves are also upgraded based on asset condition.

The Brimbank Cycling and Walking Strategy determines where new pathways are required to

create walking and cycling route connections throughout the municipality with a focus on

routes that allow for residents to commute to work and to travel to their local shops, schools

and other local amenities. Council is committed to achieving a 30% canopy cover and for this

to be achieved street trees are required in all streets in Brimbank.

Council allocates approximately $2M annually in planting new trees in streets and parks across

the municipality as part of the implementation of Council’s Urban Forest Strategy. The annual

Street Tree Planting Program (STIP) prioritises tree planting based on the following criteria:

Socio-economic disadvantage

Tree canopy coverage

Vacant sites per tree ratio

Urban heat measurements

The planning for 2024 planting season will consider the above to ensure trees are planted in

suburbs with the most need. The last delivery of STIP planting to Keilor Park was in 2017. In

2024/2025, Keilor Park is not identified for planting under the STIP program. However, Council

intends to plant Elisa Street, between Fosters Road and Erebus Street as it is part of the Draft

2025 Road Rehabilitation program, following completion of the civil works in that location.

Increase street lights in streets in Keilor Park. Some roads are so dark at night. ie william st.

According to Council's internal street lighting procedure, streets should have lights installed at

maximum intervals of about 100 meters. William Street, from Foster Road to Collison Street,

measures 370 meters in length. Presently, it has six street lights with the maximum distance

between lights being 91 meters, which is within guidelines.

For any other streets in Keilor Park, compliance with the guidelines will be evaluated on an

individual basis. If the standard is not met, consideration will be given to additional lighting,

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

Upgrade soccer field at green gully reserve to meet increase of kids playing sports.

As per Council’s adopted Sports Facility Development Plan, Council has invested into surface

and lighting upgrades to the soccer pitches at Green Gully Reserve which are operated under a

seasonal license. Three soccer pitches at Green Gully Reserve are under a lease to Green Gully

Soccer Club and it is there responsibility to upgrade/ maintain these fields.

Provide a disability bus which brings people to Westfield airport west from keilor park rather than

Watergardens. As westfield is closer and is residents preferred shopping centre.

The current Community Transport service provides shopping support to three designated

shopping centres within Brimbank. This includes support for eligible people with disabilities

to participate in this service.

Alternative transport options are provided to eligible clients, who don’t meet the criteria to

safely use Community Transport vehicles, to support their ability to live independently in

The service is limited to shopping centres within the municipal boundaries to support local

business. An assessment and regular reviews of each centre are undertaken that include the

ability to park the bus safely and close by to entrances/exits, the ability to store shopping and

the interest from centre management in accommodating the arrangement

Consideration of other shopping destinations needs to be considered in line with service

demand and client proximity to shopping facilities.

Further investigation can be considered in line with a future review of this service.

18. Crime is on the rise. Crime stats are showing a rise of youth crime in particular. It would be great to

see programs/initiatives that specifically address youth issues in a meaningful manner and enhance

Council and its Youth Services team works closely with a range of key stakeholders to not only

address current issues as related to youth crime but also to provide positive recreational options

for vulnerable young people to support moves away from anti-social/offending behaviours.

Brimbank City Council has, and will continue to, invest in the provision of positive recreational

options for vulnerable young people through pop-up activations of spaces throughout

Brimbank with a focus on hot-spot areas linked to youth offending.

In the 2023/24 financial year targeted activities have been run at Sunshine Visy Cares Hub,

Victoria University Sunshine Campus and Errington Reserve.

Brimbank Youth Services has, and will continue to, work in partnership with the Dept. of

Justice and Community Safety (DJCS), Department of Education, Victoria Police, other

specialised service providers and neighbouring municipalities to provide holistic and informed

preventative and early intervention responses to offending behaviours.

19. The community engagement work is great to understand what priorities should be but very little of

the actions line up with community provided action requests and needs. The action plan is lacklustre

at best. My sense is opportunities for community progress are being stifled with little innovation

and progressive thinking around actions. As a community member I see increased drug use,

increased rubbish around the streets, increased harm from gambling and increased anti-social

behaviour. There is little community faith in council currently.

Each year, Council undertakes extensive consultation to understand and respond to the issues

and priorities at the forefront for community. This information, combined with investigations

into the factors that lead to some of these issues, directly informs each Annual Action Plan.

The draft 24/25 Action Plan includes actions to support improved mental wellbeing and

health; with particular focus on young people, in addition to implementing initiatives that

respond to illegal waste dumping.

Council is well aware that gambling is a key issue in Brimbank and that Brimbank has the

unenviable record of attracting the highest losses on Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) of

any local government area in Victoria for over a decade.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

Council continues to take significant action in this space -

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about-council/how-we-work/policies-plans-and

strategies/policies/electronic-gambling-policy

Council’s Advocacy Plan 2023-2025 also sets out key advocacy priorities including reducing

‘gambling harm’ https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/about-council/transforming

brimbank/advocacy-initiatives/brimbank-advocacy-plan (Page 30).

20. Surely the community cares about effective strategic planning and sustainable urban development.

The community cares about how our neighbourhoods look, feel and function.

Council is committed to the implementation of an effective, timely and thorough strategic

planning service across Brimbank, to encourage sustainable growth and meet future demand

for housing, jobs and services. This includes:

Implementing land use strategies, structure and strategic plans and guidelines to inform

Engaging with State Government on planning policy and proposals that impact Brimbank

Processing and preparing amendments to the Brimbank Planning Scheme

Delivering a program to unlock the development potential of key industrial sites & precincts

21. Can you please stop making everything about the Vietnamese community, there's thousands of

other people in your community other than them!

You're being very selective and biased towards one sector of the community despite you saying that

you value community connections. How do you propose to fix this now, you've scarred an entire

municipality. Trung waived fee rates, Jasmine pushed her Museum, and they basically get what they

Anything else Brimbank? You do realise that other people exist in your community that struggle and

are too proud to ask for anything. Do better.

Council is committed to ensuring that our efforts, services and initiatives support all people of

our diverse community. We understand the importance of balanced representation and strive

to address the needs of many. Our Council Plan outlines the diversity of committed priorities

and ensures that strong connections and supports are being fostered across the community in

a way that fairly and equitably responds to community needs.

(repeat request from previous years) ... Replace the ‘missing’ Street Trees of Albion ... In 2020,

some 600 of the Council 2019 Audit-surveyed 2700 missing, were planted ... but then the catch

up planting ceased, despite fully complying with the Council Policy adopted during that year,

about where to prioritise planting ... For 2024-25, we seek a second tranche of 1000 trees,

including a suggestion for full consideration of planting of missing street trees to all areas

included in the Brimbank Planning Scheme as ‘Heritage Overlay’ areas, through-out the

Council allocates approximately $2M annually in planting new trees in streets and parks

across the municipality as part of its implementation of the Urban Forest Strategy. Council

has planted a significant number of trees in the Albion area over recent years. The annual

Street Tree Planting Program (STIP) prioritises tree planting based on the following criteria:

Socio-economic disadvantage

Tree canopy coverage

Vacant sites per tree ratio

Urban heat measurements

Planning for 2024 planting season will consider the above criteria to ensure trees are

planted in suburbs with the most need.

A section of Albion between King Edward, Ridley, Kororoit and Anderson Road has been

identified for 13 tree plantings for the 2024 planting season. Additionally, streets across

Brimbank that are identified for Council’s Road Rehabilitation Program, will be assessed for

planting with street trees post-civil works, where there is sufficient space for a tree to grow

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

Develop a Landscape/Streetscape Improvement Masterplan for the historic ‘Albion Soldier

Settlement Estate’ precinct ... (historic picture below). The Council correspondence from last

year said ‘not needed’, but this is clearly not the case, and there has been no minimal with AACC

on the issue in 2021/22 or 2022/23, or 2023/24 (except for current Hamel Street reconstruction

(repeat request from previous years) .... Commence a Landscape Masterplan process for the

large area of Open Space on the west side of Albion. The Council correspondence from 2022

year said ‘not needed’ based on current Policy (being “Creating Better Parks Policy & Plan

2016”) ... but that Plan made no reference to this area, and is clearly out-of-date and ill

informed on the subject ... There has been nil to minimal consultation with AACC on the issue in

2021/22 or 2022/23 or 2023/24.

(repeat request from previous years) .... Utilise ‘Public Open Space Levy’ funds to undertake

negotiated acquisition lease of the Manse site, that is, located within HV McKay Memorial

Gardens, for conversion to community use such as Visitor Centre/Community Toy Library/Social

Enterprise Tea Rooms ... [This is a project envisaged in the Council-adopted Management Plan,

for the HV McKay Memorial Gardens ... which is quite to the contrary of the Council

correspondence advice after the 2022 Draft Budget ... There has been no Council follow-up or

consultation with AACC on this issue in 2022/23 or 2023/24

(repeat request from previous year) ....Investigate transformation of (previously

truncated/closed) King Edward Avenue into a median-strip treed boulevard .... Council

correspondence after last Draft Budget indicated ‘a central median may not be possible’....

Whereas, what has been suggested is some investigations ... There has been no Council follow

up or consultation with AACC on this issue in 2021/22, 2022/23 or 2023/24.

The existing Albion Neighbourhood Plan (2013) and the Brimbank Heritage Design

Guidelines for the ‘Soldier Settlement’ Estate in Albion, as well as Council policy

documents ‘Creating Better Parks’ and the ‘Urban Forest Strategy’ provide sufficient

guidance/ detail for landscape improvements to Albion’s landscapes and streetscapes.

Council does not intend to develop any new master plans for Albion and no further works

are identified as a priority.

We assume land referred to in the submission is easement, owned by VicRoads, which is

not identified as public open space. Development of this land is not identified as a priority

for Council. Previous preliminary investigations into the easement land have highlighted

existence of remnant grassland and Stripped Legless Lizards. This may restrict

development of the land. Given the above, Council officers do not recommend a

Landscape Masterplan for the land.

Reference to possible purchase of the Manse was included in the HV McKay Memorial

Gardens Management Plan (2017).

Since then Council has developed its Community Service Infrastructure Plan (2020). That

work did not identify the need for the Manse to be acquired for community use.

Council has commenced the review of the Community Services and Infrastructure Plan which

will update the evidence base & consider facilities required for community use in future.

The Albion Toy Library has been allocated space at the West Sunshine Community Centre.

There is also a well-appointed toy library operating from Sunshine Library, where many

families go for story time and a wide range of other activities suited for babies and young

children. The library is close to buses, trains and car parking. As per last year, there is no

Council venue available for sole use for the Toy Library and, if one were to become available,

it would be subject to a competitive Expression of Interest process.

