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Council adopts Annual Report 2022/2023

Published on 09 November 2023

Mount Alexander Shire Council formally adopted the Annual Report 2022/2023 at the Council meeting on Tuesday 17 October.

The report outlines Council’s performance and achievements over the past financial year. It also provides a summary of highlights and shares the progress made towards objectives in the 2021-2025 Council Plan, under the pillars of:

A healthy, connected and inclusive community
An environment for people and nature
A resilient and growing local economy

It also includes a number of case studies, service performance indicators, and information about our finances and governance.

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, said that the Annual Report is a comprehensive collation of Council’s achievements, highlights and challenges over the past financial year.

“Informed by our Community Vision, the 2021-2025 Council Plan lays out Council’s values and guides our objectives in everything we do,” said Mayor Annear.

“I’m proud to say that the work we’ve done over 2022-2023 beautifully reflects these values and objectives, and the Annual Report is a celebration of everything we’ve achieved over the past year.

“I particularly love the case studies and year in review – they’re a fantastic snapshot of all our projects and initiatives.

“This report, and all the work it encapsulates, is definitely something to be proud of!

“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the work of Council staff, who provide more than 100 different services to the community, and Councillors for their commitment and leadership throughout the year.

“I’m also incredibly proud of the way Councillors, Council staff and the wider community work together on projects and initiatives, always keeping the best interests of our community in mind.

“Well done, everyone.”

The Annual Report 2022/2023 is available to read on Council’s website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au, in the News and Updates section.

A hardcopy of the report is available at the Civic Centre, Castlemaine.

Mount Alexander Shire Council – Year in Review

Below is a snapshot of our achievements in the 2022/2023 financial year. More detailed information is provided in the ‘Progress Report' and 'Performance Statement' sections of the Annual Report 2022/2023.

July 2022

Rehabilitation of Castlemaine landfill one step closer following Councillors appointing the contract to Apex Earthworks Pty Ltd.
Opened Winter Art exhibition at the Market Building in Castlemaine, an initiative that celebrates local artists by displaying their art and supports their efforts with a space to sell their work.
Began investigation into reducing the risk of roadside bushfires, with two information sessions open to the community.

August 2022

Battle of the Bands took place, a music competition for young people aged 12-25.
Received $1.2M in Federal Government funding to improve Fogartys Gap Road, setting the project in motion.
Installed new gates at the entrance to Campbells Creek Community Park, which were designed by a local artist and feature wildlife.
Installed a pedestrian crossing on Barker Street in Castlemaine to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists.

September 2022

Completed the revitalisation of Old Bank Corner in Maldon, with new plants, furniture upgrades and an enhanced pavement surface.
Began restorative works on the former Wesleyan Church in Chewton, which focused on rising damp, roof plumbing works and improvements to drainage. October 22
Awarded 18 local groups with a share in almost $50,000 as part of the Community Grants program.

October 2022

Completed the Maldon Shopfront Improvement Program, which is part of the broader Maldon Streetscape Revitalisation Project. Council’s Economy and Culture team managed the Maldon Shopfront Improvement Program which saw 16 businesses receive funding to make improvements to their shopfronts.
Received State government funding to improve sports lighting at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve and Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve, as well as undertake pavilion improvements at Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve.
Councillors voted to allocate air rights over two sites in Castlemaine for the purpose of creating affordable rental housing.

November 2022

Opened Boorp Boorp Boondyil to the public, a permanent exhibition in Castlemaine dedicated to sharing Jaara stories and teachings.
Awarded 15 local groups with a share in almost $34,000 as part of the Event Grants program.
Councillors elected Cr Rosie Annear as Mayor and Cr Matthew Driscoll as Deputy Mayor.
Showed support for the prevention of gender-based violence by participating in the annual Rotary Truck Show with a decorated Council truck.

December 2022

Provided funding via the Small Town Christmas Celebration Grants program to the towns of Guildford, Elphinstone, Taradale, Fryerstown, Harcourt, Newstead, Sutton Grange and Castlemaine.
Hosted a free Christmas celebration event in Mostyn Street in Castlemaine with a choir performance, a visit from Santa and ice cream. Installed Christmas trees and decorations in Castlemaine and Maldon.
Conducted community consultation on the future of disability, access and inclusion in the shire, which informed the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027.

January 2023

Offered additional free green waste disposal for residents following the severe flooding event in October 2022.
Hosted a free, family-friendly community event for Australia Day – Survival Day, which included a Welcome to Country, a citizenship ceremony, the presentation of Australia Day Awards, a live concert and catering.
Conducted community consultation about the draft 2023/2024 Budget, asking residents to provide feedback on their spending priorities.

February 2023

Successfully transitioned to in-house operation of the Castlemaine and Maldon waste facilities.
Conducted community consultation on a potential reform to Local Law 13: camping on private property without a permit.
Opened applications for round one of the Event Grants program, offering funding to local groups running public events.

March 2023

Established a cultural precinct within the Mechanics Lane area in Castlemaine (opposite the library) in a partnership between the Castlemaine Fringe and State Festivals. The site hosted a number of events between March and June 2023, showcasing local musicians, dancers and community groups.
Resealed roads to improve road safety in the towns of Castlemaine, Carisbrook, Fryerstown, Metcalfe, Newstead and Guildford.
Supported Business Mount Alexander to install the work of local artists in Council buildings as part of the Castlemaine Fringe Festival Art Windows Trail.

April 2023

Adopted the Mount Alexander Shire Early Years Plan 2022-2026, which outlines our priorities and actions for supporting children aged 0-8 and their families living in the shire.
Awarded 18 local groups with a share in almost $50,000 as part of the Community Grants program.
Installed a rainbow bench outside the Castlemaine Library to increase visibility, raise awareness and show our support for our LGBTIQA+ community.

May 2023

Renamed a local creek to Larni Barramal Yaluk, in collaboration with Hepburn Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority and DJAARA.
Commemorated Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week with a number of events open to the community. This program was created in partnership with Nalderun, and aimed to commemorate, educate and nurture the entire community.
Completed restoration of historic entrance gates and fountain at Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.
Hosted a workshop with 38 middle years students in the Council chambers to hear directly from children and understand their challenges. This was used to inform the draft Middle Years Plan 2023-2026.

June 2023

Completed capping of all remaining cells at the Castlemaine Landfill site. This will allow Council to capture and flare all legacy methane gasses which will result in lower CO2 emissions from Council into the future.
Saved over 23 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions during the financial year by providing community electric vehicle chargers which power cars through 100% renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.
Announced sporting facility upgrades for Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve, which includes a new competition standard netball court.
Launched a new website, which focuses on user-experience, making it easier for the community to access essential services.