Mayor's Message – 1 May 2024

Published on 01 May 2024

I hope everyone’s enjoying the beautiful autumnal weather and golden leaves at the moment.

It won’t be long before it’s cold so now is the perfect time to walk in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, sit outside with a hot drink at one of our many amazing cafes and visit our markets.

I’m pleased to give you a rundown of all the important projects and initiatives that are happening at Council at the moment.

There’s a lot going on and there are lots of ways you can get involved.

Firstly, I’d like to tell you about our Councillor listening posts.

We have a group of very passionate and dedicated Councillors in our shire, and one of the things they do to engage with our community is regular listening posts.

Last year we consulted with our community for our Communications and Engagement Strategy, and they told us that they want more face-to-face contact with their Councillors.

So that’s what we’re doing.

The listening posts are informal opportunities for residents to meet their Councillors in-person and talk about local issues that are important to them.

It’s also a great way to learn more about local government, ask questions, and have your say on Council plans, projects and policies.

There are quite a few listening posts happening throughout the year with various Councillors.

You can find a listening post near you by heading to www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

I’ll be at the Guildford General Store on Thursday 6 June from 10.00am to 12.00pm and the Castlemaine Farmers Market on Wednesday 15 June from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

I’m really looking forward to these listening posts and I encourage you to come and say hello and have a chat.

Next, we a big ticket item – the draft budget for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Flood protection initiatives, a public art installation, and recreation projects in Campbells Creek, Norwood Hill, Newstead and Harcourt are some of the highlights.

Other features include projects to boost affordable housing, continued funding for ongoing road maintenance, and the implementation of initiatives in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and Early Years Plan.

I encourage you to take the time to take a look at the draft budget, which is now available online at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au or also in our Civic Centre in Castlemaine, during business hours.

We have an engaged and knowledgeable community in Mount Alexander Shire, and your ideas and input are incredibly valuable when putting together the proposed budget.

Making decisions on rates and service charges is a difficult part of the budget process, and there’s been lots of discussion between Councillors about what’s appropriate and sustainable for both the community and the organisation.

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.

It also means there are hard decisions to be made when developing the budget. 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.

Head over to www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au to have a read and tell us what you think.

Finally, National Volunteer Week is coming up this month, and I’d like to acknowledge people in our community who give their time and talents freely as volunteers.

We’re lucky at Council to have volunteers that give their time through council services, facilities, events and organisations to build community and civic life.

Our volunteers warmly welcome and guide tourists at the Castlemaine and Maldon Visitor Information Centres, acting as ambassadors and advocates for our many tourist sites and accommodation businesses.

Others champion the cause for young people, serving on Council’s Youth Advisory Group and helping organise events like the Young Makers Markets and Battle of the Bands to create opportunities for young creatives.

Dedicated volunteers drive buses to take residents to community lunches, swimming and activities that keep them active and connected. They shop for those who can’t, and visit them to bring joy and company to our community’s most vulnerable.

Other volunteers help maintain cricket pitches, watering systems and other facilities at our many sporting ovals and recreation reserves.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors, I want to share my appreciation for our many volunteers whose generous help means we can offer more activities and programs to benefit the young and old.

Before I sign off for this month, I’d like to remind you to contact your local Councillor if there’s an issue you’d like to raise – we are here for you.

Till next month, take care.

Mayor Matthew Driscoll
Mount Alexander Shire Council