Infrastructure and community services will receive investment in a capital works program from the City of Melbourne.

The council’s 2012-13 budget has allowed for the program to receive $110 million for a bicycle network, storm water harvesting initiatives, refurbishment and shelter for the homeless.

According to the council, the investment in infrastructure and services will be achieved while delivering an underlying $570000 surplus.

Mayor Robert Doyle said these projects will all be delivered “without the council needing to reach into ratepayers’ pockets”.

“The bicycle plan is part of a comprehensive capital works package that will be delivered against the backdrop of a zero per cent rate rise.

Mr Doyle said the council can immediately begin work on the bicycle network, which will be a $5.6 million expansion.

Key projects will include storm water harvesting for $10.2 million; the Docklands Library and Community Centre for $4.7 million; refurbishment of Swanston Street for $6.5 million.

The Docklands Library and Community Centre will have a change in funding arrangements which will see $8 million in external funding that will be delivered directly by project partners instead of being provided to the council.

A $550000 project to install a median and plant trees in Gipps Street East Melbourne will be an addition to the draft budget.

Mr Doyle said the Gipps Street project is the result of an extensive consultation process with local residents and was supported by compelling submissions to the draft budget.

The funding to make Melbourne more inclusive for the homeless with be more that $500000.
 

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