Draft Budget and Revenue and Rating Plan

• The Draft Budget continues to deliver services and capital works to the community within the three per cent rate cap set by the State Government.
• Council’s Waste charges have been increased by 11% in 2025-2026 for standard waste charges and varying increases for non- standard waste charges. This is to ensure that the full cost of Council’s whole waste management function continues to be fully funded by the waste charge. Ministerial guidelines have been released for implementation in the following year.
• The surplus for the year in the draft 2025-2026 Budget is proposed to be $1.415 million. This can be compared to an audited deficit for the year in 2023-2024 of $5 million and a forecast surplus for 2024-2025 of $723,000.
• The total capital works program equates to $10.588 million, including an estimated $6.321 million of carry forward projects.

Key initiatives:

• Maryborough Outdoor Pool – We’re committed to bringing this iconic and much-loved community facility back to life. Council has allocated $450,000 for ongoing design works and will continue to advocate for funding at all levels of government to help deliver this important restoration project.
• Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion – With a Council investment of $1 million and thanks to support from both federal and state governments, a new, multi-use, modular-build pavilion will support local sport, events, and become a hub for community activities.
• Princes Park Grandstand – This treasured local landmark will undergo important conservation and upgrade planning so it can continue to serve our sporting community and host major events including Energy Breakthrough and the Maryborough Highland Gathering.
• Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail – In partnership with Mount Alexander Shire Council, we’re progressing the development of this 55km trail. Tiny Towns – We will continue to deliver on the multiple projects identified as important for our residents across our townships.
  

Capital Works program highlights:

• Continuation of the design works for the Goldfields Reservoir Dam stabilisation
• Delivery of the annual road resealing and asphalting program
• Completion of Betterment works across of a number of impacted floodways
• Completion of TAC Road Safety Program including speed reductions, roundabouts and splitter islands (to be delivered over 2 years)
• Investment in IT systems including a new Asset Maintenance Management System to assist in providing better service to our community on managing the maintenance of our assets and facilities
• Maryborough Tennis Centre Multi Use Courts Development
• Princes Park Cricket Wicket Rebuild Project
• Landfill works – remediation of our closed land fills
• Transfer Station Infrastructure Upgrades
• Dog Park fencing at Jack Pascoe Reserve
• Public Conveniences – the installation of automatic locks on our toilets and sensors on our BBQs to help prevent vandalism and better schedule cleaning and maintenance
• Road to Recovery Projects including renewal of roads in Alma, Carisbrook and Maryborough
• Clunes Mt Cameron Road Renewal (pending on outcome of grant application)
• Aerodrome Regional Airport Program Round 4, including the implementation of more recommendations from the Aerodrome Business Case.

The Draft Revenue and Rating Plan is developed every four years (following a Council election) and determines the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach which, along with other income streams, will support Council to deliver on objectives of the Council Plan.

It is proposed to:

• Use the capital improved value system of valuation.
• Seven (7) differential rates with the level of rate applicable to each class as follows:
  1. Residential – Maryborough (100% of the general rate)
  2. Residential – Other (90% of the general rate)
  3. Vacant Land (127% of the general rate)
  4. Commercial - Maryborough (160% of the general rate)
  5. Commercial – Other (136% of the general rate)
  6. Industrial (107% of the general rate)
  7. Farm (80% of the general rate)
• Municipal charge levied at $202.00
• Service rate and charge levied for kerbside garbage and recycling at full cost recovery
• Rates payable by quarterly instalment or as a yearly lump sum in February
• Rates and concessions offered in accordance with legislation, including the state government funded pensioner rebate scheme
• Deferment and/or waivers of rates and charges in cases of demonstrable financial hardship for specified property classes
• The Fire Services Property Levy to be replaced by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
• Benchmarking of non-statutory fees and charges, including subsidised fees and charges