Call to take part in budget

GOLDEN Plains Shire staff are inviting members of the community to lend their two cents regarding priorities for the municipality’s 2025/26 budget.

Mayor Cr Sarah Hayden encouraged residents to get involved and said the organisation is eager to see where people would like to see municipal funds spent.

“Council welcomes budget submissions from the community about what is important to you, your family and the community to be considered during the development of the 2025/26 budget,” she said.

“Submissions might be about a specific issue or service such as kindergartens, sporting facilities, public amenities, road maintenance or arts and culture.

“Your input will help Council to prioritise its service delivery for the future.”

Golden Plains Shire’s 2024/25 budget preparations saw ongoing community engagement from March until May, which entailed workshops and public notice periods.

The budget will also be heavily influenced by the municipality’s 2021–25 Council Plan, which is a document developed every four years in consultation with the community.

Submissions can be lodged either online via the consultations page on the municipality’s website, by emailing [email protected], or by posting a letter addressed to Director Corporate Services, Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331.

Residents are also able to present their submission to the council during a scheduled meeting at the Golden Plains Civic Centre in Bannockburn from 6pm on Tuesday 1 April.

Submissions are open now and will close at 9am on Wednesday 5 March.

After the closure date, the proposed budget will be presented for the council to consider for adoption during the Tuesday 27 May meeting at The Well at Smythesdale.

For more information regarding the budget process, contact the municipality’s finance team by emailing [email protected] or calling 5220 7111.