An artist’s impression of the new Yarrawonga Library precinct which is one of the big projects carried forward into Moira Shire Council’s 2022/2023 draft budget.
The Yarrawonga Multisport complex and Yarrawonga Town Hall are two major capital projects among others totalling $38 million carried forward into the Moira Shire Council 2022/2023 draft budget.
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Council will look to “catch up” on a number of projects that have not been able to proceed for reasons such as contractor shortages and the timing of grants.
New projects in the budget for Yarrawonga include The Yarrawonga Depot upgrade ($400,000) and the Yarrawonga Town Hall airconditioning ($150,000). Yarrawonga’s overall budget for new projects totals $1.007million.
An artist’s impression of the new Yarrawonga Multisport Complex which is the largest project carried forward into Moira Shire Council’s 2022/2023 draft budget.
Several significant projects that were carried over from the 2021/22 budget to be constructed in the near future include:
•The Yarrawonga Library with a total project cost of $7,241,000 and council funding of $2,491,000
•Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium with a total project cost of $9,884,000
•Yarrawonga Splashpark Upgrade with a total project cost of $500,000 and council funding of $50,000
•Wilby Equestrian Arena with a total project cost of $344,000.
Other smaller projects carried over include: Yarrawonga Pool Precinct public toilet, Murray Valley Highway shared path – Botts – Silverwoods boulevard, Everist St Yarrawonga – kerb and channel renewal and road reconstruction, Woods Road -kerb and channel, Botts Road and Murray Valley Highway intersection works, Acacia and Melaleuca Streets road works, Hume St pedestrian crossing, Woods Road and Gilmore Street intersection, Yarrawonga aerodrome – reseal works on sections of taxiway and taxiway compliance works.
Council had provided the opportunity for residents and community organisations to present project ideas to be included in the Draft 2022/23 Budget and received 24 submissions.
Mayor Libro Mustica said this budget was prepared with the aims of safeguarding communities and staff, looking after assets, consolidating the capital works program, maximising the opportunity of regional travel and migration through tourism and sustainable development, plus advocating for the Moira Shire community with other levels of government.
“We have $38 million of capital projects carried forward and in this next financial year we will catch up on a number of these projects that have not been able to proceed for reasons outside of our control, such as contractor shortages and the timing of grants,” Cr Mustica said.
“A shortage of appropriately zoned land and outdated strategic plans for our towns given record migration, requires strategic planning and consultation for sustainable growth, and therefore there is an increase in budget for engineers and council’s planning department.
“The Victorian Government’s rate cap for 2022/23 has been set at 1.75% and while rates generate around 50% of council’s revenue, state and federal grants make up the majority of the balance, with many of those grants linked to specific services or projects.
“We are increasing our road upgrade and renewal expenditure budget by approximately 40% to $5 million in addition to $7.25 million being spent on road and bridge maintenance.
“For the first time, council will fund a 100% renewal on our assets, up from 80%, which will ensure the assets we have are well maintained to prevent costly remediation and repairs in the future.”
Cr Mustica said internal tourism in Australia had recorded a large increase as well as migration to the regions trending.
“There is a great opportunity for businesses to capitalise on the visitor spend and this is supported through events funding and marketing support with a move to a new tourism model,” Cr Mustica said.
“Council will also invest in solutions for digital connectivity issues across the shire to ensure the prosperity of our businesses and agricultural sectors, as well as to take advantage of the new world of ‘working from home’.”
In developing a budget, Cr Mustica said local government in Victoria operated and worked within the financial constraints of rate capping and external state authority increases in fees and compliance costs.
“For example, the increase of 19% levied by the Environmental Protection Agency will directly result in a commensurate increase in fees at landfills,” he said.
“As many of the issues that concern our community rely on State and Federal government services, policy and funding, such as increases in homelessness, the Green Route Bridge between Yarrawonga and Mulwala, the state of the Murray Valley Highway to mention just a few, we now have a budget for advocacy to ensure Moira Shire’s voice and concerns are heard by those who have the power to make the decisions that can improve life for the people of Moira Shire.”
The draft 2022/23 budget will be available for public inspection at council service centres and on council’s website by visiting www.moira.vic.gov.au.
Members of the community will be invited to view and provide feedback on the draft budget by 5pm Tuesday, June 7.
There will also be a councillor led drop-in session at the Yellow Box Room at the Yarrawonga Town Hall on Tuesday, May 31 from 1pm – 2.30pm by appointment only, for community members to discuss the proposed Budget 2022/23.
Council will consider any feedback before considering a recommendation to adopt the 2022/23 Budget with or without amendments at the scheduled council meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 22.
Key Yarrawonga and district projects in the 2022/23 draft budget
