Council adopts responsible Budget for 2024/25

Published on 14 June 2024

Murrindindi Shire Council adopted its Annual Budget for 2024/25 at a Special Meeting of Council on 12 June 2024.

The 2024/25 Budget outlines the resource requirements and priority projects in line with the Council Plan 2021-2025. It identifies several important initiatives and projects, including:

• $4.5 million towards roads, footpaths and cycleways, which encompasses
  • $1.6 million to fund the resheeting and resealing programs
  • $1.1 million for road safety strategy implementation
• $465,000 towards bridges
• $3.6 million for recreational facilities, such as:
  • $2.7 million to complete the Eildon Reserves Redevelopment project
  • $113,000 to renew Swimming Pool equipment
• $2.3 million for waste management comprising:
  • $2 million for cell and capping constructions at Alexandra Landfill
  • $150,000 to build a recycle shop and undercover storage facility at Kinglake Resource Recovery Centre.
• $1.4 million towards plant and equipment and library books, including renewal of plant and fleet, IT equipment
• $100,000 for Kinglake Community Centre renewal works
• $25,000 for Council’s annual Street Tree Renewal Program
• $713,000 for drainage projects in Flowerdale, Yea and Alexandra
• $20,000 to undertake efficiency reviews and productivity improvements
• $108,000 towards upgrading street lighting to energy efficient lights

In line with the Rate Cap set by the Victorian Government, the average increase in property rates and charges for 2024-25 will be 2.75%.

Submissions were sought from the community and the draft Budget was made available on Council’s website and at our Library and Customer Service Centres. Council received three submissions from the community, which have been considered prior to finalising the Budget. Responses have been provided to all submitters.

Click here to read the Annual Budget 2024/25.

Council’s Mayor Damien Gallagher thanked community members who took the time to consider the draft Budget and to offer feedback.

“The preparation of the 2024/25 Budget has been challenging for Council as it attempts to fund the delivery of services and infrastructure that the community expects, while navigating escalating costs and our limited ability to raise revenue.”

“Our continued approach includes advocating for increased government grants, responsible borrowing, comprehensive efficiency reviews, process automation, asset consolidation, and initiatives aimed at expanding our rate base and stimulating economic growth.”

“Despite financial and cost pressures, Council has approached this draft Budget with optimism, confident in our ability to manage Council’s finances responsibly, equitably and sustainably.”