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Mitchell Shire Council adopts $190m budget for community and sustainability

By Contributed

Jun 5, 2024

**Mitchell Shire Council has adopted its $190.33 million 2024/25 budget at a special council meeting.** Photo by Max Stainkamph

Mitchell Shire Council adopted its 2024-2025 budget at a special council meeting.

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The $190.33 million budget is aimed at enhancing community facilities, improving infrastructure and bolstering environmental sustainability efforts across the shire.

Servicing Victoria’s fastest-growing region, this budget addresses both the immediate needs and long-term vision of the community, reflecting feedback gathered from extensive public consultations.

Council’s 20204/25 budget highlights include:

$20.93 million was earmarked for upgrading and maintaining the road network, including construction of Wellington St and Darraweit Rd in Wallan.
The Missing Link Footpath program has a $1.52 million budget to maintain and enhance the existing footpath network, improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians. Projects in the program include Allen St and Sutherland St, Kilmore, and Main Rd, Tallarook.
$14.86 million to upgrade and construct community and recreational facilities, including Wallara Waters Integrated Family and Children’s Centre and Greater Beveridge Community Centre expansion, and Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub.
$24.32 million budget to sustain essential services such as libraries, maternal child health, kindergartens and waste services.

Mayor Louise Bannister said the budget was a testament to council’s commitment to creating liveable, sustainable and accessible communities across the shire.

“We thank everyone who participated in the consultation process and continue to invite feedback as these projects move forward,” she said.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the Victorian Government and the Federal Government for partnering with us to deliver many of the projects we have planned.”

In response to community feedback and the urgent need for sustainable practices, council is introducing a new kerbside collection service in 2025, which includes food and garden organics collection and improved glass recycling.

These initiatives are part of a broader commitment to environmental initiatives outlined in council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and Urban Forest Strategy.