Zoe Moffatt
With the state and federal budget delivery about a month away, Macedon Ranges and Hume councils are calling for infrastructure and disaster relief funding.
Macedon Ranges mayor Annette Death said council is advocating for funding to assist with ongoing flood recovery efforts and investment for councils priority projects.
Council is hoping for state and federal funding for repairs to key infrastructure such as roads and trails that were damaged in flooding, she said.
It is also calling for a streamlined process for disaster relief funding and allowing councils to “build back better” infrastructure to withstand future events.
The priority projects for Macedon Ranges council include the regional sports precinct, Daylesford to Hanging Rock shared trail, Woodend community centre and Kyneton town hall.
Hume council said it is looking for investment for infrastructure, projects and programs in this budget, to help residents adapt to the increasing cost of living.
These investments include: congestion free roads, efficient and frequent public transport, access to health care to meet the growing demand and greater focus on schools and early childhood services, particularly in newly established communities.
Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said council will continue to advocate for these services and infrastructure as the population grows.
“Hume city’s population will expand to almost 400,000 in the next 20 years, and we need vital infrastructure and services to grow with us,” Cr Haweil said.
“Council will continue to advocate for more funding to help us build better arterial roads, provide greater support for community health and to invest more into social housing.
“There’s never been a more critical time for both the state and federal levels of government to invest in our growing community and to stimulate the local economy with the creation of local jobs for local people.”
The state budget will be delivered on May 23, while the federal budget will be handed down on May 9.
