Community invited have their say on Council’s Draft Budget.

The Moyne Shire community is invited to have their say on Council’s 2024/25 Draft Budget.  

Mayor Cr Ian Smith said it was a responsible, balanced budget which had a focus on asset renewal and upgrade as well as continuing to deliver service the community expects.  

Cr Smith said the $27.9 million capital works program of included asset renewal of $22.5 million.  

He said the budget included $1.7 million of council funds in this year's budget towards future stages of the Koroit Township Renewal project, with another $300,000 projected for the following budget.  

“We have a live application to the Federal Government’s Growing Region’s Fund at the moment which requires matched funding – this allocation over the next two years will fulfil that requirement,” he said.  

“If our application isn’t successful, we will need to reassess how to proceed with the project - but we remain confident of a positive outcome. 

“It will take Council’s total contribution to the township renewal to $3.3 million including the recently completed footpath works and critical drainage works.”  

“Other highlights of the capital program include council contributions of $100,000 to upgrade facilities at the Woorndoo Recreation Reserve, $50,000 towards the first stage of new female change facilities at Mortlake Recreation Reserve this year and a further $100,000 planned in the following year.   

“The budget also includes projects amounting to $26,000 to renew Mortlake’s Montgomery Pavilion and $30,000 to connect three-phase power to the Port Fairy Goods Shed.”  

Cr Smith said local roads remain a key focus with $9.7 million will be spend on local road rehabilitation and resealing.  

He said the budget also included ongoing funding for key programs like the Community Assistance Fund, Festival and Events Fund, Business Facade Improvement Program and Carbon Offset fund.  

“These are great community programs which provide funding to group, organisations, businesses and individuals for projects which make a real difference to our communities,” he said.  

“I’m pleased to be able to continue to support these programs.” 

Cr Smith said it was a responsible budget which reflected the tough economic conditions the community is facing.  

He said the rate rise of 2.75 per cent was in line with the State Government rate cap which allowed Council to continue delivering services.   

“Council is also experiencing rising costs of fuel and materials, which has an impact on overall operations,” he said.  

“Council has the services everyone knows about like roads and rubbish, but there is so much more we do that people often don’t realise.  

“That includes Maternal Child and Health Care, kindergarten and childcare, youth programs, libraries, community development programs, business support, tourism services and home-based care and support for people living with a disability and senior residents.  

“The budget we have drafted looks at ensuring we can continue to deliver these services for our communities in a responsible and sustainable way.”  

Cr Smith said the Draft Budget can be viewed online here or at a Council Customer Service Centre in Mortlake or Port Fairy.  

People making a submission will also be able to indicate if they wish to present that submission to a Councillor workshop.  

Feedback will be accepted until 4pm, Tuesday May 28, 2024.