A $46.5m capital works program includes almost $2 million for Yarrawonga Library, Events and Performance Precinct and $7.5 million for the Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium.
Chair administrator, Graeme Edmonson said a number of mitigation measures had been put in place to achieve an overall long-term financially break even or better position by 2028/29.
“This year’s draft budget has made a significant step forward in enabling us to achieve that,” Dr Emonson said.
“This budget represents a $4 million improvement to the bottom line compared with where we expected it to be.
“That has been through a process of essentially starting with a zero-based exercise this year and represents a very significant investment in delivering for the community, particularly around major projects.
“There’s a capital program next year forecast to be $46.5 million that includes flagship major projects, but also is about delivering on our existing assets whether that be roads, bridges or community buildings.
“It is a very minor deficit this year.”
The total value of capital works budgeted for the 2025/26 financial year includes $8.02m carried forward for projects that are being prioritised in this financial year.
Significant local projects carried over from 2024/25, to be constructed in the near future include:
•The Yarrawonga Library at $1,869,000.
•Yarrawonga Primary School land acquisition with a total project cost of $624,000 with funds promised by Alexander Park Club.
•Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium, total cost, $7,500,000, council contribution $992,000.
•Shannon Court drainage upgrade, $50,000
Smaller projects for Yarrawonga include: Rosemary Court road link acquisition, town Hall precinct stage two designs, Hume and Piper Street roundabout, Yarrawonga Airport runway resurface, JC Lowe Oval footpath, Botts Road to Murray Valley Highway culvert upgrade, Victoria Park integrated water management plan implementation and the Yarrawonga and Tungamah depot renewal.
Moira Shire Council chief executive officer Matthew Morgan said the 2025/26 draft budget was focussed on renewing, improving, and maintaining existing infrastructure.
“This budget balances financial sustainability with investment into services and facilities to ensure we can continue delivering services and improving infrastructure, like roads, footpaths, and roundabouts, to meet community needs,” Mr Morgan said.
The draft budget also includes funding for the completion of Yarrawonga’s two flagship projects, the library and the multisport stadium, both set for completion in 2026.”
Mr Morgan said the budgeted underlying deficit would be $367,000 compared to the previous forecast of $4.3 million.
Dr Emonson congratulated the finance team for their diligence and rigor, and encouraged the community to provide feedback during the consultation period until May 28.
The draft 2025/26 budget is available for public inspection at council service centres and on council’s website at www.moira.vic.gov.au.
There will be a feedback session at the Yarrawonga Farmers Market on Sunday, May 25 from 10am – 12pm and the Yarrawonga Town Hall on Thursday, May 29 from 10am – 12pm for community members to discuss the proposed budget.
Council will consider any feedback before considering a recommendation to adopt the 2025/26 budget on June 30.
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