Moira Shire Council adopted its Budget 2022/23, a key strategic plan aiming to balance the many and often competing needs of the Moira community, at the June council meeting held in Cobram last week.
Mayor Libro Mustica said this budget was developed following a two-step community engagement process.
"A Budget Proposal submission period, held between November 2021 and February 2022, provided the opportunity for residents, organisations and businesses to present project ideas to be included in the proposed Budget 2022/23," Cr Mustica said.
"Council received 24 submissions during this period, 15 of whom took the opportunity to speak in support of their submission to Councillors in March.
"A further opportunity to provide comment came between 26 May and 7 June, which included the opportunity to speak with Councillors and staff (by appointment) with sessions held in the four main towns, as well as submitting written feedback.
"Ten further submissions were received during this period."
Cr Mustica said the Budget aimed to safeguard communities and staff, look after Council assets, consolidate the capital works program, maximise the opportunity of regional travel and migration through tourism and sustainable development advocate for the community with other levels of government, and enhance democracy and communication.
"Council made a priority to ensure a 100% renewal target on our assets while acknowledging this will affect our capacity to nominate new projects and builds," he said.
"A number of projects are highlighted in the Budget 2022/23 as being subject to grant funding; if funding applications are unsuccessful, these projects will not be able to progress.
"We have projected $25.61 million of capital works in 2022/23 as we look to consolidate and catch up on projects that have not been able to proceed for reasons outside of Council's control."
Cr Mustica said while complying with the 1.75% rate cap, movement between valuations in rating differential groups and for individual properties would have an impact on individual rates notices.
"The Environmental Protection Agency waste levy will increase approximately 19% from 1 July 2022," he said.
"This legislated levy must be paid for all waste that is received at licensed landfills, with the cost of this increase passed on fully through the kerbside general waste collection service charge as well as relevant landfill and transfer station user fees and charges.
"Council looks forward to working with you in the community to deliver exciting projects and initiatives throughout the coming year."
