Budget focused on capital works, services

Published on 30 June 2026

Moyne Shire’s 2026/27 budget will include $950,000 to create female-friendly facilities at the DC Farran Oval in Mortlake to support the growing number of women playing sport in our community.

$17.1 million has been allocated for the local road and bridge network, a significant investment in critical infrastructure used by the whole community.

The budget was adopted at Tuesday’s Council meeting following a period of consultation for the draft budget, with 13 submissions received.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Myra Murrihy said Council is investing $250,000 toward the DC Farran Oval project, in addition to the $500,000 State Government commitment and $200,000 from the Mortlake Recreation Reserve Committee from fund-raising and philanthropic donations.

“The new change facility will promote gender equity, improve safety and accessibility, and remove sport participation barriers for women and girls in the Mortlake district,” said Cr Murrihy.

“We are also allocating $400,000 to Stage 1 of the Koroit Youth Space Activation, to build a pump track that will benefit this growth area's young people,” she said.

“We thank the Moyne community for their submissions on the draft Budget and look forward to working with them to deliver important projects.”

As a result of a budget submission, Council has allocated $20,000 to the Koroit Bowls Club to develop a proposal for a Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) grant for installation of a roof over the main bowls green and the replacement of the green surface.

“$30,000 has also been allocated to the Hawkesdale and District Development Action Committee to upgrade local streetlighting following their submission,” she said.

The Budget includes $70.4 million operating expenditure, with a $28.8 million capital works investment in the important community assets and projects that service the community.

In total $22.9 million will be directed towards asset renewal to ensure Council’s existing $744 million asset base is adequately renewed and upgraded.

The Budget adopts a 2.75% per cent increase in the general property rate, in line with the state Government’s rate capping policy. Despite the increase, Moyne Shire retains the lowest average rate per property assessment for large rural councils in Victoria.

The 2026/27 Budget results in an average increase of around $0.97 per week for ratepayers.

Other funded projects include $100,000 to develop a Koroit township drainage strategy, $800,000 to replace the amenities block at the Gardens Caravan Park in Port Fairy, and $40,000 towards an upgrade design for the Yambuk public toilet and surrounds.

$3.1 million will be spent this coming year on works to replace the Gipps Street Bridge in Port Fairy, a major project that will see works commence in 2027.

Council has allocated $30,000 in the 2026/27 budget to develop a Positive Ageing Strategy and associated action plan. This initiative focuses on exploring opportunities to enhance access to positive ageing initiatives in line with the Council Plan and the Age-Friendly Victoria declaration.

Cr Murrihy said the budget is responsible and focused on service delivery.

“Costs are rising for councils, just as they are for households. We continue to face significant increases in costs such as construction materials, insurance and energy costs.”

“We are committed to maintaining the level of service our community expects and supporting our infrastructure, while ensuring we deliver the best possible value for our ratepayers.”