General News
22 April, 2025
Budget feedback opens
The Mount Alexander Shire Council has invited the community to view their 2025-26 proposed budget.
Community members will have two weeks, from April 16 to April 30, to give feedback on the council’s proposed budget for 2025-26.
While the budget will have its highlights for some, Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Rosie Annear said the proposal was impacted by existing services costing more to deliver.
“Every year, it’s costing us more to deliver the same things, yet unfortunately we’re not able to increase the budget to match these additional expenditures,” she said.
“This year, more than ever, we’ve had to tighten everything, as we continue to try and do more with less.”
That means council had to make “tough decisions” when deciding where the remaining funds, following existing services and capital works initiatives, would go.
“Between December 2024 and February 2025, more than 80 community members and groups gave feedback to inform the budget, requesting funding for projects and initiatives throughout the shire,” Cr Annear said.
“This is the largest number of submissions I’ve seen during my time on council, and is more than double what we received last year.”
Among the community projects receiving funding from council is the Castlemaine State Festival, local community radio station MainFM and the Maldon Caravan Park to see its continued operation for the next year.
Of the planned $56 million for the financial year around 31 percent, $17.3 million, has been allocated to capital works expected to improve infrastructure and community facilities.
Due to the financial pressures surrounding the budget Mount Alexander Shire locals can expect to be impacted.
According to council, the proposed budget includes an increase to average rates income of 3 percent, in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government, and waste charges will be increased by 3.5 percent due to the rising costs of waste management.
Despite the challenges Cr Annear belives the Mount Alexander Shire Council have developed a balanced budget.
“One that I’m proud to work with my fellow councillors and staff to deliver,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to read through the proposed budget to see where we’ll be focusing our investment over the next twelve months.
“I hope community members can appreciate all the positive things we’re funding — big and small — while also acknowledging the increasing financial challenges that rural councils are facing.”