Moira successful in retaining revenue from state government

Published on 21 February 2022

The Victorian State Government will continue paying rates for social housing properties throughout Moira Shire, despite a proposed regulation that would require all councils to take over this cost.

Mayor Libro Mustica said Councillors and staff had strongly lobbied the state government and was pleased to see Moira Shire Council, along with several other regional and rural councils, now exempt from this proposed regulation.

“This is a big win for us,” Cr Mustica said.

“If we had not fought for this exemption, it would have cost Council approximately $3.5 million over ten years in lost revenue, which would have put a huge amount of pressure on our financial security.

“In addition, we are pleased the state government has also waived the 1.75 per cent Developer Levy for projects in Moira Shire, which means real estate developers will be encouraged to look at opportunities in our area instead of the metropolitan region.”

CEO Clare Keenan said the new levy would have been required from all developers as of 2024 in new projects with three or more dwellings or three or more lot subdivisions, however through extensive lobbying, Moira Shire Council was now exempt.

“Developers still need to pay this levy for projects in metropolitan areas with the funds going to help finance social housing,” Ms Keenan said.

“With these exemptions it is now imperative Council progresses its strategic planning and has suitability zoned land available throughout or shire for appropriate and sustainable development.

“Migration to Moira Shire increased by 42% between 2019 and 2021 and these exemptions make Moira Shire the destination place for developers outside of Metropolitan Melbourne.”