The Mount Alexander Shire Council proposed budget outlines our priorities to help us achieve objectives set out in the Council Plan 2021-2025. The Council Plan was developed in response to extensive feedback from the community.

Council has prepared a proposed $43.76 million budget for 2022/2023, which highlights the resources needed to deliver more than 100 services.

The draft budget includes measures to reduce the impact of flooding, improvements to increase road safety, and upgrades to community sporting facilities.

It also proposes to cap the increase to average rates income at 1.75 percent and to freeze waste collection charges for the next financial year at current rates.

Budget highlights:

• Road upgrades including improvements at Fogartys Gap Road, resealing local roads, resheeting gravel roads as well design and minor works
• Bridge construction of a crossing over the Loddon River at Vaughan Tarilta and for minor works on Froomes Road Bridge, as well as design of new bridges
• Construction of flood levees in Castlemaine and Campbells Creek, over two financial years
• Continuing town streetscapes improvements with the redevelopment of Frederick Street Castlemaine, between Mostyn and Lyttleton Streets, over two financial years
• Improving pedestrian safety across Walker Street in Castlemaine, near the Botanical Gardens, through the installation of a crossing
• Building works, including the restoration of the former Newstead Court House and initial works to the former Wesleyan Church in Chewton
• Continued upgrades and improvements of community sports facilities, including new change facilities at Maldon’s Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve (subject to funding), improved change rooms and toilet facilities at Harcourt Leisure Centre, and a new netball court at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve
• Improving playground facilities and landscaping at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve
• Developing a number of strategic plans across areas that include economic development, middle and early years, and climate change
• Conducting a review of aged care services to understand how best to provide these services to our community in the future
• Initiatives to reduce the impact of gambling harm within our community
• Continuing to explore affordable housing opportunities in the shire by further progressing the outcomes of a feasibility study and business case

View the proposed budget here or you can view copies in person at Castlemaine’s Civic Centre or the Castlemaine Library.

Council encouraged community members to provide written submissions on the draft budget.

Submitters will have the opportunity to address their submissions at a Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday 24 May. Council will consider the budget for adoption at the Council Meeting in June.