A SOUTH-WEST council expects to deliver a budget surplus in the next 12 months despite freezing rates and charges due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Councillors gave Moyne Shire's $48.6 million 2020-21 budget the green light on Tuesday, including $520,000 coronavirus relief for ratepayers and also an expected surplus of $800,000.
Mayor Daniel Meade praised officers for supporting residents and balancing the budget.
"The spot we are in now to maintain a strong budget despite the tough year, is also a testament to our previous financial management," Cr Meade said.
The council included a call for better cycling infrastructure in Port Fairy and library WiFi upgrades in the final budget, while applications for new footpaths in Macarthur and Grassmere were successful thanks to a federal grant.
But the council declined a request to lower Port Fairy caravan park fees during the folk festival weekend, saying it "had a responsibility to maintain charges that are market competitive".
Council community and corporate support director Kevin Leddin said the budget did include "no increase but also the removal or alignment of the car fee charges across the two parks".
The council will spend the same figure as last year on shire roads, $9.2 million, which makes up more than half of the budgeted capital works.
Cr Jordan Lockett said the council "couldn't possibly be spending anymore money on roads" amid the council's community satisfaction survey highlighting roads an ongoing area of concern.
The budget will collect $20.5 million in rates but freeze rates at last year's levels. But rates still may go up or down for residences depending on valuations.
It has also earmarked $809,000 for environmental management, including $150,000 for roadside slashing.
Council chief Bill Millard said the budget would deliver significant investment in local roads, economic development and community infrastructure.
"Other significant capital projects include a new playground at Peterborough valued at $100,000, a $75,000 upgrade to the Koroit Early Years facility, and works at The Sisters Hall, Ellerslie Hall, Hexham School Hall and Purnim Hall, totalling $162,000," he said.
"We've also partnered with government, businesses and community groups on a range of projects, with council contributing $100,000 to new lighting at DC Farran Oval in Mortlake, $125,000 to recreational upgrades in Macarthur, and $10,000 to a new skate park design for Port Fairy."
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