The Castlemaine-based shire's councillors approved their 2021/22 budget on Thursday with a 1.5 rate rise and a series of spends including nearly $1.5 million to make Fogertys Gap Road safer.

Cr Stephen Gardner said securing Fogertys Gap Road money was a major priority given the number of serious crashes there.

"I'm really glad to see that done," he said.

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He welcomed continued funding for Maldon's streetscape plan and the surplus, which he said would help not only for any unexpected grant opportunities but in case more lockdowns create issues.

"Considering we have come through COVID-19, it's a strong position," Cr Gardner said.

He made the statement in a monthly meeting held remotely at the tail end of an outbreak that locked down large parts of the state.

Documents tabled with what is now the final version of the budget showed that Taradale, Chewton and the environment were the big winners of community consultation, with funding allocated to projects that would enhance them.

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