Queen Victoria Market advances as part of City of Melbourne's 2016-17 budget
City of Melbourne's draft 2016-17 Annual Plan and Budget was released late last week, with public submissions set to be accepted up until the Future Melbourne Committee decides upon the budget on 16 June 2016.
With total spending of $495.89 million, $399.41 million is expected to be dedicated toward programs and services, while $108.48 million is earmarked for infrastructure programs.
Council's headline project, the Queen Victoria Market, is likely to receive a further $8.45 million, in addition to the $76 million outlaid on acquiring the adjoining Munro site which forms part of the overall project.
The $250 million renewal of the Queen Victoria Market Precinct is the largest project in Council’s history: a world-class regeneration of a much-loved market that will improve the trader, customer and visitor experience.
We’re now moving from planning to project delivery and this $8.45 million will allow us to implement the Queen Victoria Market Master Plan.
We will soon release a detailed plan outlining how key renewal projects will be managed. In the initial stages, this will include upgrades to trader facilities to address safety issues and better meet trader requirements.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle
In addition to Queen Vic's redevelopment, a host of further infrastructure projects slated for the forthcoming financial year include:
- Energy efficient street light renewal: $5 million
- Major streetscape improvements and design: $4.35 million
- Urban landscapes climate adaptation (new streets and associated open spaces): $2.656 million
- Lady Huntingfield Child Care Centre Upgrade: $2.2 million
- Tree planting program (3000 trees): $1.5 million
- Bicycle Improvement Program: $1.56 million
- Green Your Laneway Pilot Project: $1.3 million
- Hawke and Adderley Street open space: $1.1 million
- Flood mitigation new works: $1 million
- Implementation of Docklands Community and Place Plan: $1 million
- Southbank Boulevard upgrading: $1 million
The Draft 2016-17 Annual Plan and Budget accommodates for population growth and according shifts in demand for council support and services.
Melbourne has changed dramatically in the last four years and population growth is one of the biggest challenges we have faced.
Last year our city experienced a 5.5 per cent increase in population growth - an additional 6800 people brought our total population to more than 129,000 people. This is the final budget of this Council and it is focused on smart and sustainable investments.
This will ensure we have a well-planned city to meet the needs of our growing community without compromising its character and liveability.
Councillor Ken Ong, Chair of the Planning portfolio
As elections will be held on Saturday, 22 October 2016 to determine Melbourne's City Council's leadership team, the Draft 2016-17 Annual Plan and Budget is the last under the current leadership regime. This final budget also concludes Council's four year vision, with an emphasis on growth, prosperity and liveability.
According to City of Melbourne, the final budget also cements the current Council’s legacy: one of a Melbourne that is a great place to work, live and visit.