Moira Shire Council has released its 2025-26 Annual Report. It highlights major achievements and community projects, the response to the January 2026 fires and the challenges ahead.
Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson said Council was committed to transparent reporting and accountability to the community, and the Annual Report was an important way to share information about Council's operations and performance.
"There were a number of achievements in 2025-26 that reflect our ongoing focus on the wellbeing and prosperity of the community," Dr Emonson said.
"Council adopted an Economic Development Strategy 2026-2029 and a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029, following extensive community and stakeholder engagement.
"Major capital projects included the Numurkah Flood Levee - Stage 1, renewal works on Bourkes Bridge in Nathalia and Bartrops Bridge in Kotupna, the Waaia hardcourt redevelopment, and construction officially began on the much-anticipated Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium.
"Work on the Yarrawonga Library, Events and Performance Precinct progressed throughout the financial year, with this impressive new facility officially opened on 27 October 2026."
Dr Emonson said the past year also held some challenges, most notably the devastating 9 January 2026 fires.
"Council diverted staff and resources to emergency response and recovery, establishing an Emergency Relief Centre and Recovery Information Centre in Cobram. Since then, Council has formed a dedicated Recovery and Resilience Team to support the community's ongoing recovery," he said.
"We thank the many emergency services, Council staff, volunteers and community members who responded during and after the fire."
Dr Emonson said Moira relied on state and federal government investment to provide the modern infrastructure and services that a growing community needs.
Compared with other Victorian councils, Moira Shire covers a large geographic area with multiple service locations and a dispersed and ageing population. This combination results in relatively higher costs to deliver an equivalent range and standard of Council services.
"Moira Shire's population is projected to grow from 30,522 in 2021 to 35,888 by 2046," he said.
"We need government support for priorities beyond Council's resources, including flood and fire recovery, affordable housing, the Yarrawonga-Mulwala Green Route Bridge, road network improvements and safer roads, and long-term planning for our schools.
"We continue to advocate for the funding and investment needed, meeting with state and federal representatives and relevant ministers, supported by a well-prepared advocacy document that reinforces our community's needs."
Moira CEO Matthew Morgan said Council's financial results for 2025-26 met or exceeded the target ranges in the Financial Plan 2025-2035.
"To keep all our services sustainable, Council's financial position needs careful management," Mr Morgan said.
"Looking ahead, rate capping continues to constrain our revenue while costs rise, so we are developing a Financial Sustainability Strategy 2027-2030 to place Council on a long-term, sustainable footing.
"As we move through 2026-27, Council will continue to deliver its major projects, support those still recovering from the January 2026 fires, and strengthen the services our community depends on.
"We remain committed to working alongside our community to build a vibrant, sustainable and resilient Moira Shire."
Read the full 2025-26 Annual Report at: https://www.moira.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Our-performance/Annual-Report
