By Jessica Micallef
A $1.1 million recovery fund to support the community and local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic has been proposed in the Macedon Ranges council 2020-21 draft budget.
The fund is aimed at helping the community and local businesses recover from the pandemic and includes additional funding for the council’s existing grant programs, the waiver of footpath permit renewals for businesses with current permits, support for a business phone counselling service, backing for programs supporting volunteers and vulnerable people, and a deferral of late fees on overdue animal registrations until September 30.
The council’s chief executive Margot Stork said each year the council aimed to produce a balanced budget, where income equalled expenditure.
She said the council’s annual income for 2020-21 was about $100 million.
“The draft budget includes $23.6 million in capital works projects across the shire which will provide a much-needed boost for the local economy and to maintain and create jobs,” she said.
Projects proposed for funding in the budget include a new Kyneton kindergarten, stage two of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park, netball courts in Woodend, oval lighting at Lancefield Park, the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct in New Gisborne, an upgrade to the playing surface at the Barkly Square Field in Kyneton, an increase in building renewal works at community facilities and footpath improvement programs.
The draft budget also proposes a two per cent rate rise, in line with the state-imposed rate cap.
A five per cent increase to the council’s kerbside collection charges is also proposed due to the changes in the recycling industry that occurred in 2019.
“Under rate capping, if rates are not increased in one year it has long term impacts on the council’s ability to fund its services and works on roads, footpaths, facilities and other community assets,” Ms Stork said.
According to the council, households would be charged an extra $57 a year, or around an extra $1 per week on average under the proposed rate increases.
Macedon Ranges mayor Janet Pearce encouraged residents to provide feedback on the draft budget.
“The changing situation and the impact COVID-19 has had on the entire shire has been challenging and it has meant we have all needed to adapt,” she said.
“In planning the budget, councillors have had to consider many implications as we move through the emergency phase and into the recovery phase, looking at both the short term and long term implications.
“We are looking for balance and supporting the needs of our community and businesses.”
Submission close on Friday, June 30, with the council required to adopt the budget by August 31.
To have your say on the draft budget visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay.
