Significant funding has been allocated to improving community buildings and sporting facilities in Macedon Ranges council’s draft budget for 2018-19.
The council also plans to get more projects off the ground with help from government funding, such as the regional sports fields in New Gisborne and a new early learning centre in Kyneton.
Chief executive Margot Stork said the council was “continuing to invest heavily into renewing and upgrading existing assets”.
“We are also creating opportunities to work with state and federal government on new infrastructure needs for our community,” Ms Stork said.
More than $1.9 million is earmarked to renew council buildings – almost $1 million more than has been invested in the past year.
Under the proposed budget, work on Macedon Ranges roads would receive $6.62 million and $715,000 would go towards constructing footpaths.
While also seeking funding from state and federal governments, the council will commit $500,000 to starting the Woodend to Hepburn rail trail, $500,000 for the sportsfields project in New Gisborne and $850,000 for an early learning centre in Kyneton.
Funding has been allocated to a number of sporting projects, including $650,000 for Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve changerooms and $400,00 for lighting at Kyneton’s Barkly Square.
Other investments would include $35,000 to investigate a cat curfew and dog on and off-lead areas, and developing a Reconciliation Plan and Disability Action plan.
The draft budget proposes to increase the number of free-of-charge meetings in council-owned meeting rooms for not-for-profit community groups to 12 a year.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said feedback on the draft budget would be taken until May 22.
“We will consider all submissions and listen to anyone who wishes to be heard in support of their submission,” Cr Anderson said.
“Changes may be made to the final version and if that’s not possible, the comments may influence the development of future projects.”
The final budget will be adopted at the council meeting on June 13.
Details: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay
