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
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.
The Council Plan is the primary vision and goal-setting document for Council.
Work is currently underway on the development of a new Council Plan, Community Vision and Financial Plan.
Your community vision
We would like to thank residents who registered to be a part of the recent Community Vision Assembly.
Selected by an independent consultant, the Assembly members represent the broad demographics of the community. The Community Vision Assembly met five times during March and April, with sessions run by professional and independent facilitators.
The Assembly’s task was to carefully discuss and consider the big issues and explore opportunities for our future.
These discussions will form the foundation of a 10-year community vision for what life could look like in the shire in 2031.
Members provided recommendations and feedback for how we can achieve this through various Council plans and strategies. The recommendations will be incorporated into the Community Vision, Council Plan and Financial Plan before soon being shared with residents for further feedback and comment.