Council calls for feedback on draft budget

By Isabelle Harris

May 27, 2022

Moira Shire Council is calling for community feedback on its proposed 2022-23 budget, which was discussed at a May 25 council meeting. Photo by spencer

Moira Shire Council is calling for community feedback on the proposed 2022-23 budget after it was discussed at a council meeting on May 25.

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Council received 24 submissions during the Community Budget Proposal Period, which ended in February, with some ideas raised included in the proposed budget.

Notably, a 19 per cent increase levied by the Environment Protection Authority will cause a proportional increase in landfill fees.

The Victorian Government’s rate cap has been set at 1.75 per cent; rates generate about 50 per cent of council’s income, with the majority made up by state and federal grants tied to specific services and projects.

Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica said the number of upcoming works and projects planned meant there would be more money allocated to engineers and council’s planning department.

“A shortage of appropriately zoned land and outdated strategic plans for our towns, given record migration, requires strategic planning and consultation for sustainable growth,” he said.

Council is increasing its road upgrade and renewal expenditure budget by about 40 per cent to $5 million, in addition to $7.25 million spent on road and bridge maintenance.

It will also fund a 100 per cent asset renewal for the first time, up from 80 per cent, in an effort to avoid costly remediation and repairs in the future.

Council will be carrying forward $38 million worth of capital projects that were previously unable to go ahead due to contractor shortages and grant timing, which council said were outside its control.

Council will also be starting stage one of the Numurkah Flood Levee as well as the Cobram East Levee.

Cr Mustica said the budget aimed to safeguard community and staff while looking after assets, consolidating the capital works program, and maximising regional travel and migration opportunity through tourism and sustainable development.

“As many of the issues that concern our community rely on state and federal government services, policy and funding ... we now have a budget for advocacy to ensure Moira Shire’s voice and concerns are heard by those who have the power,” he said.

Cr Mustica said council would also invest in solutions for digital connectivity issues in an effort to help businesses and agriculture, while taking advantage of the new “work from home” norm.

Council will hold drop-in sessions in the four major towns for community members to discuss the proposed budget by appointment only. They will be held at: