Macedon Ranges council is seeking feedback ahead of its 2026-27 budget deliberations.
Community members are invited to share their ideas for council’s key focus areas, whether they be for new infrastructure projects, community initiatives, or reprioritising the way council funds day to day services.
In previous budget cycles, several community-backed projects were funded thanks to input from the consultation period, according to council.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said early engagement with the community helps councillors and council staff make better-informed budget decisions.
“Community input is vital, whether through our annual grants program or the budget process,” he said.
“Starting the conversation early ensures that ideas from residents are considered alongside officer recommendations, giving our councillors a strong foundation for decision-making.”
Engaging the community at the start of the budget process also allows council to potentially be ready to act from 1 July, ensuring community-backed projects take off quicker while maintaining essential services, council said.
Ideas should align with an objective in the Council Plan, deliver community-wide benefit, be loathed on council land or in council buildings, and be something that council can deliver, or partner with others to deliver.
One idea will be accepted per individual or group. Any ideas received by council after the deadline will be referred to the work plan for 2027-28.
Council’s annual funding comes primarily from rates revenue and grants, supplemented by other regular fees and charges.
Submitters will have the opportunity to present their ideas at a Submitters Delegated Committee meeting in early 2026.
Feedback is open now until Thursday 11 December.
Submissions can also be posted to PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444, or delivered in person at any of council’s customer service centres.
Details: https://yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/ideas-action-2026-27-budget
