Council adopted its Annual Budget 2021/22 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2021-2025 at an Unscheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday 29 June.
The budget and associated documents were available for public comment throughout May and June. One hundred and fifty one submissions were received and considered by Council, with thirteen submitters speaking to Councillors directly at the Submitters Committee meeting on 16 June.
When Council considered the budget they made a number of changes, based on feedback from the community which included additional funds for a number of projects, including:
- Romsey Ecotherapy Park project
- Wyralla Reserve Stage 2 and Stage 3 project
- Gilbert Gordon Oval – New netball court
- Woodend Golf Club new building design
- Senior Citizens funding
Chief Executive Officer, Bernie O'Sullivan said the draft budget aims to strike the balance between providing essential services, maintaining service delivery and supporting our communities to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is also the first budget prepared since the introduction of the Local Government Act 2020. It incorporates four years of financial information that was previously contained in the Strategic Resource Plan and sits alongside a suite of key strategic documents that are linked to an Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework to ensure our strategies are aligned to achieve our vision," he said.
The budget includes $36.06 million in capital works projects across the shire which will provide a much-needed boost for the local economy and maintain and create jobs. Some new projects include roof works at Kyneton Museum, $5.2 million for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, new entrance landscaping for Gisborne Botanic Garden and funds towards the final stages of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park.
A rate rise of 1.5 per cent is proposed, in line with the Victorian Government's rate cap. This will support efforts to maintain critical community infrastructure while continuing to provide quality services.
Once changes have been incorporated, the final documents will be made available on Council's website.
