General News
18 December, 2023
Feedback invited on council budget
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting residents to have their say on the coming budget for 2024-2025, outlining how the organisation will fund the delivery of more than 100 community services. These services include roads, bridges, drains, open...
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting residents to have their say on the coming budget for 2024-2025, outlining how the organisation will fund the delivery of more than 100 community services.
These services include roads, bridges, drains, open space, waste and recycling, animal management, maternal and child health, aged services, early education, emergency relief and recovery, as well as other key projects.
Council is inviting the community to consider how they would prioritise spending by using an online budgeting allocation tool.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s executive manager of corporate services, Carolyn Ross, said community input is vital to creating a well-rounded budget.
“Mount Alexander Shire residents are very knowledgeable about what is most wanted and needed in the community,” she said.
“As a small regional council, we always manage to do a lot with a tight budget, but the rising cost of living is making that more and more difficult.
“We’re committed to delivering the same quality services that we always do on a much tighter budget.
“This is where we need our community’s help.
“We have very passionate and engaged residents, and their input is always taken into account when creating a new budget.”
Previous feedback on council budgets has resulted in funding several projects across the shire, including the gender-neutral change rooms at Camp Reserve and Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve; and projects to support community organisations such as Business Mount Alexander, Maldon Inc., Castlemaine Safe Space and Castlemaine Fringe Festival.
Ms Ross encouraged residents to have their say.
“This is a fantastic exercise because it gives us a valuable look into what council services our community values,” she said.
“It also gives our community insight into the work and decision-making that goes into the budget each year.
“I encourage everyone to visit our online engagement platform, Shape Mount Alexander, and tell us how they think we should prioritise spending over the next 12 months.”
Residents can provide feedback by heading online to www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/2024-2025-budget/how-would-you-spend-your-rates, emailing info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or via post to 2024/2025 Draft Budget, PO Box 185, Castlemaine VIC 3450.
Submissions close on Sunday, February 4.