Jessica Micallef
Macedon Ranges council has received a funding boost to continue it’s virtual meetings.
Local Government Minister Shaun Leane and Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas announced last week that the council will receive more than $99,000 to put towards the organisation’s technology needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding is a part of the state governments $3.8 million 2020 Rural Councils ICT Infrastructure Support Program, which is designed to help rural councils with the costs imposed by restrictions on public gatherings and workplaces.
Under the current COVID-19 restrictions, the council has adopted remote working conditions and virtual council meetings to keep essential services running and continue consulting the community.
Ms Thomas said councils were vital to help the community recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
She said rural councils faced particular challenges to meet the costs of funding technology resources and training.
“Macedon Ranges council has done fantastic work for our community throughout the pandemic and I am pleased that the state government are able to help them work remotely,” she said.
“As we move into recovery from the pandemic, Macedon Ranges council will have an important role to play for our community and we are making sure they have the tools they need to do the job.”
