May 3rd, 2022Capital works and recovery
Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Draft Council Plan outlines key priorities and supports the achievement of the Community Vision. It is reviewed annually and the Year Two draft highlights specific actions Council will undertake in 2022/23. It links to the draft budget for 2022/23, which aims to provide a high level of works and services to the community, while keeping rates as low as possible.
The budget will see a continuation of measures to help the community and local businesses recover from the pandemic as well as continued storm recovery and rebuild efforts.
Council’s Capital Works program headlines the budget with plans to deliver $40.17 million in capital works across the shire—a figure that represents 36 per cent of Council’s total revenue.
This Capital Works program funding will enable the continued construction of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, design and progress construction of the Macedon Ranges Shared Trails Project (Woodend to Riddells Creek), pre-planning studies for the future construction of the Daylesford to Hanging Rock Rail Trail and works to the Woodend Golf Club rooms.
The budget also allows for further work on initiatives such as a Woodend Racecourse Reserve Master Plan, the Gisborne Futures Planning Scheme Amendment, Romsey Structure Plan and an Equestrian
Facilities Plan.
In late 2021, Council offered the community an opportunity to contribute to the development of the
budget by inviting community proposals to be submitted. Many proposals were received and
provided to Councillors for consideration in developing this budget. Councillors have reviewed these proposals, along with officer proposals, to develop a balanced budget for our community.
Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson encouraged the community to review the draft budget and Council Plan (Year Two) documents and provide feedback.
“I would like to thank all staff, Councillors and the community, who have contributed to the
development of this draft budget and Council Plan Year Two action items. Please let us know your thoughts on what we are proposing”, Cr Anderson said.
“Every year the budget process becomes more complex with rising costs, an increasing population to provide services to, and additional requirements from Federal and State governments.”
“Our staff and Councillors have worked hard to improve our processes and ensure all feedback has been considered when producing Council’s 2022/23 Budget and Council Plan (Year Two)”, Cr Anderson said.
Chief Executive Officer, Bernie O’Sullivan said each year Council aimed to produce a balanced budget, where income at least equalled expenditure. Council’s annual income for 2022/23 is around $110 million, which is mainly comprised of rates, grants, service fees and charges.
”The creation of Council’s Priority Projects 2022 prospectus highlights our commitment to attract funding to deliver major projects and improve services to the community, including advancing issues such as telecommunications, mental health and social and affordable housing. It’s pleasing that we are receiving positive funding announcements on our priority projects,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
For 2022/23, Council rates will align with the statewide rate cap of 1.75 per cent. Last year, the rate
increase was 1.5 per cent, the year before that was 2.0 per cent.
To have your say on the Draft Budget 2022/23 and Council Plan (Year 2) action items, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay.
Written submissions on the documents can be sent to PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 or emailed to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au until 5pm 25 May 2022.
Submitters are able to present directly to Council at the Submitters Committee meeting on Thursday 9 June. It is anticipated the final budget will be presented to Council for adoption on 22 June 2022.
The budget document will be available for review online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay with printed copies of the budget also be available at Council’s four service centres during standard opening hours, up until 5pm 25 May 2022.
