Last year we asked you for your 'big ideas' – now see what we are planning to deliver in our 2019/20 draft budget.
Many of the big ideas submitted by the community centred around improvements to walking and cycling networks in the shire, and environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Several of the ideas Council has funded in the draft budget include an upgrade of the Bullengarook to Gisborne walking track, planning work for a megafauna centre in Lancefield, increased spending on footpaths and a 'wash against waste' trailer to allow reuse of crockery and cutlery at community events. Other big ideas related to activities Council is already delivering, or items which will require further planning and investigation for future budgets.
This year's draft budget provides more than $80 million towards delivering services and projects to local communities and proposes a rate increase within the imposed 2.5 per cent rate cap.
Waste charges are separate from rates and exempt from the rates cap and cover Council collection of kerbside garbage, recycling and green waste. Council's waste charge will increase slightly (3%), mainly to cover the introduction of a proposed new food organic collection service.
Council has significantly increased spending on Council facilities and buildings, including major upgrades to change rooms in Dixon Field and Gardiner Reserve in Gisborne and Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon. The old piggery shed building in Kyneton's botanic gardens will be restored, and the former Maternal and Child Health Centre in Victoria Street, Macedon will be renovated and improved for a potential new Neighbourhood House.
In partnership with the Victorian Government, we'll continue to deliver on major projects such as the new Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct in New Gisborne and stage two of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park.
Around $10 million of the total budget will be spent on improving and maintaining roads and bridges in the shire, along with new footpaths and drainage works.
You are invited to have your say on the draft Budget Report 2019/20, the draft Council Plan 2017-2027 (Year 3) and draft Strategic Resource Plan 2019/20 from 30 April until 28 May 2019.
You can also view copies at Council's service centres in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend.
