Councillors adopt 2025/26 Budget

Published on 23 June 2025

Moyne Shire’s 2025/26 budget will include $3 million for stage 3 of the Koroit Township Renewal project, providing streetscape and amenity upgrade works on Commercial Road and High Street.

The budget was adopted at Monday’s Council meeting following a period of consultation for the draft budget, with 12 submissions received.

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the next stage of works on the Koroit streetscape would continue the transformation of the town.

“These new works will further enhance the amenity, safety and useability of the central business and recreation areas for residents, businesses and visitors,” said Cr Foster.

“Stage 3 of the project will see further streetscape and amenity upgrade works on Commercial Road on the southern side between Mickey Bourke’s and the Koroit Theatre, and road, car parking, footpath works and bus stop installation on High Street from Commercial Road to the Botanic Gardens area,” she said.

“In total, Stage 3 will see an investment of $2 million in funding previously committed to by Council, plus the $2 million announced earlier in the year by the Federal Government from their Growing Regions fund. This follows the $2 million already invested by Council in stages 1 and 2, highlighting our focus on the fastest-growing town in our shire.”

“We are also allocating $250,000 in the 2025/26 Budget to the $950,000 Mortlake Recreation Reserve changerooms project at DC Farran Oval, to create female-friendly facilities that will benefit all users of the sports complex.”

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

The budget features a $27.5 million capital works investment in the important community assets and projects that service the community, with a major focus on the local road and bridge network for which there is a $17.1 million allocation.

In total $22.3 million will be directed towards asset renewal to ensure Council’s existing $682-million asset base is adequately renewed and upgraded.

The Budget adopts a 3% per cent increase in the general property rate, in line with the state Government’s rate capping policy.

Other funded projects include a $100,000 upgrade to the Woorndoo Recreation Reserve kitchen, $200,000 for an upgrade to the Gardens Caravan Park amenities block in Port Fairy, and $67,000 towards drainage works at Apex Park in Hawkesdale.

$45,000 will be allocated to the Koroit and District Progress Association to commission a guidance plan for a community and council energy-sharing scheme using a Virtual Energy Network.

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

“Costs are rising for councils, just as they have in the supermarket and at the petrol pump. We are facing significant increases in costs such as construction materials, insurance and energy costs.”

“We are committed to maintaining the service levels our community expects and maintaining our infrastructure, but we are determined to do that in a way that represents best value for money for our ratepayers.”