Zero. Zilch. Zip. That is council’s planned spend next financial year on projects located in Lakeside Ward. Not overlooked. Not delayed. Simply ignored.
Under the relatively new ward structure, Lakeside takes in St Kilda Road and the northern parts of St Kilda. It is home to nearly 8,000 residents and many ratepaying businesses along St Kilda Road. This is not a fringe pocket of the municipality. It is a significant part of it.
For years, many St Kilda Road residents have felt like the forgotten sibling when council funding is carved up. This budget does not just reinforce that view. It all but confirms it. Council cannot keep banking rates from St Kilda Road, the Junction and the Fitzroy Street end of the ward while sending the clear message that this part of Port Phillip can wait.
The contrast is especially stark in the 3004 stretch of St Kilda Road, where one side falls within the City of Melbourne and the other within Port Phillip. Rates are reportedly lower on one side of the street – no guesses as too which side. Futher along St Kilda Road past the junction in 3182 territory, too often the street looks neglected, tired and tagged over. Residents should not have to accept that as normal – it’s our gateway leading up to the Town Hall.
Then there is the farce of level-access tram stops on St Kilda Road south of the Junction, but no low-floor trams to match. Worse still, St Kilda Junction itself remains without a level-access stop. For a city that talks endlessly about accessibility, that is not good enough.
No wonder Lakeside Ward councillor Bryan Mears voted against the draft budget. On this showing, his ward has every reason to feel short-changed.
Cr Mears, the floor is yours.
Greg Day, TWiSK producer is a wheelchair user and Lakeside resident.