It is acknowledged that the creation of a median strip planted with trees in King Edward

Ave aligns with Council policy in terms of creating more canopy cover and creating streets

that shaded and thus more walkable in hotter times of the year.

In order to create a central median the road profile would need to be modified to ensure

space for the root zone and modifications to the drainage system.

The design of a median would also need to ensure adequate space within the road

envelope for vehicles and cyclists.

Given the significant amount of civil work that would be required to create a median, this

would be investigated when the road was due for rehabilitation. Roads are programmed

for rehabilitation based on the condition of the surface, sub-surface kerbs and footpaths

and at this point King Edward Ave is not programmed for rehabilitation; however when it

is due, the option to include a central median will be investigated.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

Submission content

Council Officer Response

(repeat request from previous years) ... Develop an Economic Development Program, to

revitalise the many disused shopfronts in Albion ... Council correspondence after the 2022 Draft

Budget indicated that it was not aware of any disused shopfronts in Albion. This is clearly not

the case! ... There has been some minimal Council follow-up or consultation with AACC on this

issue in 2022/23, but no forward action.

(repeat request from previous years) ... Provide for bike connectivity between Ginifer Station

and Sunshine Hospital, as an urgent and very high priority route. Council correspondence after

2022 Draft Budget indicated that the matter was the subject of “continuing to liaise with State

Government” .... There has been no Council follow-up or consultation with AACC on this issue in

2021/22 or 2022/23 or 2023/24.

(repeat request from previous years) ... Develop a strong future plan to return the Albion

Community Toy Library, to an Albion location, suchlike as Disused Scout Hall, McKay Gardens

(repeat request from numerous previous years) ... Undertake an “Investigation Study of ‘Rat

Run’ Traffic Prevention for Albion”, particularly relating to Peak-Hour(s), and taking account of

new Fitzgerald Road overpass ... Council correspondence after 2022 Draft Budget indicated that

traffic studies have been undertaken and there is ‘no need for further studies at this time’. This

advice was contrary to previous written advice from Council. Council then resolved to conduct

Studies in 2023/24 but no study consultation has been made with the community yet.

Council has limited ability to influence the occupancy of disused shops. While some

councils have pursued economic programs like Renew Newcastle to promote the

temporary use of shop fronts until longer term leases are secured, these tend to apply to

much larger centres e.g. Newcastle and Geelong, and not small local activity centres or

redundant corner milk bars. On this basis, an economic program of this type is considered

inappropriate for Albion and beyond the resources allocated to Council’s Economic

Development Unit. Council does continue to deliver a range of activities including Enjoy

Local and Think.Shop.Buy Local to local activity centres across Brimbank, including Albion.

Businesses can also participate in Council’s Business Development Program.

There are various ways the walking and cycling link could be achieved along Furlong Road

but all of these options require significant changes kerb alignment and levels along Furlong

There is significant level change between the property line and Furlong Road. This would

need to be rectified in order to achieve appropriate grades and cross falls for an increase

pathway and also the driveways.

As Furlong Road is a Department of Transport and Planning owned road, Council will

continue to liaise with and advocate to the State Government to upgrade the road, with

consideration for bike connectivity.

The Albion Toy Library has been allocated space at the West Sunshine Community Centre.

There is also a well-appointed toy library operating from Sunshine Library, where many

families go for story time and a wide range of other activities suited for babies and young

children. The library is close to buses, trains and car parking. As per last year, there is no

Council venue available for sole use for the Toy Library and, if one were to become

available, it would be subject to a competitive Expression of Interest process.

Councils Engineering department has undertaken traffic surveys throughout the Albion

area to determine traffic volumes and speeds on the local road network. This data is

currently being analysed and the investigation will be completed within the 2023/24

financial year. Following the completion of the investigation, further steps will be

determined, including consultation or advice as required.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

1. I don’t agree or support the budget for Brimbank Council.

It is completely unacceptable and not reflective of the community needs in Brimbank to not proceed

with the allocated funding for the JR Parsons Reserve Pavilion projects.

As a junior coach and senior player, I see firsthand the abundant need for this vital sporting

infrastructure to support the senior players, volunteers and junior boys and girls at our club.

Our facilities are not fit for purpose and need immediate investment as per original plans in the

2023/24 budget that was outlined.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

2. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do no cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

3. The Grand United Cricket Club is located at JR Parsons Reserve in Sunshine. The club has over 270

participants who participate over the period of 12 months at JR Parsons Reserve.

On behalf of the members of the Grand United Cricket Club; our club strongly opposes the proposed

2024-25 draft budget due the failure to deliver previously outlined funding for the JR Parsons

Reserve Football/Cricket Pavilion and Tennis Pavilions at JR Parsons Reserve.

The club has been in consultation with council since 2018 regarding this project and working

collaboratively with council over the past 2 financial years regarding the planning of the pavilions.

This utilised an abundance of volunteer time but with money allocated in the 2023/24 budget for

design and the beginning of construction and future provisions listed for 2024/25 for further

construction this provided some certainty that this project would be delivered in the upcoming

At present our facility is located on the opposite side of the car park to the pavilion and does not

service our ovals. Due to the size of our club which has 8 senior summer teams, 3 senior winter

teams, 6 junior mixed teams and a junior blast program the reliance on facilities at the reserve is

extremely high. The ovals facilitate over 1000 hours of competition and training activities over the

year which is all carried out with no supporting infrastructure adjacent to the playing ovals.

This project is listed next on the Sport and Recreation Facilities Development Plan and needs to have

funding allocated within the upcoming financial year to commence the project. Our participants and

volunteers cannot keep operating out of a facility which is not fit for purpose; is riddled with

asbestos and does not service females and girls which is a target audience for engagement for our

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

Our current facility is not fit for purpose and condemned and causes inherent safety risks associated

with children crossing the busy car park to visit an asbestos riddled building to use the amenities.

The decision of council to not allocate any funding to this JR Parsons Reserve Pavilion projects has

absolutely deflated our committee and volunteers; many of which who have spent hundreds of

hours consulting with council and in internally to help deliver the best possible facility at Parsons

Reserve for our community.

On behalf of our 270 the Grand United Cricket Club Executive Committee calls for the

reconsideration and amendment to the 2024/25 Brimbank Council Budget to contain funding to

support the delivery and construction of the JR Parsons Reserve Pavilions.

4. Hi Thanks for all the detail- very appreciated.

Was expecting to see JR Parsons Reserve in the draft budget - hoping this can be corrected or at

least shown to be in the plan as a concrete item. The area is increasingly used and very popular

making the redevelopment great value for Brimbank.

The current facilities are old and increasingly not fit for purpose and do not cater for the community.

This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is the home of 3

large sporting clubs with female and junior participants.

As a member of Grand United Cricket Club I know the current facilities do no cater for playing ovals

and junior participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large

safety risk. Appreciate your time and thank you for all your effort. Go Brimbank - and GU

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

5. I believe the draft budget and priorities of Brimbank Council are not reflective of the Sunshine

Community where the sporting infrastructure is not fit for purpose. As supporter and former

participant at the club; for many years I used the second oval changing in the open with players

urinating behind trees and barely any shade. Nothing is changed, this is now even worse as the club

has many female players. I am now in my 60's and mobility impaired, I have not attended matches

and neither has my mother for many years as the accessibility to any toilets or pavilions adjacent to

the ovals has made it impossible to me to stay and watch for any period of time.

The facilities were not fit for purpose when I played and they are still not, I was hopeful my family

could start attending cricket matches again to watch our family play but due to the delaying of

funding this is not the case.

I strongly oppose this budget and contend that the funding should be re-instated to commence the

Football/Cricket Pavilion at JR Parsons Reserve!

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

6. My name is Gwenda Collier and I am a Forgotten Australian. I have lived in Sunshine for over 50

years and regularly visited Parsons Reserve to watch my children and grandchildren participate in

cricket for Grand United Cricket Club. In my 50 years I have seen no investment at the reserve and

was eagerly looking forward to the new and much needed pavilion being built at the reserve so I

could start going to watch my grandchildren and the kids play at the cricket club again.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

As an elderly person, I have had to stop going to the oval to watch sport as the distance from the

second oval to any toilets is over 150 metres and I cannot simply jump across the fence to short cut

over the carpark. It is also extremely hot sitting in the summer months at the reserve which I can no

longer deal with.The failure to deliver this project and scrap funding from the upcoming financial year

is unjust as for those playing, spectating and the entire community this should be a priority project. To

council this might be just seen as a delay, for me it is another year I can't do something I love which is

watching cricket at a club I have been affiliated with for over 30 years as a female supporter.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process..

7. As a committee member of grand United and a local resident ratepayer I am deeply disappointed

that funding is not allocated for the grand United new club rooms

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

8. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should been seen as a priority for the Sunshine Community as the reserve is

the home of 3 sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a life member of Grand United

Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior participants

need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

9. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

10. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

11. Attention Brimbank Councillors

I (Craig Vaughan) write to you formally on behalf of Sunshine Park Tennis Club in relation to the

clubroom redevelopment that was scheduled to commence June 2024. Sunshine Park Tennis Club

respectfully and rightly requests that the funding for this project and the linked project for Grand

United Cricket Club be reinstated into the 2024-25 Budget.

Over the last two years there has been significant work applied to these projects, and capital

expenditure to complete community and user consultations, site surveys, development of plans and

preliminary works with the user groups such as placing a storage container on Parson’s reserve in

preparation for demolition works.

Below are listed some of the significant events over the last two years. This does not consider

council, community and user group discussions since 2016 that has had this project as a priority for

3rd March 2022 correspondence from Brimbank Council via Jamie Stefanato providing timeline

for clubroom redevelopment. Clearly stating construction will take place over 2023-24 & 2024-25

18th May 2023 submission to Brimbank council in relation to the 2023-24 draft budget.

19th May 2023 confirmation from Brimbank Council via Bircan Houssein that contract for the

design work had been awarded and the process had commenced.

18th August 2023 Brimbank confirmed via email from Bircan Houssein meeting with Sunshine

Park to discuss revisions to plans.

Site surveys were carried out at some point exact date not known.

17th August 2023 council confirming process for meeting to discuss plan revisions.

4th Sept 2023 council confirms via email from Bircan Houssein that the project is out to tender

and dates will be advised once tender process is completed.

14th September 23 council confirms DDA compliant toilet will be for exclusive tennis patron usage.

