Council approves a budget each financial year, detailing the amount of money allocated to projects, assets and other areas of operation within the Town.
2023/2024 Annual Budget
The Town's budget for the 2023/2024 financial year was approved at the June 20 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Read below for a message from your Mayor, Karen Vernon and find out what's in store for 2023/2024.
Hello everyone,
After the disruption of the global pandemic and the economic impacts of rising inflation since early 2022, Council has built a budget that looks to the future, whilst delivering some much-needed budget repair.
Our aim for 2023-24 is to help our community feel safer, more included and connected than ever before.
This year’s budget is built around an ambitious capital works program which will help everyone get around and improve access to public places, connecting the community, and replacing outdated facilities with modern fit-for-purpose infrastructure.
Following four years of no or minimal rate rises (and a significant rates reduction in 2020-21), Council has made the responsible decision to increase rates by an average 5.9%. In real terms, this means that the average residential ratepayer’s bill will be $64.05 more than last year, but still only $10.64 more than the average residential rates paid in 2019-20. This increase will support vital infrastructure projects while remaining below the March quarter national CPI.
We will allocate a record $9.2 million to enhancing green spaces, including improved lighting facilities for community sporting organisations at Higgins Park and Harold Rossiter Park. We’re also continuing to support the award-winning Urban Forest programs including Leafy Streets and Greening Vic Park.
We’re putting $17 million towards roads, footpaths and cycle paths helping to connect people with places they love. This means extending the Rutland Avenue Shared Path from Miller St to Bishopsgate St, improving road drainage and resurfacing and renewing streets and footpaths across the Town.
Our facilities are being upgraded too, with new technology for borrowers, an optimised layout for the Library and greater accessibility at Aqualife through the indoor 25m and hydrotherapy pools.
We are excited to be commencing works on two of our big projects: the Edward Millen Park upgrade and the redevelopment of Lathlain Park Zone 1 community sport and recreation facility.
The Town’s new Events Strategy is strongly supported, with the return of the popular Twilight concert series, a bigger and better Summer Street Party and more intimate events like Playtime in the Park, the Dogs Breakfast and the gala Business Awards, bringing people together to celebrate our community connections and achievements.
To learn more about where your money is going this financial year, I encourage you to download the budget.
Whatever the project, Council’s goal remains the same: to make the Town of Victoria Park a dynamic place for everyone, today and into the future.
2023/2024 Annual Budget at a glance
Budget Highlights Videos
Download the full Annual Budget for 2023-2024
Fees and charges and past budgets