General News
29 June, 2023
Mount Alexander Shire Council adopts budget
Mount Alexander Shire Council has adopted a $48.5 million budget for the year ahead, following community consultation and feedback. Highlights from the budget include commencement of construction of levees, graffiti management, Christmas...
Mount Alexander Shire Council has adopted a $48.5 million budget for the year ahead, following community consultation and feedback.
Highlights from the budget include commencement of construction of levees, graffiti management, Christmas celebrations and significant investment in local organisations.
Other features include $14.5 million in capital works, which will see upgrades to sports and recreation facilities, continued restoration of the former Wesleyan Church in Chewton, and replacement of bridges over Myrtle Creek and Fryers Creek.
Council is responsible for delivering more than 100 services to the community, including family and children’s services, youth programs, aged and disability care, business and economic development, community planning and development, waste management, library services, and emergency management.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s mayor, councillor Rosie Annear, said that council is proud to deliver a budget that was developed in consultation with the community.
“It’s a collaborative effort to put together the budget,” she said.
“As well as the input of councillors and council staff, we received over 100 submissions from residents during our initial community consultation, and another 40 in our second round of consultation.
“Our community told us that the shire’s sports and recreation facilities need an upgrade, so we’ve made plans to construct gender-neutral change rooms at Camp Reserve and Campbells
Creek Recreation Reserve. This will be in place at the reserve’s while we work to upgrade facilities at these sites over the next few years.
“These changes will significantly improve safety and remove barriers to participation for a lot of people, particularly women, girls and gender-diverse people.”
The budget includes an increase to average rates income of 3.5 percent, in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government. Waste charges have been increased by one percent to reflect the rising costs of waste management.
“The rates rise is difficult but necessary. We’ve spent a lot of time discussing and thinking about what is appropriate for our community, and what is financially sustainable for the organisation,” Cr Annear said.
“There’s been a significant increase in the costs of construction over the last 12 months, and council will have to do more with less which is something we need to keep in mind.
“Overall, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with this budget, considering the current economic climate.”
The 2023/2024 budget can be viewed at Castlemaine’s Civic Centre or online at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/draft-budget-2023-2024.