Rates to rise

A 6.9 per cent residential rate increase is proposed in the Macedon Ranges Council 2013/14 Draft Budget.
The rate increase will cover $2 million extra investment in public land, infrastructure and facilities, the draft report explains.
It is the first time in six years council has increased its rates above five per cent. The last budget increased rates by 4.8 per cent (average of about $81).
A ratepayer living in a median valued property will pay $1,691 this year compared to $1,582 last year - a difference of $109.
"Once again, this budget is a balanced one. Our recurrent operating income is $63 million and our recurrent operating expenditure is $57.36 million, this means we generate an operating surplus of $5.4 million of which $4.5 million will be invested in capital works and $0.9 million will be spent on new initiatives," mayor, Cr Roger Jukes said.
Council adopted the draft budget, council plan, strategic resource plan, and mayoral and councillor allowances at its special meeting on Wednesday night.
The documents are now open for public comment until Friday May 31.
Cr Jukes said the proposed budget will strengthen livability in the Macedon Ranges.
"The budget includes a $16.6 million capital works program and a range of new initiatives to improve the natural environment and enhance services for families, children, young people and older persons.
"Over $6.2 million has been allocated for the construction and improvement of our road network. It also includes continued investment in our walking and cycling network, with over $400,000 allocated for footpath upgrades across the shire.
"We are also proposing to inject over $2.8 million for the construction of playgrounds, netball courts and sports ovals, plus a further $1.6 million for infrastructure at Hanging Rock-although this is dependent on attracting a government grant to assist."
The council plan 2013-2017 sets out council's vision, goals and objectives over the next four years and for the first time it also incorporates council's public health and wellbeing plan.
The draft budget includes 26 new initiatives including climate change ($40,000), a Trust for Nature covenant for UL Daly Reserve Gisborne ($23,000), community awareness in relation to waste reduction ($20,000), and improving service for planning applications and permits ($85,000).
The capital works program includes roads and bridges construction works ($6.2 million), footpath upgrades ($430,000), developing infrastructure at land to the east of Hanging Rock ($1.55 million) and purchasing land for an early years centre in Gisborne ($700,000).
"We recognise there is a fine balance to be achieved in addressing the environmental, infrastructure and social needs against the economic constraints within the community. I think this draft budget does this and I am pleased with it," Cr Jukes said.
"Although our debt will increase, it is still below prudential levels and it will enable us to invest in some important projects that will provide benefits to the community for many years to come.
"This draft budget is the result of a team effort from all councillors and I'm looking forward to receiving comments and discussing it with the community over the next four weeks."
These documents will be on public display in council offices and at the council website.
Written submissions will be accepted until Friday May 31, and will be considered at a meeting in June.