Council briefs

Draft budget released

Moorabool Shire Council has put the latest Draft Budget out for a 30-day public exhibition period, following the 1 May Ordinary Meeting.

Submissions and feedback on the proposed budget will be accepted until 5pm on Thursday 30 May, with any submissions to be considered at a Special Meeting of Council on Wednesday 12 June.

The 2024/25 Annual Budget is expected to be adopted at a Special Meeting of Council on Wednesday 26 June, subject to any changes made following the end of the submission period.

The proposed rate increase within the Draft Budget is 2.75 per cent, in line with the order made by the Minister for Local Government under the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System.

The bulk of spending will be on the Capital Works Program ($46.485 million), a slight decrease on the current Budget’s Capital Works spending ($48.031 million).

Speed limit petition heard

Council has received a petition from the community on lowering the speed limit at Ballan-Egerton Road, Mount Egerton.

The petition, which had 14 signatures, called on Council to lower the speed limit to somewhere between 60 and 70 kilometres an hour.

“Due to speeding drivers and a crest at Devlins Road, it has become a safety hazard for residents entering and exiting their properties,” the petition reads.

Councillors voted unanimously to accept the petition and request officers prepare a report for Council’s consideration.

Report in the works on street renaming

Council will consider an officer report before consulting the community, on the proposed name change of part of Bacchus Street, Maddingley.

A motion came before Council on 1 May to consult the community on the possible renaming of the eastern section of the road Stewart Close, in commemoration of George and Bertha Stewart.

“I’ll move a recommendation that a further report be brought back to Council, after investigation of the initiating request to close Bacchus Street,” Cr Edwards said.

The motion was seconded by Cr Moira Berry, and supported unanimously by Councillors.