The 2006/07 budget took councillors and council officers about five months to compile following an extensive consultation process that included seven public meetings.

The council's corporate services director Chris Cowley said the budget was prepared on the basis of an overall 8.3 per cent increase in rates and charges and continued the existing practice of applying rate differentials.

He said the budget proposed to raise $7.86 million from rates and municipal charges.

Mr Cowley said that the council received 13 submissions and seven items were added after considering the submissions.

The additions included: the Creswick Arts Trail ($7000); the Creswick Development Committee ($6000); CCALO Projects (increased to $10,000); Dean Hall chairs ($3000); and a St John Ambulance vehicle purchase ($5000).

Budget projects include:

* The appointment of a full-time environment officer ($100,000);

* A new toilet block in Creswick ($250,000);

* Repairs to the Trentham town clock ($13,000);

* Development of the Daylesford youth park ($50,000); and

* An increase in infrastructure maintenance ($75,000).

Holcombe councillor Bill McClenaghan left the room during the vote to increase the garbage levy from $68.50 to $73 because he owns a garbage collection business.

All other councillors voted in favour of the budget, which will come into effect on July 1.

The council also gave the green light to the Council Plan 2006-2011, which contains the vision, mission statement, values, objectives, strategies and indicators to measure the effectiveness of achieving the stated objectives.

Mr Cowley said that during the community consultation process attendees were given a Council Plan pack, which asked them to provide input into the formulation of the Council Plan. Mr Cowley said that the council was required

to report quarterly on the implementation of the Council Plan.

The plan will come into effect on July 1.