Updated design and floor plan provided by Brimbank Council on 1st November 2023 after

discussions with Tennis Club.

Updated floor plans provided by Brimbank Council 1st November 2023

Brimbank council had Cricket Club new pavilion marked out and also put in place a 40-foot

container on the oval for the cricket club to store equipment in December 2023.

No correspondence from council after this point till both Grand United Cricket Club and Sunshine

Park Tennis Club contacted council in April 2024 to get update on process leading up to works.

April 2024 Brimbank council released new draft budget without advising Clubs of significant

changes that had been made to finances.

Sunshine Park Tennis club implores all Councillors and relevant council staff to have this project

returned to the 2024-25 budget based on its pre-existing priority and on expenditures that have

already taken place. In light of budgetary restrictions, we would be willing to accept a significant

construction commencement in the 2024-25 budget with a completion in the first half of the 2025-

I Craig Vaughan can be contacted on 0423 195 106 or Cihan Soylemez on 0421 615 615 to discuss

this matter before the council meeting in May 2024.

The contact with the club to date as outlined in the submission is standard for the design

process for any sports pavilion, in which the club is provided regular updates. Council officers

are able to communicate planned timelines for construction however the adoption of the

annual budget for future years confirms the funding for construction.

Council officers are not able to discuss the draft budget contents until it is approved by Council

for community consultation, which then provides the community with the proposed draft

budget and opportunity to provide any feedback for consideration.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

12. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

13. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

14. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

15. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

As a local dad to 3 kids, a teenager who plays AFL, a primary aged child who plays cricket/ AFL and

an almost walking baby I would like to see this park improved with appropriate sports grounds and

toilets. One of my children also has a disability that makes visiting this park difficult due to lack of

public toilets. Please invest in the kids of Brimbank, they deserve it.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

16. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

As a member of Grand United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing

ovals and junior participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a

large safety risk. As a local resident and rate payer I would also like to see the plans for this park

actually carried out.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

17. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. Not only are the current facilities not built for purpose but in a council area

where youth disengagement is high they are desperately needed to create a welcoming, productive

space to encourage safe social connections for current and future children.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

18. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk."

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

19. The omission to not financially support the development of the club rooms at JR Parsons reserve is

"I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

I question the level of investment in the older/existing parts of the municipality when compared to

the newer suburbs within the municipality. Can council provide a cost breakdown of capital works

for sporting groups by suburb/ward? Thanks

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

20. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

21. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do not cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

22. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. As a regular user of the reserve.

This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is the home of 3

large sporting clubs with female and junior participants.

As a life member of Grand United Cricket Club, the current facilities do no cater for playing ovals and

junior participants, as well as the community in general, and the lack of investment into this

fantastic reserve over a long period of time, despite many promises, master plan processes,

countless meetings, is extremely disappointing.

To expect members of my club, including children to access toilets and facilities walking across a

busy car park with no crossing is unacceptable and continues to be a very dangerous risk, as well as

volunteers having to continually cross to setup/pack up equipment.

The time for delays needs to be over, and proper investment into this vital infrastructure in this

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process..

23. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club with a junior there is no facilities catering for my son or daughter on the second

oval and my son or daughter has to cross a busy car park to use any facilities.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

24. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do no cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

25. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club and Albion FC with 3 children there is no facilities catering for my son and

daughter on the second oval and my kids have to cross a busy car park to use any facilities. Across

the cricket and football clubs there are 16 junior teams, and 11 senior teams… our cricket club

rooms are more than 50 metres from the oval requiring to walk through a busy car park to get to

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

26. Leaving out the upgrade of sunshine tennis club and Grand united cricket club is a joke of a

discussion. The buildings have asbestos in them.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

27. It would be good to see and a new building for a great cricket club

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

28. I do not support the draft budget due to the omission of the planned funding for sporting pavilions

at JR Parsons Reserve. The current facilities are not fit for purpose and do not cater for the

community. This project should be seen as a priority for the Sunshine community as the reserve is

the home of 3 large sporting clubs with female and junior participants. As a member of Grand

United Cricket Club I understand the current facilities do no cater for playing ovals and junior

participants need to cross a busy car park to use access toilets which presents a large safety risk.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

29. As a resident of Brimbank I am deeply disappointed and strongly oppose the council budget and

action plans of Brimbank City Council. The omission of planned funding for the Sporting Pavilions at JR

Parsons Reserve to cater for Grand United Cricket Club, Sunshine Park Tennis Club and Albion Football

Club is unjust and must be overturned.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

As a resident of Brimbank my entire life and President of Grand United Cricket Club, I have seen no

investment at JR Parsons Reserve in regards to sporting facilities in my 27 years associated at the club.

Previous budgets and communication with council highlighted funding in the 2024/25 financial year

for construction which council has failed to deliver.

The impact of this failure will impact over 500 regular users at the reserve, Grand United Cricket Club

has over 250 participants including over 15 girls, Sunshine Park Tennis Club have over 110 members

including females and girls and Albion Football Club has over 150 participants including female and

As a President, Participant and Junior Coach at the reserve, I know more than anyone funding is

needed immediately to get this project moving. It is absolutely absurd to think in 2024 we have

playing ovals without changing facilities to cater for participants, boys and girls getting changed in the

open for junior games of cricket and a facility that is not fit for purpose riddled with asbestos seen as

acceptable for use for the community.

Funding needs to be allocated for this important community facility and it needs to be done within

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

30. As a Brimbank Resident, I strongly oppose the draft budget budget and actions of Brimbank Council.

This budget fails to deliver on commitments to deliver sporting pavilions at JR Parsons Reserve

which are much needed for our community. The pavilions are next in line on the Brimbank Sport and

Recreation Facility Development plan and were earmarked for phase two of construction in the

2024/25 financial year.

These facilities are much needed to serve the entire community including women and females

participating in sport at the reserve. The non-allocation of funding is extremely disappointing for a

female who participates in recreation at the reserve and as part of Grand United Cricket Club I am

appalled by the state of the facilities provided to myself and other females.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

31. I’m focusing on the sporting and recreation area of the annual budget. I’ve been a resident of

Brimbank all my life and a high priority of mine is the health and well being of children. I’m appalled

and extremely disappointed there is no funding for JR Parsons reserve. We have been waiting

FOREVER to get these sub par pavilions renewed. I played tennis there as a kid and the club room

has had NO improvements in that time and I’m 45. Yet the sunshine leisure centre gets 4.4mil and

keilor oval gets 1.3mil - stating emerging womens participation. Sunshine Park TC has been actively

trying to get more young girls and women’s participation. There are 2 VIC women’s pennant teams

and many junior female competitive participants. There is one tiny bathroom/toilet the state of it is

actually embarrassing when other clubs visit and NO change rooms and the kitchenette is barely

viable. The funding should be allocated to the areas that need it the most. How long do we have to

wait!! There are a lot of frustrated voters in the area.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Brimbank City Council

Draft Council Plan Action Plan 2024/2025, Draft Financial Plan 2024-2034 and Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025

Phase 2 Community Consultation Report - June 2024

The following submissions were received regarding sporting pavilions at J.R. Parsons’ Reserve

32. Very concerned about the deferral or cancellation of community and recreation facility upgrades at

Parsons Reserve, Sunshine.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

33. As a member of the community who values our recreational facilities, I am deeply saddened to learn

the funding for the Tennis Pavilion upgrade and the construction of a new Football/Cricket Pavilion

at the JR Parsons Recreation Reserve has been withdrawn. These important projects have been

excluded from the 2024/25 budget. I urge you to reconsider this decision and prioritize the

allocation of funds towards these essential projects. By investing in our recreational facilities, we

can create a more inclusive and enjoyable environment for all members of our community to enjoy.

Council invests significantly into sport and recreation capital works projects, with $14.65M

included in the draft capital works budget for 2024/25.

Construction of the JR Parsons Football and Cricket Pavilion Project will commence in Year 1

(2024-2025) with an allocation of $400K.

Council is committed to the refurbishment of the Tennis Pavilion as a priority in the Sports Facility

Development Plan; the project is reflected in Councils forward Capital Works Program, with

funding and the timing for construction to be determined as part of the annual budget process.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Together We are Brimbank

DRAFT: Year Four Annual

Strategic Direction – People and Community

A welcoming, safe and supported community – an

inclusive place for all

YEAR FOUR ACTIONS

Advocate to the State Government to allocate funding for local government

Social Inclusion Action Groups.

Assess and formulate Council’s future strategic approach to promote mental

Further develop youth services partnerships with local mental health

services, for example the B-Heard Youth Support Program.

Deliver capacity building programs to support youth mental health, such as

youth mental health first aid training and partnerships with other services

and various programs.

Create informal social sports and recreation opportunities for females, those

from culturally diverse backgrounds and vulnerable communities.

Community Facilities

Create opportunities to support new communities to engage in physical

activity via the In2Sport program. For example juniors with disability, those

from culturally diverse backgrounds and vulnerable communities.

Community Facilities

Prioritise early intervention for family violence and extend support to

vulnerable communities. This includes conducting family violence

assessments through Maternal and Child Health.

Deliver community education sessions with kindergartens, playgroups and

other community groups about identification and early intervention for

families and individuals who may be facing family violence.

Develop a life-stage approach to strategically supporting the wellbeing of

children, youth and older adults.

Boost life-long health, food security and wellbeing for diverse communities

and age groups through a wide range of programs provided by

Neighbourhood Houses, community centres and libraries.

Design streetscapes and public realm that provides safe and inviting spaces

for the community using Crime Prevention through Urban Design Principles.

Work with Victoria Police and services to promote service coordination at key

locations across Brimbank to support community safety and wellbeing.

Implement Year Two actions in the Disability Action Plan including:

Working with the Local Area Coordination provider of the NDIS (National

Disability Insurance Scheme) to strengthen partnerships and support the

implementation of community capacity building, including access

to information, education and other services

Developing opportunities to partner with State Sporting Associations and

local sporting clubs to provide and support access to sport and leisure

opportunities for people with disability and their carers.

Continue to embed the Homelessness Protocol and enhance the way Council

responds to homelessness.

Council Services

supporting People

Strengthening Communities

Connected Communities

Leisure & Community Facilities

Environmental Health

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Together We are Brimbank

DRAFT: Year Four Annual

Strategic Direction – People and Community

A welcoming, safe and supported community – an

inclusive place for all

YEAR FOUR ACTIONS

Enable Brimbank’s diverse residents and communities to express themselves

culturally and artistically through creative programming, grants, events and

Deliver Year 1 of the Reconciliation Action Plan. This includes:

Meeting with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and

organisations to develop guiding principles for future engagement

Developing and implementing an engagement plan to work with

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.

