MOYNE Shire Council’s 2022/23 Budget confirms Council is in a solid financial position with minimal debt and strong cash reserves.

Councillors adopted the $53.4 million operating budget at a Special Meeting on Tuesday.

It delivered a $17.9 Million capital works program, with a strong focus on asset renewal – with more than $9 million to be spent improving Council’s local road network.

The Budget included a 1.75 per cent rise in rates and charges in line with the State Government cap, has an operating surplus of $830,000, and shows Council has cash and investments totalling $9.2 million.

Mayor, Ian Smith, said the Budget was well balanced and ensured Council remained in a strong financial position.

“This budget, despite the challenges of rate capping, ensure we are maintaining and enhancing our services that range from early childhood through to parks and community spaces,” he said.

“We know the condition of roads is a key issue for residents, so more than $9 million will be spent improving the more than 3000 kilometres of roads Council has responsibility for.”

The budget will also deliver a list of community projects including new cricket nets, playgrounds and floating pontoons.

“We’ve also provided extra resources to deliver a backlog of capital projects and an increase in forecast projects for the coming year, thanks to a significant increase in government grants,” Cr Smith said.

“It’s a responsible budget that delivers important projects and services for the community, but also ensures Council remains in a favourable financial position.”

Cr Smith said the big-ticket item this year was the revitalisation of Port Fairy’s East Beach precinct.

“That’s a big project, $1.6 million in total with a $425,000 contribution from Council and $1.2 million from the State Government,” he said.

“It will transform the popular foreshore with the replacement of the toilet and shower block, instillation of barbeque facilities and new passive recreation areas – all highlighted in a masterplan developed in conjunction with the community.”

Cr Smith said cricket nets at the Hawkesdale Recreation Reserve would also be replaced, a long-planned project for the community.

“It’s a joint project between Council and the community – with a $40,000 contribution from Council, $40,000 from the community and a $30,000 grant,” he said.

“Projects like these make a real difference to the community, they’ve been out and raised funds and shown that this is a priority for them - so we are more than happy to make a contribution.

“We’ve seen how successful our investment at the Mortlake Recreation Reserve has been with games now being played under lights and fantastic community facilities – it’s a key aim of the Council Plan to make sure our communities have great recreation spaces and we are delivering on that.”

A further $60,000 will be spent at the Wangoom Hall to improve the site, including a new play space.

It follows from $350,000 of works completed on the interior, jointly funded with the State Government.

$30,000 will be allocated for playground strategic planning, and $70,000 towards outdoor exercise equipment to be installed in Port Fairy, after positive feedback from users of already installed equipment in Mortlake and Koroit.

The popular Macarthur Pool will be given a new lease on life with $30,000 to renew the pool lining and $10,000 to install a floating pontoon at Killarney.

Cr Smith said these were projects that would make a difference to Moyne’s communities.

“They build on investments we have made in previous budgets and ensure each of our communities has great spaces where they can come together for sport or recreation,” he said.