Elsie Lange
Macedon Ranges residents are being urged to take a close look at the 2023-24 council budget amid the 3.5 per cent rate cap announced by the state government at the end of last year.
The cap for the next financial year represents a doubling of the 2022-23 cap of 1.75 per cent.
Macedon Ranges Residents’ Association secretary Christine Pruneau said it was an unwelcome cost increase but a necessary one given the growing financial pressures on Macedon Ranges council.
“It’s critically important that residents scrutinise the next council budget to ensure spending is prioritised on items and services that produce the widest benefits to the community from every dollar spent,” she said.
Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said council would consider the annual rate recommendations through its usual budget process, which is currently under way for the next financial year.
“Broadly, council welcomes the increase to the rate cap of 3.5 per cent, which is still lower than the Essential Services Commission’s recommendation … of 4 per cent … considering current economic trends and budgetary pressures all councils are facing,” she said.
“We’re also very mindful of those financial pressures extending to the broader community and we’ll aim to achieve the right balance of sustainability and affordability in the proposed budget.
“Our rate revenue helps us to deliver close to 100 important services to the community and we always welcome feedback to ensure we are continuing to provide the best possible service to our residents.”
Macedon Ranges’ budget consultation will take place in April and May.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said the rate cap for 2023-24 takes into account higher inflation to protect Victorians from higher rates while ensuring councils can continue to deliver their services.
“Community members have the chance to engage with their local councils as they make decisions about rate rises through their budget process each year,” Ms Horne said.
