Zoe Moffatt
Macedon Ranges council has announced its draft budget, with an average rates icrease of 3.5 per cent and green waste disposal charge decision high on the agenda.
In the April 26 meeting, council said the budget was prepared in relation to cost of living increases and council’s cost of doing business, along with the complexity of extreme weather and unprecedented events.
Council has proposed the average rate increase for 2023-24 will be within the 3.5 per cent rate cap, which is based on the average rate increase for the average property.
The proposed four-bin kerbside collection charge is set to increase by 8.5 per cent to $540.50 per property, which council said is due to inflating costs of collection.
Council has proposed an option to include a green waste charge of $5 per trailer load at transfer stations, which would reduce kerbside charge by about $8.5 per rateable assessment receiving the four-bin system.
Capital expenditure for the next financial year will be $26,765,000, and will go towards funding works and services, including; the Woodend Community Centre, Daylesford-Hanging Rock Shared Trail and stage two of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct.
Council also noted the budget includes contingency for increased costs relating to the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, which has been paused following the builders going into voluntary administration.
Deputy mayor Jennifer Anderson said she encouraged residents to look at the budget and provide the council with feedback.
“I really would encourage people to have a look at where we’re heading [and] what we’re thinking,” Cr Anderson said.
“Particularly that green waste… to see which model you feel best fits where we’re at in the Macedon Ranges.”
“We can’t know what we don’t know, we can’t be everywhere and we really value [residents] input.”
The public will be able to make comments on the draft budget from April 27 to May 19, and council will be presented with a report and submissions in a meeting on June 28.
