Murrindindi Council is talking up its proposed 2019-20 budget, and says more than 50 public submissions have been received.

“In September last year we trialled a new budget process and invited the community to provide ideas on what we should prioritise. We were thrilled to receive more than 50 submissions. While we weren’t able to include every idea, we have done our best to ensure this budget reflects the sorts of items prioritised by our community,” said Cr Sandice McAulay, Mayor, in a media statement.

“Looking after our infrastructure remains a priority for Council and was a common theme expressed in the community submissions. Capital expenditure focuses on infrastructure renewal and upgrades including:

• $2.68 million for sealed and unsealed roads, traffic treatments and kerb and channel works
• $200,000 allocated to bridge and culvert renewal
• $105,000 on drainage works
• $328,000 on pathway improvements, including $57,500 towards improvements to disability access in urban areas of Yea
• $358,000 allocated for recreational facilities, including $216,000 allocated for female friendly change facilities at the Yea Recreation Reserve and $22,000 for perimeter fencing at the Kinglake Memorial Reserve
• $323,000 for works on Council owned buildings and facilities including $70,000 to upgrade the kitchen and restore external columns at the Alexandra Shire Hall,
• $128,000 for works at the Yea Saleyards and $50,000 for improved floor covering for a range of public toilets
• $30,000 to develop a concept design for the Kinglake West-Pheasant Creek
streetscape
• $30,000 for RV Friendly Town preliminary works, including signage and line marking for long vehicles.

“Other key budget items include:
• $230,000 for the Murrindindi Shire Council Grants and Contributions Program
• $247,000 of external grant funding to deliver Community Planning trials in Yea, Marysville and Toolangi/Castella
• $250,000 to support the implementation of our Tourism and Events Strategy, Communications Strategy and Recreation and Open Space Strategy
• $95,000 to continue customer services improvement through the ‘Customer First’ Project
• $105,000 towards a range of environmental initiatives including roadside weed and pest control, revegetation works and an environmental forum
• $2.6 million for development works at our landfill site, e-waste management and minor upgrades to our Resource Recovery Centres.

“We’re very pleased to be able to deliver this Budget while keeping our rate rise consistent with the State Government’s Fair Go Rate Cap – set at 2.5 percent – and further reducing our reliance on borrowed funds,” Cr McAulay said.

“Our aim is to always deliver a budget which is financially responsible, delivers our services equitably across the Shire and responds to the needs of our community. We believe this draft Budget achieves that,” Cr McAulay said.

The Council’s media statement says that the draft Budget will be available at all Council offices and at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/publiccomment from May 1 until May 31, 2019.

“If you would like to make a submission to Council about the budget, you must do so in writing by no later than May 21. Submissions can be sent via email to governance@murrindindi.vic.gov.au, hand delivered to a Council office or posted to: Manager Business Services, Murrindindi Shire Council, PO Box 138, Alexandra, VIC, 3714.

“People making submissions will have an opportunity to address Council on their submission at a Special Meeting of Council to be held at 6 pm on June 12, at the Alexandra Council Chambers, Perkins St, Alexandra.”