Council
27 June, 2024
Projects receive last minute budget funding
SUBMISSIONS to alter Moyne Shire Council’s budget prior to its finalisation have seen two key infrastructure upgrades in Mortlake approved.
At this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, councillors voted to amend the draft budget to provide funding for a proposed upgrade at the Mortlake Recreation Reserve and a new safety feature at the playground at Market Square.
Mayor Ian Smith said $5000 would be allocated to fence the playground under the alteration.
“This will be a co-funded project with the community being asked to raise funds and council officers will work with the community on the investigation and design of the fence,” he said.
“We thank the community for their submissions and look forward to working with them to deliver these important projects.”
The submission was based on concerns for the safety of users at the playground.
Funding was sought to construct a secure fence for fear the busy adjacent roads posed a safety issue for users.
No estimated costs of the project were available as the scope and design of works have yet to be formalised, however councillors voted to fund $5000 from the 2024-2025 budget to support the installation of the fence as a community co-funded-and-led project, with assistance from officers in determining the design.
The item was moved by Cr Daniel Meade, and seconded by Cr James Purcell.
“Thanks to those who made the effort to make a submission to council’s budget,” Cr Meade said.
“The budget we put forward every year has an impact on everyone in some way or another.
“Those who put forward their submissions on behalf of their groups shows they’re keen to put in extra effort.
“I fully support to the $5000 to the playground fence.
“It was a great presentation, certainly makes a lot of sense, so hopefully a community group can get behind it and get that actioned.”
A petition for the fencing project circulated online during May and June, with the wider Mortlake community showing support for the idea.
Council officers noted the playground is nearing the end of its service life, and noted potential issues such as fencing being an excuse for carers to not supervise children, fencing making the playground less accessible for wheelchair users and limiting the space in which play activities could take place.
An additional submission saw the Mortlake Recreation Reserve Committee of Management receive an additional $100,000 funding commitment to establish accessible change rooms at the reserve.
Moyne Shire Council had previously offered a $150,000 fund in the draft budget, but the Mortlake Recreation Reserve Committee of Management sought an increase to accompany a funding application under a Federal Government program to build new change rooms at the reserve.
Cr James Purcell said alterations to the draft budget were rare but welcomed.
“Too often through my time sitting with budgets, when we had submissions we said we would consider it next year,” he said.
“This is one of the few times, if not the only time, where we’ve actually taken and adjusted our budget from the submissions.
“I think it’s something the council should do because we’re actually listening to the community.”
The motion was unanimously carried.
For the full story on Moyne Shire’s 2024/2025 Budget, turn to page eight.
For more on the Mortlake Recreation Reserve funding, turn to sport.