Southbank a budget winner

Open space and public realm projects in Southbank have received more than $15 million in the City of Melbourne’s 2017/18 draft budget.

Released on Thursday, May 4, the draft budget provides an $11 million down payment towards stage one of the project to transform Dodds St and Southbank Boulevard into a linear park.

Stage one of the $35 million project will see works start on Dodds St in 2018, with the rest of the project to be funded over coming budgets.

The transformation of Southbank Boulevard and Dodds St will include 1.2 km of bike lanes, a new playground, public art opportunities, significant planting and improved access and activation of the Arts Precinct.

A further investment of $2.9 million has also been allocated towards public realm improvements along Southbank Promenade, while $1.7 million has been allocated in developer contributions to deliver the new Boyd Park.

Seen as a gateway to Southbank via the Flinders St underpass, businesses will also welcome the news of a $1.5 million investment to transform the southern end of Elizabeth St in the CBD.

With an underlying surplus of $1.9 million, the Lord Mayor Robert Doyle described it as a “fiscally responsible budget” with a modest rate increase of 2 per cent and no rise in on street parking fines.

The draft budget is open for public consultation until June 2. A final version will be considered by council on June 27.  To comment on the draft budget visit participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au