Council adopts 2024/2025 Budget
Published on 20 June 2024
Mount Alexander Shire Council has adopted a $47.99 million budget for the year ahead, following community consultation and feedback.
Highlights from the budget include flood protection initiatives, a public art installation, and various recreation projects.
Other features include $10.59 million in capital works to improve infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drains, and footpaths, as well as strong investment in our community facilities.
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 Matthew Driscoll, said that Council is proud to deliver a budget that was developed with significant community input.
“Community consultation is a big part of the budget process and I’m pleased that we heard from so many residents about what our community wants and needs,” said Mayor Driscoll.
“Your valuable comments and input played a big part in helping to shape the budget.
“Roads, recreation, parks and gardens, and arts and culture were highlighted as important focus areas.
“There was feedback about protecting the shire’s heritage, and so we’ve incorporated initiatives to further support heritage studies.
“We know that affordable housing is very important and necessary for our shire, and so we’re continuing our work in that area over the next 12 months.
“I’m proud too that we’re increasing our expenditure in the next year on assessing and planning services for older people and people with disabilities, to help them live independently.”
Community feedback and engagement on the draft budget resulted in funding allocations to support projects from local organisations such as Castlemaine Community House, Metcalfe Community Association, and Harcourt Valley Heritage & Tourist Centre Inc.
The budget includes an increase to average rates income of 2.75%, in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government. Waste charges have been increased by 2.75% as well, to reflect the rising costs of waste management.
“With the cost of materials and services ever-increasing, and with more responsibilities and expectations from various levels of government and the community, the reality is that we don’t have enough funds to do the work that everyone would like us to,” said Mayor Driscoll.
“It also means there are hard decisions to be made when developing the budget. These are decisions that we have discussed and thought about at length.
“With that said, I’m confident that we have a balanced and fair proposed budget, and I’m proud to put it forward to the community.
“I’m really pleased that we’re able to put funds towards so many things that will positively impact our entire community.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to our residents. Your engagement and input helped us make a thoughtful and well-rounded budget.”
Budget highlights
Capital works
The budget includes $10.59 million for capital works to improve infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drains and footpaths.
- A number of recreation projects including:
- An upgrade to the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve pavilion ($806K, subject to funding).
- Design works for future year construction or renovation of public toilets in Norwood Hill, Newstead and Harcourt ($66K).
- Progressing multi-year projects including:
- Construction of the Castlemaine and Campbells Creek levees ($2.17M).
- Continuation of the former Wesleyan Church in Chewton ($314K).
- Continuing a number of annual renewal and replacement programs across a range of assets including:
- Community buildings ($556K).
- Plant and machinery ($1.33M).
- Swimming pools ($142K).
- Road resheeting and resealing ($1.9M).
- Several minor projects including:
- Investigation of streetscape improvements for the smaller towns within the shire ($86K).
- Footpath design and renewal works ($336K).
- Replacement of a playground ($218K).
- Major patching of the road network ($337K).
New and continuing initiatives
The budget includes a number of new and continuing initiatives to help Council’s vision of ‘working together for a health, connected shire’.
- Increasing the budget allocation to a number of tree management programs, to ensure best practice tree management and to mitigate potential risks associated with trees in public places.
- Continued budget allocations to implement actions arising from:
- Progressing work on affordable housing solutions, which is a priority for all Councillors, and includes an inaugural allocation of $500,000 to the Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust.
- Allocating $40,000 to continue supporting the Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail Group in their endeavors transform the disused rail corridor connecting the two towns into a world-class recreational trail.
The 2024/2025 Budget can be viewed at Castlemaine’s Civic Centre or online at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Budget2024-2025.