Community
10 July, 2026
Budget highlights capital works and services
VARIOUS projects in Koroit, Port Fairy and Yambuk have been allocated funding in Moyne Shire’s 2026/27 Budget.
Approving the Budget at last week’s meeting, councillors voted in favour of a $17.7 million allocation for the local road and bridge network; a significant investment in critical infrastructure used by the whole community.
This includes $3.1 million to be spent this coming year on works to replace the Gipps Street Bridge in Port Fairy; a major project that will see works begin in 2027.
Other funded projects include $100,000 to develop a Koroit township drainage strategy, $800,000 to replace the amenities block at the Gardens Caravan Park in Port Fairy, and $40,000 towards an upgrade design for the Yambuk public toilet and surrounds.
Deputy mayor Cr Myra Murrihy said council had also allocated $400,000 to stage one of the Koroit Youth Space Activation, to build a pump track that would benefit the growth area’s young people.
The Budget was adopted following a period of consultation for the draft budget, with 13 submissions received.
“We thank the Moyne community for its submissions on the draft Budget and look forward to working with them to deliver important projects,” Cr Murrihy said.
As a result of a budget submission, council has also allocated $20,000 to the Koroit Bowls Club to develop a proposal for a Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) grant for installation of a roof over the main bowls green and the replacement of the green surface.
The Budget includes a $70.4 million operating expenditure, with a $28.8 million capital works investment in the important community assets and projects that service the community.
In total $22.9 million will be directed towards asset renewal to ensure council’s existing $744 million asset base is adequately renewed and upgraded.
The Budget adopts a 2.75 per cent per cent increase in the general property rate, in line with the state government’s rate capping policy.
Despite the increase, Moyne Shire retains the lowest average rate per property assessment for large rural councils in Victoria.
The 2026/27 Budget results in an average increase of around $0.97 per week for ratepayers.
Council has also allocated $30,000 in the 2026/27 budget to develop a Positive Ageing Strategy and associated action plan.
This initiative focuses on exploring opportunities to enhance access to positive ageing initiatives in line with the Council Plan and the Age-Friendly Victoria declaration.
Cr Murrihy said the budget was responsible and focused on service delivery.
“Costs are rising for councils, just as they are for households. We continue to face significant increases in costs such as construction materials, insurance and energy costs,” she said.
“We are committed to maintaining the level of service our community expects and supporting our infrastructure, while ensuring we deliver the best possible value for our ratepayers.”