Continue to support the establishment of Cooinda - the first dedicated

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Centre in Brimbank.

Facilitate events and acknowledgement activities that engage community in

important diversity and inclusion celebrations, solidarity, commemorations

Provide community grants that enable community members to lead initiatives

that celebrate diversity and cultural learning.

Deliver a Community Events program, which includes:

We Are Brimbank Awards (including Brimbank Citizen of the Year and

Young Brimbank Citizen of the Year)

Festive Season Events

The ‘BeBold’ Festival

NADIOC Week official flag raising Ceremony

Brimbank Readers and Writers Festival.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Together We are Brimbank

DRAFT: Year Four Annual

Strategic Direction – Places and Spaces

Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support

health and sustainable futures for all

YEAR FOUR ACTIONS

active, sustainable,

Continue implementation of the Brimbank Cycling and Walking Strategy

to provide a network that supports active transport; including the Jones

Creek trail bridge (shared user path) in Cairnlea.

Complete a Car Parking Management Plan around the Sunshine Hospital

Investigate, develop and promote opportunities for public and street art

that contributes to vibrant and engaging public places and spaces in

Prepare designs for the revitalisation of Local Activity Centres (LAC)

comprising streetscape and public realm developments at:

Billingham Road (Deer Park)

Glengala Road (sunshine West)

East Esplanade (St Albans).

Deliver an upgraded dog park at Frost Goldsmith Easement in Delahey,

including a new fenced area.

Deliver park upgrades at:

Cocoparra Cres Reserve, Taylors Lakes

Larisa Reserve , St Albans

Kevin Flint Reserve, Cairnlea

Develop projects that focus on increasing all-abilities access to

community facilities, including design of an upgraded play space at Cliff

Undertake preliminary work to inform the development of an Open Space

Enhance partnerships to improve reach to non-traditional users and

marginalised communities in leisure centres.

Community Facilities

Develop and promote an Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide and

investigate options for further promoting Inclusivity Brimbank.

Implement the Brimbank Sports Facility Development Plan (2023) facility

Community Facilities

Commence design work on the Dempster Park Children’s and Community

Assets, Capital Works

and Property Services

Provide library buildings and library collections that allow Brimbank

community members from all backgrounds to access free books,

information, games, computers and toys and be inspired and connected.

Finalise and commence implementation of Brimbank's new Integrated

Water Management Strategy.

Deliver environmental programs with community such as My Smart

Garden program and community planting events, including:

Habitat and Biodiversity

Continue implementation of Council’s Urban Forest Strategy through

street tree planting in Kings Park, Deer Park and St Albans.

Council Services

supporting Places

Climate Emergency and Environment

Parks and Public Realm

Facilities and Major Projects

Engineering and Infrastructure

Assets, Capital Works and Property

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Together We are Brimbank

DRAFT: Year Four Annual

Strategic Direction – Places and Spaces

Liveable and connected neighbourhoods that support

health and sustainable futures for all

YEAR FOUR ACTIONS

Deliver initiatives that work towards a carbon neutral Brimbank, including:

Commencing implementation of the Sunshine Community battery

Working towards a Solar Farm for Sunshine Energy Park

Delivering the Solar Pavilions Program.

Deliver the 100% Renewable Brimbank program to enable the community

to access renewable energy. This includes investigating how best to

support the expansion of community electric vehicle charging

Continue implementation of Council’s Fleet Transition Plan including

purchasing energy-efficient vehicles (subject to availability, functionality

and budget considerations).

Facilitate community capacity building initiatives, including:

Delivering the annual Environmental Events Calendar with

programs such as ‘Healthy food for a healthy planet’ and

‘Reducing food waste at home’

Supporting the community to stay safe during heatwaves

Supporting local businesses to access renewable energy and

improve energy efficiency.

Deliver the climate emergency stream of the Brimbank Community Grants

Program to help the community respond to climate change.

Review and update the Climate Emergency Plan, investigating new priority

areas to address evolving climate action needs.

Deliver services that aim to restore and prevent threats to the

environment, including:

Creating habitats for native fauna and insects that enhance

Improving the quality, extent, and connectivity of conservation

reserves and areas of high biodiversity value (as priorities in the

Conservation Asset Management Framework)

Raising awareness about the significance of our local grasslands

and advocating for their protection.

Work with schools to deliver community, habitat and indigenous plantings. Climate Emergency

Support environment groups and ‘Friends of’ groups to deliver

revegetation or restoration projects within the municipality.

Continue to deliver initiatives that protect and enhance the environment

from the impact of feral cats. This includes investigating options for best

practice domestic cat management strategies.

Work with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Police to

develop and implement compliance initiatives that respond to illegal waste

dumping. This includes increased and improved surveillance mechanisms.

Promote local reuse and recycling options for household items including

food and garden organics (FOGO) recycling in the lead-up to universal

roll-out of FOGO (bright green lid) bins as part of the Recycling Victoria

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Together We are Brimbank

DRAFT: Year Four Annual

Strategic Direction – Opportunity and Prosperity

A future focussed, transforming city where all have

opportunities to learn and earn – a prosperous place for all

YEAR FOUR ACTIONS

Implement Year Three actions of the Brimbank Economic Development

Strategy 2022-2027, including:

Business communication and networking activities

Industry and Business Development activities.

Implement the Brimbank Economic and Employment Advisory Committee. City Strategy

Continue to work with the Department of Transport and Planning to finalise

the design and further develop the Sunshine Station Masterplan.

Continue to promote, partner and advocate for outcomes described in the

Sunshine Priority Precinct 2050 Vision.

Continue to work with the Department of Transport and Planning to develop

the Albion Quarter Structure Plan.

Commence the development of the Sunshine Energy Park (first stage)

Continue to promote Brimbank as a destination to build the visitor economy

through key Transforming Brimbank priorities.

Promote Brimbank as a location for business and facilitate development to

attract investment and economic uplift.

Strengthen industry growth and development in Brimbank with a Visitor

Economy Strategy review.

Progress the implementation of the Housing and Neighbourhood Character

Policy to advance a long-term plan to manage housing growth and change

Council Services

supporting Opportunity

Neighbourhood Houses and

Transforming Brimbank

Economic Development

Sunshine Rising and Go St Albans Place

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Together We are Brimbank

DRAFT: Year Four Annual

Strategic Direction – Opportunity and Prosperity

A future focussed, transforming city where all have

opportunities to learn and earn – a prosperous place for all

YEAR FOUR ACTIONS

and social inclusion

Continue to roll out non-English speaking business migrant attraction

Encourage local employment of people with disability by:

Promoting opportunities for local businesses to build capacity

through disability awareness and education activities

Exploring local partnerships that enable pathways and opportunities

for people with disability to volunteer in Brimbank.

Provide tailored services, forge partnerships and role model opportunities to

support Brimbank residents to access jobs and skills, including for young job

seekers and young entrepreneurs.

Promote local procurement by encouraging local businesses to employ more

local people and by advocating for local procurement practices.

Investigate options for short-term work engagement opportunities to build

the skills and knowledge of young people.

Support, champion and promote opportunities for learning across all age

groups through a range of programming, sector development,

communications and other opportunities in Brimbank.

Develop and run a range of programs and spaces that teach, encourage and

support community members to use digital and other technology, regardless

of the barriers they face.

Research new data and insights to identify opportunities that increase the

accessibility of Council’s information and services available online.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Together We are Brimbank

DAFT: Year Four Annual

Strategic Direction –Leadership & Governance

A high performing organisation that enacts the vision

and decisions of Council through the delivery of quality

and innovative services – A fairer place for all

Health & Wellbeing Plan

YEAR FOUR ACTIONS

Expand and leverage Brimbank’s Community Voice Panel for enhanced

participation and consultation.

Continue to administer the H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens Strategic

Management Group meetings to provide direction for the management and

development of the Gardens.

Maintain Emergency Management Planning Reform at the Municipal level

Establishing strong partnerships with key agencies, including

police, fire services, and emergency medical services

Forming a dedicated Municipal Emergency Management Planning

Collaborating with committee members to maintain a

comprehensive Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP)

Ensuring the plan covers prevention, response, and recovery

Deliver the Advocacy Plan 2023-2025 that sets out Brimbank’s key

advocacy priorities, which include:

Transforming Brimbank

Addressing unemployment

Housing and homelessness

Melbourne Airport Third Runway

Review the Social Justice Charter to ensure the principles and framework

are contemporary and provide a platform for social equity and inclusion

Partner with the Victorian Electoral Commission in respect to Local

Government elections in compliance with the Local Government Act 2020

Develop and implement a comprehensive Councillor transition program

designed to equip the incoming Council with the necessary support and

resources for effective governance.

Council Services

providing Leadership

Community Engagement

Corporate Planning and Reporting

Chief Information Office

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Together We are Brimbank

DAFT: Year Four Annual

Strategic Direction –Leadership & Governance

A high performing organisation that enacts the vision

and decisions of Council through the delivery of quality

and innovative services – A fairer place for all

Health & Wellbeing Plan

YEAR FOUR ACTIONS

Continue to implement Council’s Organisational Development Framework

(2023–2027). Actions for 2024/2025 include:

Establishing a Brimbank Leadership Model

Commencing work to inform and create Council’s updated Gender

Equity Action Plan for 2025-2029.

Implement 2024-2025 actions of Council’s Occupational Health and Safety

(OHS) Strategic Plan.

Through education and skill development strengthen organisational

capability for intersectionality approaches to an inclusive workplace.

(Within Council) work to:

Increase participation of people with disabilities across Council’s

employment programs, including work experience

Consider and progress Council’s volunteering recruitment

strategies to provide more participation opportunities for people

Report on the outcomes of the annual Local Government Community

Satisfaction Survey (CSS) and the Local Government Performance

Reporting Framework (LGPRF) through the Brimbank Annual Report 2024 -

Allocate a minimum asset renewal budget of 85%, relative to the

depreciation expense for 2024-2025, with an intent to increase this year

on year for the next 10 years, to actively manage the asset renewal gap

and ensure sustainable asset management.

Commence the business case for the Connected Brimbank initiative. This

will consider Council’s long term information system needs in supporting

customer service, information security and operational excellence and

compliance obligations.

