Council adopts 2018/19 budget
Explore Councils by state
Published on 15 June 2018
An unexpected cash windfall of $465,000 in federal government grants was allocated to a range of community plans and projects when Macedon Ranges Shire Council met last night to adopt its 2018/19 budget.
Council adopted the Budget Report, Strategic Resource Plan and Council Plan at its Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 13 June.
The 2018/19 Budget Report was adopted with minor amendments, including allocation of the extra $365,000 in general federal grants and $100,000 federal roads grants provided to Council after the initial draft budget was released.
Council decided to use the additional funds for a range of initiatives including:
$200,000 for a new roof and other improvement works to the historic Kyneton Museum $130,000 for additional road works in Edgecombe Street, Kyneton $20,000 for community advocacy and engagement regarding the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct project in New Gisborne A reduction in fees for visitors to Kyneton Museum.Council also removed the $15,000 allocation in the draft budget to fund a review of Local Law No. 10 regarding motorised recreational vehicles. Council will now allocate the $15,000 to the existing Council funding program Places for People.
The budget provides more than $80 million towards delivering services and projects to local communities within the imposed 2.25 per cent rate cap. Budget initiatives include upgrades to Gisborne and Kyneton tennis clubs, the demolition of the old squash courts in Woodend, improvements to Lauriston Hall and township planning work for Romsey and Gisborne.
Waste charges, which are separate from rates and exempt from the rates cap, cover Council collection of kerbside garbage, recycling and green waste. Council’s waste charge will be increased due to higher charges passed on by contractors due to the additional cost of providing the recycling service.
All three documents were on display from 18 April to 22 May and public submissions were considered by Council on 30 May.
The Budget Report 2018/19, Strategic Resource Plan and Council Plan 2017-2027 (Year 2) form part of Council’s overall planning, reporting and accountability framework.
Council made minor amendments to the Council Plan 2017-2027 (Year 2) last night, but there were no changes to the Strategic Resource Plan.
The three documents will be able to be viewed online, see: Plan and Budget or at a Council service centre (in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend).