Mount Alexander Shire scraps budget plans, Bendigo councillors mull more pandemic delays

The City of Greater Bendigo's draft should have been released on Wednesday for public feedback and has already been delayed by a month after people's livelihoods were thrown into chaos by social distancing restrictions.

Councillors are now considering holding the draft back until June to give it more time to work out how a budget could help its communities, mayor Margaret O'Rourke said.

"We are yet to confirm that but we are seeking feedback from community members and businesses," Bendigo mayor Margaret O'Rourke said.

"As you can imagine, we are talking to a lot of people at the moment around how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them."

Council officers last week confirmed Bendigo was in a "strong position" to have a budget ready to roll by 1 July when the new financial year starts.

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However, the state government has offered all councils the chance to delay another two months if they needed it.

The Mount Alexander Shire announced moments ago it will delay releasing its own draft budget until a subsequent meeting.

Mayor Christine Henderson said it had to because it could not convene a meeting next Tuesday, even though a vote on releasing the draft budget would have taken place.

By law, councillors must meet face-to-face to vote on key decisions.

"The requirement for a face-to-face meeting is at odds with current instructions from government to minimise the risk of infection of COVID-19 wherever possible," Cr Henderson said.

Bendigo is among other councils that have cancelled meetings this month after stage three social distancing restrictions came into effect.

The state parliament is expected to convene next Thursday to consider changing the law to allow councillors to meet and vote remotely.