Continue to implement improvements to key systems and processes,

Supporting the upgrade of Office 365 for all staff

Upgrading Content Manager by December 2024

Upgrading aged telephony systems by December 2024

Replacing the finance system Computron by mid-2025.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

....................................................................................................................................2

1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................2

1.2 Purpose of the Financial Plan.........................................................................................................2

1.3 Regulatory Framework .................................................................................................................3

.....................................................................................................................4

2.1 Strategic Integrated Planning Framework .......................................................................................4

2.2 Community Vision........................................................................................................................5

2.3 Council Plan................................................................................................................................6

2.4 Financial Plan Objectives ..............................................................................................................6

2.5 Strategic Financial Direction..........................................................................................................7

2.6 Financial Policy Statements...........................................................................................................8

2.7 Strategic Actions ....................................................................................................................... 10

2.8 Assumptions to the Financial Plan Statements ............................................................................... 12

..............................................................................................................13

3.1 Comprehensive Income Statement .............................................................................................. 13

3.2 Balance Sheet........................................................................................................................... 13

3.3 Statement of Changes in Equity................................................................................................... 13

3.4 Statement of Cash Flows ............................................................................................................ 14

3.5 Statement of Capital Works ........................................................................................................ 14

3.6 Statement of Human Resources................................................................................................... 14

3.7 Summary of Planned Human Resources Expenditure...................................................................... 15

..................................................................................................18

4.1 Key Financial Indicators.............................................................................................................. 18

4.2 VAGO Indicators........................................................................................................................ 18

4.3 Analysis of Financial Indicators.................................................................................................... 19

......................................................................................................................20

5.1 Rates and Charges..................................................................................................................... 20

Rate Capping ......................................................................................... 20

Rating Structure..................................................................................... 20

Rates and Charges.................................................................................. 21

Municipal Charge .................................................................................... 22

Public Amenities Cleansing Levy ............................................................... 22

Environmental Service Charge.................................................................. 22

Green Waste Service Charge.................................................................... 22

Budgeted Service Charges ....................................................................... 22

Pensioner Rebate.................................................................................... 23

5.2 Borrowing Strategy.................................................................................................................... 23

Borrowing Assessment ............................................................................ 23

Current Debt Position.............................................................................. 23

Future Borrowing Requirements ............................................................... 24

5.3 Reserves Strategy ..................................................................................................................... 25

Current Reserves.................................................................................... 25

Reserve Usage Projections ....................................................................... 25

5.4 Asset Management .................................................................................................................... 26

Infrastructure Assets............................................................................... 26

Renewal Gap.......................................................................................... 27

5.5 Service Provision and Planning .................................................................................................... 28

Operating Expenditure/Revenue ............................................................... 29

5.6 Growth of Council ...................................................................................................................... 29

Population ............................................................................................. 29

.................................................................................... 30

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

The Financial Plan 2024-2034 (FP) reflects Council’s ongoing priority to make Brimbank a truly

diverse community in the heart of the west and a place where people can enjoy living, working and

growing. The next ten year’s are exciting times for our community but it’s not without its

Council will continue to focus on improving and enhancing our city, investing in ongoing capital

works projects and upgrading facilities and open spaces to ensure the best possible quality of life

Through Transforming Brimbank Future Priorities 2050, Council is also committed to growing

Brimbank into powerhouse of Melbourne’s west. The Melbourne Airport Rail and Sunshine Super

Hub are transformational infrastructure projects which will generate unprecedented business,

employment, health, education and social opportunities for the region. Combined with the creation

of the Sunshine Priority Precinct and major private investment, Brimbank is being reimagined.

Council is committed to working collaboratively to leverage the coming investment to deliver

positive social, economic and environmental benefits for Brimbank and the surrounding regions.

In 2020, Council adopted the Brimbank Climate Emergency Plan 2020-2025, which acknowledges

the 21st century as a period of climate emergency, and that this urgent crisis presents an

opportunity for positive social change. Under this Plan, Brimbank commits to lead the community

towards a target of zero net greenhouse gas emissions for Council operations by 2030, and for the

Brimbank municipality by 2040 through a number of actions and initiatives.

The FP outlines Council's objective of being financially sustainable in the short, medium and long

term to delver on future projects and address challenges, while upholding strong financial

management principles by ensuring revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, investments and financial

transactions are managed in accordance with a Council's financial policies and strategic plans;

financial risks are monitored and managed prudently having regard to economic circumstances;

and financial policies and strategic plans are predictable in the financial impact on the municipal

The purpose of the FP is to guide future strategies and actions to ensure that Council continues to

operate in a sustainable manner.

The FP is designed as a ‘high-level’ summary document that outlines future planning of Council’s

financial outcomes, particularly in relation to key components such as rate levels, service levels to

the community, major infrastructure asset replacement and renewal, loan borrowings and cash

The FP is driven by the content of a range of strategic documents prepared by Council including:

Brimbank Community Vision 2040

Brimbank Council Plan

The FP and Council Plan is a guide for future action and encourages Council to consider the impact

that decisions made today will have on Council’s long-term sustainability.

The FP has been developed to provide the following outcomes for Council:

Establish a prudent and sound financial framework, combining and integrating financial

strategies to achieve a planned outcome

Establish a financial framework against which Council’s strategies, policies and financial

performance can be measured against

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Ensure that Council complies with sound financial management principles, as required by

Local Government Act 2020

Allow Council to meet the objectives of the Act to promote social, economic and

environmental viability and sustainability of the municipal district (Section 9 (2)(c)) and

maintaining the ongoing financial viability of Council (Section 9 (2)(g)).

The short to medium term objectives of Council’s FP are to:

Achieve a prudent balance between meeting the service needs of the community and

remaining financially sustainable for future generations

Progressively address the funding gap to increase capital expenditure through the life of the

FP and meet the asset renewal requirements as outlined in the Asset Plan

Ensure that rates, fees and charges are manageable and sustainable

Provide a stable level of rates structure in a rate cap environment

Loan borrowings are able to be serviced and maintained at a prudent level

Maintain a strong cash position and a positive liquidity ratio, ensuring Council remains

financially sustainable in the long term

Achieve an underlying operational surplus

Continue to pursue funding for strategic capital projects from the State Government and

Federal Government, and

Ensure decisions are made having regard to their financial effects on future generations.

The FP is a balanced plan that aims at imbedding the growth that has taken place; it is financially

responsible whilst maintaining services to the community and ensuring financial sustainability for

The FP is a dynamic document and it is anticipated that it will be regularly updated as part of

Council’s annual strategic planning and annual budget process and as major changes occur.

Council has a legislative requirement to comply with the financial management principles as

detailed under Section 101 of the Act.

1) The following are the financial management principles:

a) revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, investments and financial transactions must be

managed in accordance with a Council's financial policies and strategic plans

b) financial risks must be monitored and managed prudently having regard to economic

c) financial policies and strategic plans, including the Revenue and Rating Plan, must seek to

and predictability in the financial impact on the municipal community

accounts and records that explain the financial operations and financial position of the Council must be

2) For the purposes of the financial management principles, financial risk includes any risk relating

a) the financial viability of the Council

b) the management of current and future liabilities of the Council

c) the beneficial enterprises of the Council.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

2 FINANCIAL PLAN CONTEXT

This section describes the context and external/internal environment and consideration in

determining the 10 year financial projections and assumptions.

The FP does not operate in isolation from Council’s strategic planning framework but rather

complements this work and acts as a resourcing tool to enable Council to achieve the objectives

outlined in the Community Vision 2040 and the Council Plan.

Council has an integrated planning approach that aligns our strategic, financial and operational

policies, plans and strategies with the community’s aspirations for Brimbank both now and into the

The integrated planning approach is based on the Community Vision 2040 vision and goals and how

these will be achieved according to the timeframe: short term (annual); medium term (four years);

and long term (10 to 20 years).

The Community Vision 2040 describes the community’s vision and priorities for the future and

establishes a shared basis for planning, service delivery and advocacy undertaken by Council,

service providers, community groups and community members. It provides a framework for the

development of the Council Plan and addressing community health and wellbeing priorities in

partnership with government and health sector organisations.

The Council Plan describes the outcomes Council aims to achieve during its term, the strategies

that will shape its program of work over the next four years and the resources required to achieve

the desired outcomes.

The FP and Annual Budget document the financial resources required to achieve the goals and

strategic objectives in the Council Plan.

The Municipal Strategic Statement provides a strategic vision for our future by setting out

objectives for prospective land use and development in Brimbank.

The Climate Emergency Plan’s principal purpose is to outline Council’s position statement on the

climate emergency, with the aim that this statement orientates social transformation, with Council

taking a municipal leadership role, while promoting action from, and collaboration with, all

The Social Justice Charter outlines Council’s commitment is to social justice and human rights and

aims for all Brimbank residents, workers, and visitors to thrive socially and economically regardless

of personal circumstances or where they were born.

A range of policies, plans and strategies are developed, implemented and reviewed by Council on a

regular basis. These guide Council’s roles in planning for services and infrastructure, partnerships

and advocacy and are aligned with the goals and strategic objectives in the Council Plan.

Progress is communicated through the Annual Report.

The integrated planning approach provides a basis for reporting and measuring across all Council

activity on what has been achieved and progress towards meeting the vision for Brimbank.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

The diagram below depicts Council’s strategic planning framework:

The Brimbank Community Vision 2040 describes the community’s vision and priorities for the next

20 years. It establishes a shared framework for the community and partner organisations to work

towards, under three themes:

The framework is outlined below:

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Council places its community first in everything it does. Under the additional theme of Performance,

Council measures the success of the strategic objectives within the three themes of the Community

Vision 2040. As an organisation, Council works in ways that demonstrate integrity and

transparency to provide a comprehensive picture of Council’s performance to the community. This

is achieved through quarterly Council Plan Progress Reports, the Brimbank Annual Report and

adherence to the 86 indicators in the Local Government Performance Reporting Framework.

Council and community planning is about envisioning and making choices that will shape the future.

The role of local government is not only one of leadership, but also planning, advocacy and

facilitating community participation.

The Council Plan describes the outcomes Council aims to achieve during its term, the strategies

that will shape its program of work over the next four years and the resources required to achieve

the desired outcomes.

Under the Act, a Council Plan must be prepared every four years after a general election, guided by

deliberative engagement and adopted by the 31 October in the year following.

The Act stipulates that the Council Plan is required to include:

The strategic direction of the Council

Strategic objectives for achieving the strategic direction

Strategies for achieving the objectives for a period of at least the next four financial years

Strategic indicators for monitoring the achievement of the objectives

A description of the Council’s initiatives and priorities for services, infrastructure and

Any other matters prescribed by the regulations.

