Working within the State Government Rate Cap of 2.75%, Moira Shire Council approved the 2024/25 budget at the June Scheduled Council Meeting.
The next financial year, will focus on advancing major projects, increasing expenditure on safety improvement for local roads, and maintaining general community services.
An allocation of $41.8M has been assigned to the delivery of major community projects such as the Yarrawonga Library Events and Performance Precinct, the Numurkah Flood Levee and the Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium.
This funding also includes $3.1M received via the Federal Black Spot program for enhancements to known trouble spots such as the Labuan Road / Murray Valley Highway intersection.
Council’s Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM said the budget represented Council’s commitment to responsible spending, recognising cost of living pressures experienced by communities and the delivery of vital services to the community.
“Despite economic challenges, we are committed to achieving positive outcomes for residents, including clearing a backlog of community projects and improving existing assets like roads, bridges and footpaths,” Dr Emonson said.
The 2024/25 Budget also includes strategic initiatives for future growth such as the development of an Economic Development Strategy, Tourism Plan, and localised master plans like the Cobram Punt Road Precinct. These projects aim to enhance community infrastructure and promote sustainable development.
Moira Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Morgan said this budget was crafted with a clear understanding of community needs and challenges.
“The adopted budget lays a solid foundation for achieving long-term goals. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, Council will be able to navigate future challenges while continuing to support the community,” Mr Morgan said.
"We are working within the State Government’s 2.75% rate cap but face rising costs and state tax increases impacting ratepayers. We will prioritize renewing existing assets over creating new ones and make tough decisions about future projects and core responsibilities. Although we have kept rate increases minimal under the rate capping scheme, individual property rates may fluctuate due to the Victorian Valuer General's updated valuations, which have increased by 12.2% on average over the past year.”
Council would like to inform residents, when rate notices are issued in July, those with concerns for their property value, are encouraged to lodge an objection with the Valuer Generals Office. Unfortunately, Council does not have jurisdiction over property valuations.