Upgrades to sporting facilities and $10.3 million in capital infrastructure work to roads are highlights of a $110-million Macedon Ranges Shire Council draft budget.
To account for rising service costs, council is proposing increases to rates – in line with the state-wide rate cap of 3.5 per cent – charges for kerbside collection, and fees at resource recovery facilities and transfer stations.
In a bid to soften cost pressures where practical, council is inviting feedback on a potential alternative user-pays model for green waste at transfer stations to introduce a charge of about $5 per cubic metre, reducing the proposed kerbside collection charge for those with a four-bin service.
Residents are invited to suggest feedback on both the budget and updated council plan, which were approved by councillors at their April meeting.
The 2023-24 budget will involve the council continuing nearly 100 services and include almost 40 new initiatives to enhance the growing shire.
In partnership with the state and federal government, almost $730,000 will be allocated to key sporting upgrades including lighting upgrades at the Riddell’s Creek Recreation Reserve and New Gisborne tennis courts, and netball facilities at Kyneton Showgrounds Reserve.
Council will also dedicate $20,000 to Lancefield Kindergarten and Maternal Child Service, which will attract up to $3 million of State Government funding with an aim to open by early 2024.
Roads set for improvements include Murphy Street in Romsey and the Darraweit-Bolinda Road intersection in Darraweit Guim.
The updated council plan focuses on the development of an updated Reconciliation Action Plan, Climate Emergency Response Plan – Cool-ER Changes, and a new Waste Education Action Plan.
Mayor Annette Death encouraged residents to read the draft documents to better understand council’s reasoning, which would allow them to give informed feedback.
“Everyone – council included – is facing cost pressures at the moment, but our focus continues to be on delivering our priority projects and various services to a high standard for the benefit of our residents and visitors to the shire,” she said.
“From the regular services such as road maintenance and waste collection, to longer-term strategic initiatives, council delivers so many important services to the community and we value hearing what matters most to you.”
Chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said council was mindful on the impacts of nation-wide challenges and how to best navigate effects on services delivered.
“These draft documents are the result of hours upon hours of hard work and consideration by our council staff and councillors, whose goal is to balance the needs of the community with a sustainable budget,” he said.
“Alongside current priorities, council will continue to advocate for funding to support priority projects and tourism opportunities that make the Macedon Ranges a special place to live, work and visit.”
Submissions on the draft documents are accepted until May 19, with council to make its final decision at its May 28 meeting.
People who provide a formal submission will also be invited to present on their feedback in person to council at a submitters delegated committee meeting at 7pm on May 31.
For more information and to have a say, visit a customer service centre to view a printed copy of the draft documents, or online at .
Written submissions on the draft documents can be sent to PO Box, Kyneton VIC 3444 or emailed to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au.