Zoe Moffatt
In the lead up to Christmas, children across the country sit down to write a wish list for Santa. With big dreams and desires for grand gifts, they can often be let down when December 25 rolls around.
Much the same could be said for councils and residents on May 7. That is the day the state government will hand down its 2024-25 budget.
But until the reality of Victoria’s tight economic state becomes clear, it’s time to break open the pens and start wishing.
Officers and councillors at Macedon Ranges council know the budget will be tight and instead of compiling a long list, have opted to advocate for community support and its priority project prospectus.
Council chief executive Bernie O’Sullivan said the council appreciates any support received from the annual budget processes.
“In particular, we have been extremely grateful for support for storm recovery efforts over the last couple of years,” he said.
“[This] has enabled repairs to key infrastructure such as roads and trails and supporting community resilience efforts, which is still continuing now.
“We know budgets are tight across the board with the increase in the cost of living and construction impacting so many areas.
“Council would welcome any funds that get announced that we can use to continue to support our local clubs and groups, and the community in general, as well as projects we have underway or are linked to those outlined in our priority projects prospectus.”
Some of these projects include stage two of Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, Daylesford to Hanging Rock and Kyneton rail trail, Woodend community centre project, Kyneton town hall reimagined and a new Barrm Birrm nature reserve.
All Victorians are affected by the state budget and the allocation of taxpayer dollars. If you want to send in a wish list for your own community, you can submit a letter to the editor to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au
