TODAY was d-day for the Central Highlands Regional Council, with the 2015-2016 budget released. 

The budget is a mixed bag of good and bad news, with some new projects coming up in the next financial year, but rates are set to rise everywhere except Tieri and Bluff. 

Councillors Peter Maundrell and Kevin Pickersgill caused a stir when they chose to vote against every section of the budget. 

More on that in Friday's CQ News. 

Rates changes: Most up, two down.

In Mayor Peter Maguire's report he said the budget "demonstrates Council's commitment to the community to be a financially sustainable organisation". 

"This budget is about sustainability," he wrote.

"We are forward thinking and want to ensure a healthy legacy for our children - the ratepayers of tomorrow.

"The strategy for the 2015-2016 budget focuses particularly on the principles of... supporting the economy in the short term following the change in econic conditions.

"Like any business the cost of providing services to the community does not get cheaper."

HOW THIS COMPARES: Last year: Rates rose by 1.8%.

See last year: http://www.cqnews.com.au/news/central-highlands-regional-council-budget-201415-a/2299746/

Water and sewerage changes: Varies.

"In simple terms some areas will see a decrease in their water and sewerage charges and some areas will see an increase above the average 2.5% overall rate rise for water and 4% for sewerage.

"Waste charges have been maintained at 2014/2015 levels." 

Some major projects: Around the Highlands