Boroondara's Council Plan 2010–15 and Budget 2010–11 have now been adopted and will guide how we deliver services and maintain and develop infrastructure over the next five years.

Under this plan, Council has committed to the following four key directions: strengthening communities, enhancing the environment, ensuring liveability and amenity, and providing facilities and assets.

Mayor of Boroondara, Councillor Jack Wegman said the vision is to create a vibrant, liveable city.

'We will develop our arts and culture services, sustain our environment, support our economic development and ensure the wellbeing and safety of our community,' Cr Wegman said.

'We have already undertaken major community consultation on the redevelopment of the Hawthorn Leisure & Aquatic Centre and on the design of both the Camberwell Library and the Hawthorn Town Hall Arts Precinct.

'What the community will see this year from the Council Plan are the projects proceeding to the architectural design stages.'

Last year's budget committed Council to a $200 million investment program over the coming years. In the year ahead this commitment will be turned into reality for the following projects, by:

• Further renovations to Kew Court House in preparation for it opening as a community cultural centre in 2011.
• An extension to Kew Recreation Centre to cater for increased demand, for a gymnasium, expanded crèche and outdoor play area. Construction is estimated to begin in October 2010.
• Turning the old Camberwell Library into an innovative, high-tech, new facility. Construction is due to begin in March 2011.
• Reducing Council's greenhouse gas emissions through the Ashburton Community Precinct Cogeneration Project.
• Commencing the switch to environmentally-friendly street lighting. It will ultimately cut Council's electricity costs by almost 30 per cent per year and significantly reduce the community's carbon emissions.
• Creating a multi-purpose community facility next to the Hawthorn Library, as part of the larger Hawthorn Library Precinct Project.
• Designing the replacement of the current facility with a new Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre.
• Converting the Hawthorn Town Hall into a new heritage-inspired arts and cultural space – the Hawthorn Town Hall Arts Precinct. Construction is due to begin in early 2012.

Copies of the Council Plan and Budget are available at Council customer service centres, libraries and on Council's website.