UPDATE: Hume Council has just taken a significant step towards addressing funding inequalities across its suburbs. During the council meeting on October 13, 2023, Cr Sam Misho proposed the establishment of a Local Amenity Fund, aiming to allocate 10 percent of annual rates revenue by ward specifically for local programs.
This urgent initiative comes in response to a newly released report detailing funding distributions among Hume suburbs. The document highlighted disparities in capital works and operational investments, revealing that allocations are often determined by council priorities rather than community needs. Cr Misho emphasized, “This is an evidence-based approach but it also means some communities may feel they are missing out when they don’t see visible investment nearby.”
The Local Amenity Fund will specifically target suburbs such as Roxburgh Park and Meadow Heights, which have experienced minimal investment in recent years. Cr Misho noted that while suburbs like Broadmeadows and Sunbury are receiving significant funding due to population growth, others are left behind. For instance, Meadow Heights residents, numbering nearly 15,000, will contribute about $25 million in rates over the next four years, yet only $2.8 million is planned for capital works.
The proposed fund is designed to finance small but impactful projects that residents can see and use daily, including improvements to street parking, public toilets, zebra crossings, and footpaths. “We’ll retain 10 percent of the rates revenue raised in each suburb to fund these necessary works,” Cr Misho stated. This approach aims to directly address residents’ concerns about the visibility of investment in their communities.
Council will discuss the Local Amenity Fund further during its upcoming budget planning weekend, indicating swift action on this critical issue. The initiative has the potential to reshape community investment strategies, ensuring that all Hume suburbs receive equitable funding and attention.
As discussions continue, residents are encouraged to engage with their council representatives to express their needs and priorities. The urgency of this proposal highlights the need for immediate action to foster a sense of community and equality across all suburbs in Hume.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hume Council prepares to take action on this pressing issue.
