Local roads, footpaths, and community venues are some of those marked to receive a boost in the Macedon Ranges draft budget, with ratepayers set for an average three per cent rate increase.
With a concise version released for community consultation until May 8, capital expenditure under the council’s 2025–26 draft budget is planned at $28.46 million, which is an $1.79 million increase from the previous year.
The three per cent rate increase is in line with the the maximum increase allowed under the state government’s rate cap.
Proposed major projects include an $8.68 million renewal of the council’s road network, a $3.66 million renewal of the council’s buildings, $700,000 towards renewal and $370,000 towards construction of footpaths, and $611,000 towards renewal of council drainage.
Also included is upgrading the boiler from gas to electric at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre, renovations to the Gisborne Library, and Kyneton airfield infrastructure upgrades.
Following community submissions to the budget late last year, projects including ramp upgrades and air conditioning at the Lancefield Courthouse, additional water tanks at the Bullengarook Community Hall, lighting upgrades at the Market Street Carpark in Kyneton, toilet upgrades at the Woodend Bowling Club, servery window at the Kyneton Football Netball Club, switchboards and ovens at Macedon Hall, and free passes and two ‘free weeks’ for green waste disposal were added for funding.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said he felt the draft budget had an increased “back to basics” focus, and that “one of the key focuses of this draft budget – and a significant benefit gained from the early consultation process – is addressing the important initiatives that our community have put forward”.
Councillor Daniel Young said that in his first term on council, there were elements of the budget drafting process he was really impressed by and “other parts of the process that I haven’t been impressed by”.
Cr Kate Kendall said she was concerned the current two-week consultation period in this year’s budget would be too short and that she hopes next year the council can move to a longer consultation period.
The community consultation period closes on Thursday, May 8, and feedback can be made on the council’s YourSay platform, sent via mail to PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444, or provided in-person at one of the council’s customer service centres.
Details: yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/budget-2025-26
