Calling for feedback on proposed Budget 2022/23
Published on 26 May 2022
Moira Shire Council is seeking community, business and stakeholder comments on the proposed Budget 2022/23, a key strategic plan aiming to balance the many and often competing needs of the Moira community.
Mayor Libro Mustica said this budget was prepared with the aims of safeguarding communities and staff, looking after assets, consolidating the capital works program, maximising the opportunity of regional travel and migration through tourism and sustainable development, plus advocating for the Moira Shire community with other levels of government.
"We have already heard from the community on project ideas they may like to see included as part of our Community Budget Proposal period, which closed in February this year," he said.
Cr Mustica said Council had received 24 submissions during this period and a number of those ideas were included in the proposed Budget 2022/23.
"The Victorian Government's rate cap for 2022/23 has been set at 1.75% and while rates generate around 50% of Council's revenue, state and federal grants make up the majority of the balance, with many of those grants linked to specific services or projects," Cr Mustica said.
"We are commencing Stage 1 of the Numurkah Flood Levee as well as the Cobram East Levee.
"Also, we are increasing our road upgrade and renewal expenditure budget by approximately 40% to $5 million in addition to $7.25 million being spent on road and bridge maintenance.
"For the first time, Council will fund a 100% renewal on our assets, up from 80%, which will ensure the assets we have are well maintained to prevent costly remediation and repairs in the future."
Cr Mustica said internal tourism in Australia had recorded a large increase as well as migration to the regions trending.
"There is a great opportunity for businesses to capitalise on the visitor spend and this is supported through events funding and marketing support with a move to a new tourism model," he said.
"We have $38 million of capital projects carried forward and in this next financial year we will catch up on a number of these projects that have not been able to proceed for reasons outside of our control, such as contractor shortages and the timing of grants.
"A shortage of appropriately zoned land and outdated strategic plans for our towns given record migration, requires strategic planning and consultation for sustainable growth, and therefore there is an increase in budget for engineers and Council's planning department.
“Council will also invest in solutions for digital connectivity issues across the shire to ensure the prosperity of our businesses and agricultural sectors, as well as to take advantage of the new world of ‘working from home’.”
In developing a budget, Cr Mustica said local government in Victoria operated and worked within the financial constraints of rate capping and external state authority increases in fees and compliance costs.
“For example, the increase of 19% levied by the Environmental Protection Agency will directly result in a commensurate increase in fees at landfills,” he said
"As many of the issues that concern our community rely on State and Federal government services, policy and funding, such as increases in homelessness, the Green Route Bridge between Yarrawonga and Mulwala, the state of the Murray Valley Highway to mention just a few, we now have a budget for advocacy to ensure Moira Shire's voice and concerns are heard by those who have the power to make the decisions that can improve life for the people of Moira Shire."
There will be Councillor led drop in sessions at the four major towns next week, by appointment only, for community members to discuss the proposed Budget 2022/23.
The drop in session details are as follows -
- Yarrawonga - Tuesday 31 May, Yellow Box Room, Yarrawonga Town Hall, 1pm-2.30pm.
- Cobram -Tuesday 31 May, Civic Centre, 4pm-5.30pm.
- Nathalia - Wednesday 1 June, Barmah Heritage Centre, 10am-11.30am.
- Numurkah - Wednesday 1 June, President's Room, Community Learning Centre, 2pm-3.30pm.
Contact our Customer Experience team to book a time at one of these sessions.
For more information or to submit your comments visit the Have Your Say page on our website.
Feedback on the proposed Budget 2022/23 closes 5pm Tuesday 7 June 2022.