Council
27 June, 2025
Koroit township renewal in adopted Budget
MOYNE Shire councillors have adopted the 2025/26 budget, which includes $3 million for stage three of the Koroit Township Renewal Project.
Stage three will include streetscape and amenity upgrade works on Commercial Road and High Street.
The budget was adopted at last Monday’s council meeting following a period of consultation for the draft budget, with 12 submissions received.
Mayor Cr Karen Foster said the next stage of works on the Koroit streetscape would continue the transformation of the town.
“These new works will further enhance the amenity, safety and useability of the central business and recreation areas for residents, businesses and visitors,” Cr Foster said.
“Stage three of the project will see further streetscape and amenity upgrade works on Commercial Road on the southern side between Mickey Bourke’s and the Koroit Theatre, and road, car parking, footpath works and bus stop installation on High Street from Commercial Road to the Botanic Gardens area,” she said.
“In total, stage three will see an investment of $2 million in funding previously committed to by council, plus the $2 million announced earlier in the year by the Federal Government from its Growing Regions fund.
“This follows the $2 million already invested by council in stages one and two, highlighting our focus on the fastest-growing town in our shire.
“We are also allocating $250,000 in the 2025/26 Budget to the $950,000 Mortlake Recreation Reserve changerooms project at DC Farran Oval, to create female-friendly facilities that will benefit all users of the sports complex.
“We thank the community for its submissions and look forward to working to deliver these important projects.”
The budget features a $27.5 million capital works investment in the important community assets and projects that service the community, with a major focus on the local road and bridge network for which there is a $17.1 million allocation.
In total $22.3 million will be directed towards asset renewal to ensure council’s existing $682 million asset base is adequately renewed and upgraded.
The Budget adopts a three per cent increase in the general property rate, in line with the state government’s rate capping policy.
Other funded projects include $200,000 for an upgrade to the Gardens Caravan Park amenities block in Port Fairy, and $67,000 towards drainage works at Apex Park in Hawkesdale.
Also included is $45,000 for the Koroit and District Progress Association to commission a guidance plan for a community and council energy-sharing scheme using a Virtual Energy Network.
Cr Foster said the budget was responsible and focused on service delivery.
“Costs are rising for councils, just as they have in the supermarket and at the petrol pump. We are facing significant increases in costs such as construction materials, insurance and energy costs,” Cr Foster said.
“We are committed to maintaining the service levels our community expects and maintaining our infrastructure, but we are determined to do that in a way that represents best value for money for our ratepayers.”
