Free public entry to swimming pools in Alexandra, Eildon, Marysville and Yea is proposed in the Murrindindi Shire 2020-21 budget to be considered by Councillors later this month.

It is planned to have a on- year trial of late-night pool openings on Fridays and Saturdays at the busiest pools in Alexandra and Yea.

The ideas for the draft budget will be considered at a Council meeting to be held at Yea at 6pm on Wednesday, March 25.

The Council plans to add an arborist to its staff .and to make an $100,000 increase in funding for tree works.

Murrindindi Council will consider a range of new budget initiatives in the draft budget, including:
• $3.86 million on roads and paths including reseals, re-sheeting, footpath renewals and improvements to unsealed roads
• $175,000 to improve safety at the Kinglake West Primary School crossing and surrounds
• $479,000 on Marysville Swimming Pool renewal works
• $160,000 on Kinglake Public Toilet Renovation (Aitken Crescent)
• $350,000 on a new public toilet in Kinglake Memorial Reserve
• $45,000 on solar hot water showers for male and female amenity blocks at Eildon and Marysville swimming pools
• $40,000 to replace bi-fold doors at Yea Recreation Reserve Clubrooms
• $189,000 to improve connectivity to Kellock Lodge (William St to Johnston St , with connection to Leckie Park)
• $45,000 for additional shade sails at the Yea Swimming Pool
• $100,000 for the extension of the footpath inFalls Road, Marysville (Stage 1 – Gallipoli Park to Goulds Terrace)
• $50,000 for bridge renewal at the entrance to the Yea Caravan Park.

Murrindindi Shire rates are proposed to rise, to no more than 1.95 per cent. This is slightly below the 2 per cent allowable under the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System.

Council CEO Craig Lloyd says that savings have also been achieved across Council’s services to ensure best value is being achieved.

“The proposed budget is about making sure all available funds are going to the areas where they will have the most impact for the community and will help us deliver on our promise to the community in the Council Plan,” Mr Lloyd said.

“Full details of the recommendations being made to Councillors will be available on our website in a few weeks’ time. Subject to approval by Council, we will be making the draft widely available for public comment.

“Details of how our community can make comment will be provided following approval of the draft by Council,” Mr Lloyd told The Local Paper.