Moorabool council says it is setting “a clear direction for the future” with the draft 2016-2017 budget, which it approved last week.
The budget, which is open for public submissions, has earmarked more than $17 million to deliver major capital works, including $5.9 million on the southern extension of Halletts Way, a million-dollar upgrade of Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Reserve facilities, and $650,000 on Bacchus Marsh-Balliang road rehabilitation.
The proposed budget was based on a rate rise of 3.5 per cent, one per cent above the state-imposed limit which council has applied for to the state government.
At last Wednesday’s council meeting in Ballan, Cr Paul Tatchell moved a motion to defer consideration of the draft budget until approval of the 3.5 per cent rate rise was confirmed.
“I think we need more time to consider and debate the document,” he said.
The motion was lost, with other councillors reluctant to delay public consultation and risk missing a June 30 deadline to adopt the budget.
Other big budget items include $10,000 for a community facilities booking system, a $45,000 review of Moorabool Leisure Services management, $55,000 on small towns strategy implementation, and $15,000 on fire hydrant maintenance.
Details: www.moorabool.vic.gov.au
