Politics
Moonee Ponds Community Services Referendum Targets Local Support Programs
Voters face a September ballot measure that would direct an estimated 1.8 million dollars from a new property levy into expanded resident services at four neighbourhood centres.
How we reported this
The Community Services Funding Referendum asks Moonee Ponds residents to approve a three-year property levy increase of 0.4 percent. Passage would generate dedicated revenue for meals-on-wheels expansion, youth counselling slots and senior transport vouchers administered by the municipal council.
Local government last adjusted the community services budget in the 2023 estimates, when allocations totalled 4.2 million dollars. Rising demand for after-school care and home support has outpaced that figure, according to council service records released in June. The referendum therefore arrives as the council prepares its 2027 operating plan.
Direct effects on households
An average residential property valued at 650000 dollars would face an extra 48 dollars in annual rates if the measure passes. In return the council projects 120 additional weekly meal deliveries and 45 new counselling appointments each month at the Ponds Road and Ascot Vale Road centres. Families with children under 12 could also access 30 new after-school places funded through the levy.
Policy analysts note that the levy revenue would remain ring-fenced under the proposed ordinance, preventing transfer to road maintenance or administrative overhead. Residents who already receive council home-care packages would see no change to existing fees, while new applicants would face a shorter wait list once the extra staff positions are filled.
Implementation timeline
Ballot papers will reach registered voters by 12 August. If approved, the levy begins collection on 1 January 2027 and the first new service contracts are scheduled for signing in February. Council staff have stated that quarterly performance reports will be published on the municipal website beginning in April 2027.
Turnout in the last municipal referendum reached 41 percent. Election officials have scheduled three information sessions at the Moonee Ponds library on 22, 25 and 29 July to answer questions on levy calculations and service targets.