Council
29 June, 2023
Moyne budget adopted
MORE than $24 million in capital works have been approved as part of the 2023/24 Moyne Shire budget, including lighting at Victoria Park.
Earlier this week councillors adopted the budget, which will deliver more than $14 million worth of improvements to the local road network.
Mayor Karen Foster said there were 32 submissions received from the community during the feedback period on a range of issues.
“In response to those submissions we have allocated a further $125,000 towards lighting at Koroit’s Victoria Park and $20,000 towards development of a masterplan at Mortlake’s Aberlea aged care home,” she said.
“We are also going to do further investigation on a footpath along Ocean Drive in Port Fairy and look to have that project included in future budgets.
“I thank everyone who made a submission, the adjustments we have made to the budget reflect the importance of these projects to the community and work towards delivering on our council plan.”
The budget also adopts a 3.5 per cent increase in the general property rate, in line with the state government’s rate capping policy.
Cr Foster said the budget reflects cost of living challenges and the economic climate.
“In the last year inflation levels have continued to rise which has had a significant impact on council’s expenditure,’’ she said.
“Costs are rising for councils, just as they have in the supermarket and at the petrol pump. We were facing significant increases in costs, well above the rate cap, but thanks to the hard work of our staff and budget restraint exercised by councillors, we’ve mitigated those impacts while still maintaining our ability to deliver effectively for our communities.’’
Cr Foster said council was committed to maintaining the service levels its community expects and maintaining infrastructure, but was also determined to do that in a way that represents best value for money for Moyne Shire ratepayers.