The key objective of the FP is financial sustainability in the medium to long term, while achieving

Council’s Strategic Objectives as specified in the Community Vision and the Council Plan.

The objectives of this FP are as follows (not prioritised):

The achievement of meeting the service needs of the community (both now and future) and

remaining financially sustainable for future generations;

Progressively addressing the funding gap and increase capital expenditure through the life of

the FP as outlined in the Asset Plan;

Ensuring that rates, fees and charges are manageable and sustainable;

Providing a stable level of rates structure;

Loan borrowings are able to be serviced and maintained at a prudent level;

Maintaining a strong cash position, ensuring Council remains financially sustainable in the

Maintain a positive liquidity ratio;

Achieving an underlying operational surplus;

Continuing to pursue funding for strategic capital projects from the State Government and

Federal Government; and

Ensuring decisions are made having regard to their financial effects on future generations.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

In addition to the specific objectives outlined, it is also recognised that sound financial management

can be demonstrated in the diagram below, based on the hierarchy of needs approach:

The FP establishes the strategic financial framework for Council to meet the funding and investment

challenges that lie ahead. It is prepared to ensure that the affordability of activities included in the

Council Plan are considered and budgeted for.

The biggest challenge facing Council will be to maintain services and manage growth at a level to

meet community expectations while rates, being Council’s main source of income, are capped in

line with the Victorian Government’s rate capping system.

Additionally, Council will annually review its borrowing strategy, Asset Plan, capital investment,

capital works program, the range and level of services provided and the revenue raised relative to

user fees and charges and grants.

Brimbank City Council faces a number of diverse and complex strategic challenges including:

Supporting the community through a COVID-19 recovery

Renewing and maintaining existing assets

Continuing to provide an appropriate range of services to a changing community

Maintaining a sound financial position

Addressing the need for capital expansion

The FP will assist in addressing these challenges by informing future planning. The other key

related issue is the risk and liability that Council and the community face if Council does not invest

in asset renewal at an adequate rate (with a minimum desired rate equal to Council’s annual

depreciation charge).

Long Term Sustainability

- Defined levels of services

- Infrastructure renewal/maintenance & replacement

- Meeting the challenge of rate capping

Medium Term Sustainability

- Underlying operating surplus

- Determining levels of service to be provided

- Reducing the asset renewal gap

Short Term Sustainability

- Minimum capital expenditure

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

The FP represents a comprehensive approach to document and integrate the various financial

strategies of Council. The development of the long-term financial projections represents the output

of several strategic areas that produce the financial direction of Council as shown in the diagram

below. Each of these elements is detailed in the FP.

This section defines the measures that demonstrates Council’s financial sustainability in order to

fund the aspirations of the Community Vision 2040 and the Council Plan.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Policy Statement

23/24 24/25 25/26 26/27 27/28 28/29 29/30 30/31 31/32 32/33 33/34

Underlying Surplus in the

excluding non-recurrent

contributions and non

monetary assets. ($’000)

(20,051) (8,112) (13,924) (12,898) (12,155) (9,295) (7,699) (8,724) (8,630) (10,052) (10,309)

Council’s Liquidity Ratio is

equal to or greater than

Council’s Self-financing

Ratio is equal to or

=>10% 21.38% 22.96% 22.79% 20.64% 20.52% 21.27% 21.74% 21.60% 21.33% 20.80% 20.41%

Council’s Debt Servicing

Ratio is equal to or below

Borrowing Costs/Cash

0.95% 0.96% 1.10% 0.78% 0.80% 0.76% 0.75% 0.69% 0.62% 0.49% 0.37%

equal to or below 10%

Principle Repayments

and Borrowing Costs/

5.99% 6.11% 18.22% 7.43% 7.95% 8.33% 8.95% 7.41% 6.60% 5.91% 5.33%

Council’s indebtedness

ratio is equal to or below

Non-current Liabilities

=<40% 38.43% 36.86% 18.78% 25.27% 27.51% 24.87% 23.36% 22.55% 20.88% 16.30% 12.10%

Council will achieve an

Asset Renewal ratio of 1

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

The following table highlights the outcomes, strategies and key actions of the adopted Financial

That Council is able to

meet current and future

expenditure as it falls

due and also have the

foreseeable changes and

without significantly

changing revenue and

expenditure policies.

That Council achieve an

underlying surplus in the

excluding non-recurrent

contributions and non

Council’s liquidity ratio

is equal to or greater

That the cash position

be sufficient to fund

daily cash requirements

opportunities for funding

of new acquisitions and

Council’s self-financing

ratio is equal to or

That Council continue to

That Council pursues

recurrent grant funding

aligned with Council

That Council procure

goods and services in

accordance with Council

Procurement Policy and

That Council continue to

based and incremental

able to be serviced and

provide services for

That Council retains its

debt servicing ratio at or

below 5% over the life

That Council retains its

debt commitment ratio

at or below 10% over

the life of this FP.

That Council retains its

indebtedness ratio at or

below 40% over the life

That Council’s liquidity

ratio is equal to or

borrowings are to be

used to fund capital

investments where the

community benefits are

long term and there is a

financial return to meet

That Council set aside

sufficient funds in a

reserve to repay any

interest only debt in line

Repayment Reserve for

Interest Only Debt –

Provide a reasonable

degree of consistency,

equity and stability in

the level of the rates

burden and user fees

The Revenue and Rating

Plan provides adequate

underlying surplus in the

excluding non-recurrent

That Council retains

That Council retains the

rating structure of eight

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

contributions and non

The Revenue and Rating

Plan provides adequate

Council’s liquidity ratio

is equal to or greater

The Revenue and Rating

Plan provides adequate

funds to fund capital

works and reduce the

Asset Renewal Gap over

Council’s Asset Plan.

differential rates and

legislative requirements.

That Council review its

annually to ensure an

equitable contribution

That Council benchmark

its discretionary user

fees and charges with

Councils biennially to

ensure comparability to

its benchmark partners.

Assets will be fit for

purpose to provide the

desired level of service

That Council have a 10

program in accordance

ensure that adequate

and affordable provision

is made for the creation

of new assets and the

endeavor to achieve an

Asset Sustainability

Ratio of 1.0 by 2034.

update its Asset Plan for

all asset classes with a

focus on ensuring that

public assets are fit for

purpose and provide the

required level of service

Capital works proposals

must have a business

case which includes a

life cycle costing and

meet the objectives of

triennially on all asset

sufficient surpluses from

operations to continue

to provide the existing

level of services and

Council continues to

community to determine

that the desired service

levels will be achieved

including a combination

of revenue raising and

the rationalisation and

That Council annually

determines the range

and level of services

provided through the

annual budget process

financial capability.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

SSUMPTIONS TO THE

This section presents information in regard to the assumptions to the Comprehensive Income

Statement for the 10 years from 2024/25 to 2033/34.

The table below outlines the annual escalations for the 10 year period for each income and

expenditure line item contained in the Comprehensive Income Statement.

24/25 25/26 26/27 27/28 28/29 29/30 30/31 31/32 32/33 33/34

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

0.75 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

$850K 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

Statutory Fees &

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

Grants - Operating

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

Grants - Operating

Once off payment or payments. Forecast with no increase.

Grants – Capital

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

Grants – Capital

Once off payment or payments. Forecast with no increase.

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

Contributions –

3,057 3,133 3,212 3,292 3,374 3,459 3,545 3,634 3,725 3,818

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

Forecast with no increase.

Rates are reviewed annually and are based on straight line method.

4.5% 3.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

2.75% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

3 FINANCIAL PLAN STATEMENTS

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

4 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The following table highlights Council’s projected performance across a range of key performance

indicators. These indicators provide an analysis of Councils’ 10 year financial projections and should

be interpreted in the context of the organisations objectives and financial management principles.

Analysis within the FP will be based on the financial indicators that the Victorian Auditor General’s

Office (VAGO) uses to ensure Local Government remains financially sustainable. These indicators

Underlying result

Council generates enough revenue to cover operating costs and

Council has sufficient working capital to meet short-term commitments

Council generates sufficient operating cash flows to invest in asset

renewal and repay debt it may have incurred in the past

Council is not overly reliant on debt to fund capital programs

Capital replacement

Council has been replacing assets at a rate consistent with their

Council has been maintaining existing assets at a consistent rate

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Less than 10% More than 60%

1.0 to 1.5 10% to 20% 40% to 60%

20% or more 40% or less More than 1.5 More than 1.0

For the financial year 2024/25, the Victorian State Government announced a rate increase of

Adjusted Underlying Surplus is forecasted to be negative from 2024/25 to 2033/34. This has

been impacted by 10 years of rate capping, the compounded impact of a zero rate increase

in 2020/21 and increases in depreciation expense because of increase costs of infrastructure

assets. A negative result indicates Council is generating an insufficient surplus to fund

operations. Future Councils will need to make decisions to address this risk including the

reduction of services.

From the financial year 2025/26 to 2028/29 the Liquidity Ratio is under 1 due to the impact

of 10 years of rate capping, the compounded impact of a zero rate increase in 2020/21, and

the recognition of State Government Funding Vehicle principle loan repayment in 2025/26.

Future Councils will need to review and asses the Liquidity Ratio and make decisions to

address the risk level including, reducing services, revising capital expenditure or taking up

additional borrowings considering Council’s Indebtedness Risk Ratio trending low over the

term of this Financial Plan.

Our Loan Indebtedness Ratio is in the Low Risk category over the period of the 10 year

Capital Expenditure is maintained at a reasonable level, greater than $50 million over the

period of the 10 year financial plan.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

5 STRATEGIES AND PLANS

5.1.1 Rate Capping

In 2015, the Victorian Government established the Fair Go Rates System resulting in the

introduction in 2016/2017 of a rate cap, which limits the amount Councils can increase rates in a

The Minister for Local Government sets the average rate cap (ARC) based on the forecast change in

the consumer price index (CPI) over the related financial year as published by the Department of

Treasury and Finance (DTF) in December, plus or minus any adjustments. Councils can seek

approval to raise an increase above this figure through a variation with the Essential Services

Local Government Act 1989

outlines that the rating system provides a “Reasonable degree of

stability in the level of the rates burden”, and that it is developed in a context of a public finance

methodology, which includes principles of equity, benefit, efficiency and community resource

The Act requires Council to develop a Revenue and Rating Plan every four financial years that

meets the above objectives.

On 22 December 2023, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon Melissa Horne MP, advised an

annual rate for the 2024/25 financial year of 2.75 per cent. Councils can seek approval to raise an

increase above this figure through a variation with the Essential Services Commission. Brimbank

City Council has decided not to apply for a variation to the 2024/25 rate cap.

