Moira Shire Council’s Draft Annual Budget 2026/27

Published on 07 May 2026

Significant investment in services, infrastructure and capital works projects is proposed as part of Moira Shire Council's Draft Annual Budget 2026/27.

This investment will facilitate the delivery of critical upgrades and Shire-wide initiatives, including substantial road restoration works throughout the municipality and a dedicated investment in renewing local footpaths.

Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson PSM said this draft budget strikes a balance between keeping the everyday services the community relies on running smoothly, investing in projects that will make a lasting difference to the Shire, and maintaining long-term financial sustainability.

"Working within a 2.75% rate cap, this budget reflects our commitment to responsible financial management while still delivering the projects and services residents rely on every day. We are investing in the community's future without losing sight of the pressures many households are facing today," Dr Emonson said.

COBRAM

"In Cobram, the investment in the Thompsons Beach Precinct Plan is a step towards realising the long-term tourism and economic potential of one of the region's most valued natural assets – delivering future opportunity while remaining mindful of today's financial realities.”

"This budget funds a broad range of initiatives that touch every part of our community. We are focused on delivering what matters now while laying the foundations for a confident and sustainable future."

Budget highlights for Cobram include:

Finalising the development of a precinct plan for the Thompsons Beach area.
Developing a Cobram Structure Plan to inform future development and identify strategic land use opportunities for commercial and employment-generating land.
Completion of detailed designs for the Cobram South Drainage strategy and the Cobram East Levee.
Detailed designs to upgrade essential infrastructure links, including Karook Street, Cobram.
Completion of detailed designs for a new Cobram Scott Reserve Pavilion.
Construction designs for a new cell at the Cobram Landfill.
Targeted Hume Street Safe Travel School Zone works and a share of the Shire-wide road restoration program.
Development of the Open Space Strategy to consider the maintenance standards and future plans for local parks and recreation areas.

NATHALIA

"In Nathalia, we are progressing detailed designs for Gifford Street to address drainage, footpath and bus stop needs, while also completing pedestrian improvements on Pearce Street – practical investments that improve safety and connectivity for residents going about their daily lives."

Budget highlights for Nathalia include:

Completion of pedestrian pathway and footpath improvements in Pearce Street to enhance local connectivity and safety.
Targeted road safety improvements within the Nathalia Primary School precinct.
A share of the Shire-wide road restoration, resheeting and resealing program, including sections of Federation Street, Harcourt Steet, McDonell Street, and Dillions Lane.

Development of the Open Spaces Strategy to consider the maintenance standards and future plans for local parks and recreation areas.

NUMURKAH

"In Numurkah, safety and resilience are at the heart of our plans. We are progressing critical flood mitigation designs alongside essential road improvements, helping to ensure our local infrastructure can better withstand potential challenges ahead.”

Budget highlights for Numurkah include:

Detailed designs for the Numurkah Flood Levee Stage 2 to enhance township flood protection.
Completion of targeted road safety improvements for Melville Street to enhance pedestrian and driver safety.
Development of a masterplan for Lake Numurkah in consultation with the community.
A share of the Shire-wide road restoration, resheeting and resealing program, including sections of Madeline Street, Kinnards Road, Saxton Street and Paterson Street.

Development of the Open Space Strategy to consider the maintenance standards and future plans for local parks and recreation areas.

YARRAWONGA

"In Yarrawonga, we are making considerable progress on two significant community assets – the new Library, Events and Performance Precinct, which will become a civic and cultural heart for the town, and the continued construction of the Multisport Stadium.”

Budget highlights for Yarrawonga include:

Continued construction of the Multisport Stadium – a major community facility for future generations.
Completion of the Library, Events and Performance Precinct.
Sealing Botts Road between Murray Valley Highway and Cahills Road.
Installation of upgraded culvert at Botts Road and Murray Valley Highway to improve drainage.
Entrance improvements at the JC Lowe Oval precinct to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Finalise a masterplan to inform the future use of the former Yarrawonga Primary School site.
Detailed designs for essential infrastructure upgrades at Woods Road.
Detailed designs for the Yarrawonga West flood protection drainage project.
Implementation of an Integrated Water Management Plan at Victoria Park/Showgrounds.
Beautification works on Belmore Street to enhance amenity.

Chief Executive Officer Matthew Morgan said the budget reflects responsible management today, while acknowledging the work still ahead to secure Council's long-term financial position.

"While we have achieved a balanced draft budget this year, our long-term financial indicators are not where they need to be, so we need to develop a Financial Sustainability Strategy to balance Council's long-term finances, and we will do this by December 2026," Mr Morgan said.

"To support this, one of our major initiatives this year is to develop four 'township placemaking and priorities' plans, for Cobram, Numurkah, Nathalia and Yarrawonga. We know that Council's long-term financial capacity is constrained, and this process will see realistic discussions with our community about priorities, and what we can and can't realistically deliver over the coming 10 years within each of our major townships."

"This means that the limited capacity we do have will be directed to where it is needed most."

Moira Shire Council encourages all residents to review the Draft Annual Budget 2026/27 and see how resources are being directed to their community over the next 12 months. Community feedback is an important part of the budget process, and Council invites everyone to have their say before the public consultation period closes on 29 May 2026.

Have your say – visit Moira Matters to view the Draft Annual Budget 2026/27 and provide your feedback: www.moiramatters.com.au/budget-202627

Community Drop-In Sessions

Yarrawonga Yarrawonga Shire Hall – Wednesday 20 May, 9am–10am

Cobram Cobram Civic Centre – Wednesday 20 May, 1pm–2pm

Nathalia Dancocks Room, Nathalia Sport Stadium – Tuesday 26 May, 1.30pm–2.30pm

Numurkah Numurkah Community Learning Centre – Tuesday 26 May, 3pm–4pm