Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting residents to have their say on the council’s 2025/2026 budget.
The submission process is now open for community members and organisations to submit a proposal for projects or funding considerations in the new financial year. This is the opportunity to have your say on what you would like to see included.
Last year, council’s $47.99 million-dollar budget outlined the resources needed to deliver more than 100 services in the community including; roads, bridges, drains, open space, waste and recycling, animal management, maternal and child health, aged services, early education, emergency relief and recovery, as well as other key projects.
Previous feedback on the council budgets has resulted in funding allocations to support projects from local organisations such as the Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail Group, Castlemaine Community House, Metcalfe Community Association, MainFM and Harcourt Valley Heritage and Tourist Centre Inc.
Mount Alexander mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, said that as a small regional council, a lot got done on a limited budget.
“With the cost of materials and services increasing, and with more responsibilities and expectations from state and federal government, and community, it’s increasingly difficult to do the work we want to do with the funds we have,” she said.
“This is where we need our community’s involvement – we have very passionate and engaged residents, and their input is essential to help staff and councillors when we’re developing a new budget.”
All community input received will be collated and provided to councillors for their review and consideration during the budget process.
Community members who provide a submission and wish to speak to their submissions may do as at the meeting of the council in May 2025.
Councillors will consider the draft budget for adoption at a meeting of the council in June 2025.
For more information, contact Keith Caldwell, council’s manager of finance, on 5471 1700 or at k.caldwell@mountalexander@vic.gov.au.
Submissions can be made by visiting www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au emailing info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or calling 5471 1700.