The forecast rate movements in total rate revenue over the next 10 years will be capped at the

percentage increase consistent with CPI and the rate cap as announced by the Minister in

Any unforeseen situations that may arise will be dealt with via the Annual Budget review.

5.1.2 Rating Structure

Council developed a Revenue and Rating Plan in 2020/2021 as part of the budget process. The

Act provides a Council must adopt a Revenue and Rating Plan for a period of at least four financial

years by the 30 June after a general election.

The Revenue and Rating Plan is a requirement under the

Local Government Act 2020

year ‘block’ period starting on 30 June in the year after each general election. It provides a

medium-term plan for how Council will generate income to deliver on the Council Plan, program

and services and capital works commitments over a 4-year period. It defines the revenue and

rating ‘envelope’ within which Council propose to operate.

It incorporates the consideration of:

How revenue will be generated through rates on properties (including differential rates on

different property classes)

Fixed service charges that apply on services such as waste or recycling

Fees and charges for services and programs – including pricing policies

Developer contributions and other revenue

Revenue generated from use or allocation of Council assets (including the application of

discounts and waivers)

Recurrent and non-recurrent operational and capital grants from other levels of

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Type of differentials and the rate multiplier:

Type of Property

Commercial/Industrial

Residential Flats/Units

Commercial/Industrial Vacant Land

Culture Recreation Land

When determining what valuation to use when calculating rates Council uses the Capital Improved

Value. Council is provided property valuations by the Valuer-General annually as required by

Valuation of Land Act 1960

. These ensure the value we place on each property is up-to-date

and reflects its current market value.

5.1.3 Rates and Charges

Rates and Charges revenue is an integral part of the Council’s revenue base, the value of which is

determined through Council’s desire to achieve the strategies articulated in its various adopted

General Rates and Charges currently comprise approximately 73% of total operating revenue, and

this is projected to remain constant throughout the plan period; however it would be desirable to

reduce this strong dependence on rate income.

Rate increases in the FP are projected at the percentage increase consistent with CPI and the rate

cap as announced by the Minister in December 2023 which currently is 2.75 per cent.

There are no projections that Council will apply for a variation to the rate cap at this stage,

however, if Council decides to proceed with projects that are outside the FP then a variation to the

rate cap will need to be considered as a potential funding source.

The graph below provides details of rates revenue increases from 2014/15 to 2024/25 and

proposed rates and charges revenue increases for the next 10 years.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

5.1.4 Municipal Charge

The Municipal Charge, raised in accordance with Section 159 of the

Local Government Act 1989

applied to each rateable property to allow Council to recover part of its administrative cost.

Legislation requires that this amount cannot exceed 20% of the total rates raised (including rates

and municipal charge).

In 2024/25 the Council municipal charge is anticipated to be at 4.60% of total rates revenue.

Administrative costs including finance, asset management, information systems, corporate records,

human resources and governance will be supported by this income.

5.1.5 Public Amenities Cleansing Levy

The Waste Management Levy applies to all rateable occupancies to ensure that all rateable

occupancies fairly contribute to the cost of street sweeping, waste and rubbish collection and

disposal from public places. From 2025/26 Council will examine ways to incorporate this levy as

part of General Rates to comply with the Local Government Service Rates and Charges Ministers

Good Practice Guidelines.

5.1.6 Environmental Service Charge

Environmental Service Charges directly funds the collection and disposal of household waste and

recyclables. All residential, residential flats/units and retirement village units will incur a 140 litre

Environmental Charge for the provision of a domestic garbage bin and recycling service, including

non-rateable occupancies. Residents may request an 80 litre domestic garbage bin to replace this

service with Environmental Charges to be adjusted from the date that the bins are replaced.

5.1.7 Green Waste Service Charge

The Green Waste Service Charges are available to all residential, residential flat/unit and retirement

village units and directly funds the collection and disposal of green waste. Residents may request a

140 litre or 240 litre Green Waste bins.

5.1.8 Budgeted Service Charges

The budgeted charges for 2024/25 are as follows:

*No Longer available/existing clients only

Service Charge Type

Public Amenities Cleansing Levy

80 Litre Environmental Charge

140 Litre Environmental Charge

240 Litre Environmental Charge *

140 Litre Green Waste Charge

240 Litre Green Waste Charge

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

5.1.9 Pensioner Rebate

Brimbank’s rating structure also provides a pensioner rebate of $25.00. Details of the current

number of estimated growth and the forecast pensioner rebate are detailed in the following table.

24/25 25/26 26/27 27/28 28/29 29/30 30/31 31/32 32/33 33/34

71,536 72,073 72,613 73,158 73,706 74,259 74,816 75,377 75,943 76,512

16,531 16,655 16,780 16,906 17,033 17,161 17,290 17,419 17,550 17,682

413,275 416,399 419,522 422,668 425,838 429,032 432,250 435,492 438,758 442,049

In developing the FP, borrowings were identified as an important source for the capital works

program, and the cost of infrastructure should not be borne entirely by present ratepayers but be

contributed to by future generations that will also derive a benefit.

The FP has made provision for new borrowings over the next 10 years and a provision has been

made to refinance part of our existing borrowings as they come due.

5.2.1 Borrowing Assessment

The use of loan borrowings as a funding source for the budget and FP warrants careful

consideration and is best applied within a financial strategy framework where the use of loan

borrowings is governed by a set of principles which are further reinforced by a set of financial ratios

which ensure that debt levels are retained within manageable levels.

Prior to undertaking any borrowings, Council needs to assess its repayment capacity so that the

community is not burdened with unnecessary risk.

The basis for determining the utilisation of loan borrowings is as follows:

Renewal, replacement or new infrastructure to meet specific needs agreed to by the Council

Meet the Brimbank Council Plan strategic objectives

All loan borrowings are able to be adequately serviced over the life of the loan

The term of any loan will not exceed the expected life of the asset being funded

All loan borrowings will be in accordance with Section 101 of the Act;

Growth rate in the municipality or changing demographics;

In determining the amount of loan borrowings, Council will also consider any financial

effects placed upon future generations

Generate financial return to meet repayments.

5.2.2 Current Debt Position

The total amount borrowed as at 30 June 2023 is $88.26 million.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

5.2.3 Future Borrowing Requirements

The following table provides details of debt over the life of the FP.

Future borrowings can be considered to fund the increasing capital works program of which the cost

would be borne across current and future generations.

The following ratios are to be used in determining the amount of borrowings.

Debt servicing ratio

Debt servicing cost to total revenue

Debt commitment ratio

Debt servicing cost and redemption cost to rate revenue

Debt exposure ratio

Total indebtedness to total realisable assets

Indebtedness ratio

Net operating cash flows to underlying revenue (Council is not overly

reliant on debt to fund capital programs)

Debt servicing ratio

Debt servicing cost/total revenue

This ratio expresses the amount of interest paid as a percentage of Council’s total revenue.

Debt commitment ratio

Debt servicing cost and redemption cost/rate revenue

This ratio expresses the percentage of rate revenue utilised to pay interest and redeem debt

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Debt exposure ratio

Total indebtedness/total realisable assets

This ratio enables assessment of Council’s solvency and exposure to debt. The total indebtedness

refers to the total liabilities of Council. Total liabilities are compared to total realisable assets which

are all Council assets not subject to any restriction and are able to be realised. The ratio expresses

the percentage of total liabilities for each dollar of realisable assets.

Indebtedness ratio

Non-current liabilities/underlying revenue

This ratio provides comparison of non-current liabilities (mainly loans) to own source revenue. The

higher the percentage, the less able to cover non-current liabilities from the revenues Council

Refer to Section 4 for details of the loan borrowing financial indicators.

5.3.1 Current Reserves

5.3.1.1 Public Open Space Fund Reserve

This reserve services funds from developer contributions collected through Council’s planning

scheme. The funds held in the reserve will be utilised through infrastructure works for the identified

5.3.1.2 Developer Contributions Plan – Brimbank and Sunshine Reserve

This reserve is set up to cater for contributions from developers within the municipality.

5.3.1.3 Asset Revaluation

Council measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value where required or permitted by

Australian Accounting Standards, AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement. Where assets are revalued, the

revaluation increments are credited directly to the Asset Revaluation Reserve except to the extent

that an increment reverses a prior year decrement for that class of asset that had been recognised

5.3.1.4 Loan Repayment

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 May 2014, Council resolved to participate in the Municipal

Association of Victoria Debt Procurement Project for interest only debt. In order to repay the

principal at maturity date Council has established a loan repayment reserve for interest only debt.

There will be allocations of set amounts of funds each year to this reserve.

5.3.1.5 Major Capital Works Projects

This reserve has been opened to provide a source of funding for major capital works projects to

ensure ageing and out of date, vital infrastructure continues to improve the lives and futures of

community members. Inflows are by Council Resolution from sale of Council land Surplus funds.

5.3.2 Reserve Usage Projections

The following table outlines the 10 year projection of each reserve fund.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Management of Council’s infrastructure assets is an essential component of Council’s FP as it

provides an indicator of the necessary financial commitment required to adequately sustain

Council’s asset base to an agreed standard over the long term.

This level of investment goes towards the day to day maintenance and operations of the assets as

well as large scale capital investments such as building new assets and replacing old ones.

5.4.1 Infrastructure Assets

Council has an estimated net book value of $2.7 billion of infrastructure assets which have built up

progressively over the last 50-60 years. Some of these assets are approaching the end of their

useful life and will need considerable capital investment to ensure their continued service.

The following table provides details of Council’s infrastructure assets and their net book values as

Current Net Book Value

Percentage of Total Value

Bridges and culverts

Footpaths & Cycle ways

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Current Net Book Value

Percentage of Total Value

Park Open Space/Playground equipment

Computers and Telecoms

Plant, machinery and equipment

Furniture & fittings

Leasehold improvements

The specific details of these major asset categories are:

Complete inventory listing of Council owned buildings, including community centres,

childcare centres, municipal offices, libraries, leisure centres, pavilions, public toilets,

sheds, gazebos and animal pounds.

Complete inventory listing in hectares of council owned land including access ways,

vacant land, parks and reserves.

Complete inventory listing of Council owned bridges and major culverts. Some of these

assets may have a shared responsibility with other relevant authorities.

Complete inventory listing in kilometers of Council owned drainage pipes.

Compete inventory listing in units of Council owned drainage pits including all GPT’s and

Complete inventory listing in kilometres of Council owned footpath assets.

Complete inventory listing in kilometers of Council owned road pavement including all

surface pavement types, sealed and unsealed roads.

