Roads, bridges and footpath projects will be at the top of the Mount Alexander Shire Council projects with $9.44 million set aside if the proposed budget is approved later this year.
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But it will come with an increase in rates and kerbside bin collection services for residents.
In the proposed budget available on the Shire's website, council has proposed an average rates increase of 2.5 per cent. Kerbside collection costs are proposed to rise by an average of three per cent.
The actual increases will vary for individual properties.
Mount Alexander Shire councillor Christine Henderson said the two increases would help ensure m ore money was available for projects.
The kerbside collection rise would help with where the Shire's waste is transported to by the contractor.
"We believe a three per cent rise is adequate," Cr Henderson said. "It will mean we have got decent money in reserve for what the EPA might throw at us.
"(Current contractor) Veolia Environmental will take was to Castlemaine landfill where it will be loaded into bigger truck to be taken to Echuca.
"We appreciate people don't want rates to go up but the cost of servicing (has also been raised)."
The Shire's proposed budget plans to spend $16.72 million on capital works - an increase of $5.37 million from the 2018/19 budget.
Most of that will be on roads with $5.4 million set aside for projects including $2.98 on road rejuvenation projects in Sutton Grange, North Harcourt and Barkers Creek.
Those projects are part of the grant-funded Roads to Recovery and Fixing Country Roads programs.
Road resealing, gravel road re-sheeting and other design and minor works will be completed at a cost of $1.89 million.
"We are trialing some slightly alternative methods of working on gravel roads and looking forward to that," Cr Henderson said. "It might inform how some of that $5.4 million is spent."
Council also proposes to spend $2.44 million on replacing bridges on Froomes Road, Castlemaine and Eagles Road, Harcourt.
"There are a lot of old bridges that were built 100 years ago. Some are single lane bridges and their structure not good," Cr Henderson said.
"Some are on remote roads but it doesn't matter, if their condition is bad, they have to be replaced."
Other key projects included in Mount Alexander Shire's draft budget include:
- $2.26 million on community buildings: Including floor replacement at Castlemaine Library, conservation works at the Market Building.
- $1.01 million on recreation facilities: Including construction of female change rooms and designs for future works at Harcourt Recreation Reserve.
- $1.19 million on drains and flood levees.
- $863,000 on playgrounds at Stanley Park North, Harcourt, Victory Park playspace and the playground near Westend Hall in Castlemaine.
- $1.41 million on plant, equipment and technology.
Mount Alexander Shire deputy mayor Tony Cordy said community feedback was important for the draft budget.
"If there's something you feel strongly about - whether it's something we've missed or something you strongly support - we'd appreciate your feedback," he said.
"Delivering services in a sustainable way is a priority, and that's what you'll see in this budget."
The proposed budget and budget summary is available on Mount Alexander Shire's website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay
The closing date for public submissions regarding the proposed budget is May 15 at 5pm. Council will hear the submissions are a special meeting on May 21.
Council will consider the 2019/20 adoption at an ordinary meeting of council on June 12.
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