5.4.2 Asset Renewal

Asset renewal (Asset renewal gap) is the estimated funding shortfall in meeting the need to renew

assets over time. The Asset renewal gap exists due to Council’s inability to fund asset replacement

when assets reach the end of their service life.

Preliminary details of the Asset renewal gap is as follows:

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

$14.0M $11.2M $11.3M $9.6M

FY 2024/25 FY 2025/26 FY 2026/27 FY 2027/28 FY 2028/29 FY 2029/30 FY 2030/31 FY 2031/32 FY 2032/33 FY 2033/34

Asset Renewal Gap ($M)

Sustainability Index

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Council’s budgets over the last few years reflected a strong focus on improving the amenity,

liveability, social connectedness and governance of the municipality, both practical and strategic.

Past budgets have invested significantly in accelerating these outcomes and have successfully

established all services on the ground.

Council has also made significant advances in the planning and delivery of district based community

facilities, creating a network of public infrastructure, community facilities and services that deliver

on the district based approach.

5.5.1 Operating Expenditure/Revenue

The 2024/25 budgeted operating expenses and revenue budget are $265.1 million and $263.3

million respectively. Council’s provision of services includes:

Children, youth and family services;

Leisure, cultural and community strengthening;

Roads, footpaths, drains and building maintenance;

Parks and open space;

Waste and recycling;

Environmental health and immunisation;

Planning and building services;

Community regulations; and

Ageing and inclusion.

5.6.1 Population

The population forecasts indicate that the population will increase over the next 10 years. The

salient statistics are:

The population of Brimbank will be 202,413 in 2024;

It will increase by 7,981 to 210,394 by 2029; and

It will increase by a further 8,158 to 218,552 by 2034.

The total population increase for the period 2024 to 2034 is expected to be 16,139.

Figures 1 and 2 below show the changes in the service age groups every five years. The major

An increase in the number of residents in the 5 to 11 years age group between 2031 to

An increase in the number of residents in the 25 to 34 years age group between 2031 to

An increase in the number of residents in the 70 to 84 years age group between 2026 to

Figure 1. Number of residents in each age group at 2026, 2031, 2036 and 2041.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Figure 2. Change on number of residents in each service age group every five years.

(Data exported from the .id Consulting website http://forecast.id.com.au/brimbank on 12 March 2024).

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

5.6.2 Private Dwellings

The below outlines the forecasted increase in private dwellings from 2024 to 2034.

(Data exported from the .id Consulting website http://forecast.id.com.au/brimbank on 12 March 2024).

Based on the forecast population growth being relatively stable and changing demographics, it is

assumed that the range of service delivery will change over the life of the FP and will operate within

Council’s current operating expenditure. Overall, the growth will be serviced in line with Council’s

continuous improvement, innovation and efficiency. The service level will be reviewed annually

through the annual budget process.

Population changes and household formation rates in Brimbank may change, particularly due to

external factors including migration rates and economic conditions. The take-up of new forms of

higher density housing may also increase over the period of the FP. The population forecasts

applied as part of the FP will be regularly reviewed, along with building construction data and other

measures of population change.

The process of urban renewal in Brimbank will see a progressive changeover of some former

industrial land to residential, commercial or mixed-uses. Following environmental investigations

and the rezoning process, the redevelopment of these ‘brownfield’ sites will result in a change of

land uses and the subdivision of land. Areas in Deer Park, St Albans and Sunshine are likely to be

the focus for this change.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

VICTORIA CITY COUNCIL

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Acknowledgement of Country

Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples as the

Traditional Custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and future.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Mayor’s Introduction

1. Link to the Council Plan

2. Services and service performance indicators

3. Financial statements

4. Notes to the financial statements

5. Financial Performance Indicators

6 Fees and charges schedule

A Capital works details

B Road Rehabilitation Program

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Deliver capacity building programs to support youth mental health, such as youth mental health first aid training and

partnerships with other services and various programs.

Provide community education sessions with kindergartens, playgroups and other community groups about identification and

early intervention for families and individuals who may be facing family violence.

Deliver environmental programs with community such as My Smart Garden program and community planting events.

Provide tailored services, forge partnerships and role model opportunities to support Brimbank residents to access jobs and

skills, including for young job seekers and young entrepreneurs.

Mayor’s Introduction

Our 2024-2025 budget delivers the commitments made in our Council Plan, Together We are Brimbank 2021-2025, whilst

sustainably balancing the very core responsibilities of council including more funding for services and better infrastructure. It

represents our collective progress towards realising our community aspirations and vision for ‘a transformed Brimbank that is

beautiful, thriving, healthy and connected’ to help build a better Brimbank for us all.

Financial sustainability is at the forefront of our planning, particularly as we face ever increasing uncertainty through external

challenges such as climate emergency, an increasing cost of living, ageing infrastructure and landfill levies. The State

government rate cap poses significant challenges to Council as it is set at 2.75%, well below CPI.

Brimbank City Council will continue to advocate to the State and Federal Governments for increased funding support to ensure

we can continue to provide the infrastructure and services our community need.

We are committed to listening and responding to our community. This Draft Budget and Council Plan Action Plan have been

informed by a deliberative community engagement process undertaken in November/December 2023 through online and in

person workshops and in April/May 2024 through pop-ups and the Councils YourSay page. Through this process, 210

individuals provided insights about the community priorities of:

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Families, Women and Children

People with additional needs/ and or who are at risk

Leisure and Sport infrastructure

Greening and Beautification

Climate and Conservation

Employment and Education

And they told us that these priorities are still very much relevant to our community. Community Voice Panel members confirmed

that Public Realm, Roads and Footpaths are of upmost importance to them, whilst Climate and Conservation were highest

priorities for young people.

In 2024/2025 Council will invest $263.3 million into operations. Our operational budget funds 76 diverse services ranging from

arts and culture and maternal and child health, to statutory planning and urban design. Next year we will spend $25.5 million on

waste services, $14.8 million on parks services and $8.6 million on libraries. As we look to the future we continue to seek

operational efficiencies to deliver best value and service outcomes for our community.

The Draft Annual Budget and Council Plan Action Plan includes key initiatives that respond to community priorities, strengthen

community connections, support health and wellbeing and contribute to the overall liveability of our city. Examples of key

initiatives to be delivered through our operational budget and in line with priorities identified by our community include:

An investment of $58.7 million will be made into the capital works program in 2024/2025. Highlights include:

$27.9 million on roads and drainage upgrades

$5.2 million for playgrounds, parks and gardens

$2.1 million on walking and cycling paths to connect our city

$18.8 million on improvements to community facilities including sports and early learning facilities

$0.9 million on assets including $825,000 for library books; and

$3.8 million for the cyclical replacement of plant and vehicle fleet.

Our budget strives to focus spending in the right areas, whilst delivering on our plans to support well-being, improve our city, and

collaborate with all levels of government to build a better future for the Brimbank community.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors and the organisation, I commend the Draft 2024/2025 budget to the community.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Snapshot of Brimbank City Council

Transforming Brimbank

The Budget is influenced by a range of factors, including the following:

• demographic profile, population needs and trends

• use and development of land

• the state of the local economy

• federal and state policy and legislative requirements

Brimbank is a vibrant, growing community in the heart of Melbourne’s west, that borders the Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong,

Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham municipalities. Located between 12 and 23 kilometres west and north-west of the

Melbourne CBD and covers an area of 123 square kilometres.

The land that Brimbank now occupies has a human history that began with Aboriginal traditional custodians, the Kulin

Nation, including the Wurundjeri, Bunurong and Boon Wurrung peoples, more than 40,000 years before European

settlement. The area was originally occupied by the KurungJang-Balluk and Marin-Balluk clans of the native Wurundjeri

people. For the Traditional Owners, the lands in the City of Brimbank have always been a significant trading and meeting

place. We recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continuing spiritual connection to the land and

renew our commitment to respect Indigenous beliefs, values and customs, as together we build a cohesive future.

There is a strong acceptance of cultural diversity by Brimbank’s residents. Faith and religion factor strongly in the lives of

many, with seven out of 10 residents indicating a religious affiliation. The changing migration patterns have led to increases

in residents who affiliate with non-Christian religions.

The population of Melbourne’s Western Metropolitan Region is growing rapidly, with Brimbank positioned to be at the very

heart of its future expansion. While the Western Metropolitan Region currently has a population of approximately 964,000,

by 2051 this is projected to rise to 1.75 million most of which will occur in the growth areas directly to the west and north of

The challenges of shifting demographics, government policy and service model reforms, ensuring social equity and access

in a constrained fiscal environment are transforming the way in which services and infrastructure are funded and delivered

to meet future needs.

Brimbank and Melbourne’s West is about to see billions of dollars of development and infrastructure being delivered over

the coming decades in a way that will transform our city. The majority of investment and transformational change is planned

to occur on the Sunshine Precinct, which may have up to 43,000 additional residents and an additional 29,000 jobs created

The Transforming Brimbank program aims to leverage this investment to deliver meaningful and generational change for our

community. Brimbank aims to do this by working closely with key stakeholders as well as the community, to ensure that all

investment will direct towards people and places and not just projects.

Climate change is an immediate, real, and all-encompassing threat. An appropriate science-based, coordinated public policy

response is the only responsible course of action. Council’s declaration of a climate emergency is a bold but necessary

action that sees ‘socially just’ climate action as a necessity, to be undertaken at scale and speed.

In Brimbank, health, equity, energy, infrastructure, the natural environment, and the material economy are the core areas

that will be affected by climate change, and by the responsive transition to the new economy.

Brimbank’s social, economic and cultural diversity means it needs to prioritise the needs of many different cultures and

lifestyles in the community.

Council recognises the need to work towards addressing the many complex issues that arise from systemic disadvantage

and has formed many multi-agency partnerships to support our work.

Brimbank Council Meeting No. 634 - 18 June 2024

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Legislative changes have and will continue to have an impact on the operating costs for many Council services, such as

Parks Services increased compliance relating to traffic management planning accreditation and provision having a

$250,000 per annum impact on service cost.

As funding from the Federal and State Governments either lessens or remains the same, the 'gap' between the true cost

of running Council services and the level of subsidy continues to grow. Recurrent Grant revenue as a proportion of total

revenue is budgeted to decrease from 10.38% in 2023/2024 to 9.99% in 2024/2025.

The Fire Services Property Levy is a State Government levy, which is collected by Council on behalf of the State

The preparation of the Draft Annual Budget 2024/2025 has been influenced by the following external factors: