31 October 2019
Mornington Peninsula Shire is committed to transparent reporting and accountability to the community. The 2018/19 Annual Report provides the community with information about Council’s operations and performance during the financial year.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor David Gill said the Annual Report saw a strong focus on advocacy, community connection and financial prudency.
“One of the major initiatives undertaken by Council over the past year was the creation of an Innovation and Advocacy Unit to further strengthen our ability to
advocate effectively on behalf of the Mornington Peninsula community.
“Our enhanced advocacy capacity enabled the Shire and our community to work successfully with the Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, to help secure over $170 million in election-related funding, budget commitments and election promises.
“Other major advocacy initiatives include the Better Buses campaign, jet ski reform, more jobs through a marine industry precinct and drought proofing the
Peninsula through a major recycled water project proposal.
“Council is committed to community consultation. An example of this commitment was our Climate Change Community Engagement Strategy and declaration of a climate emergency. The Strategy outlines our vision to become resilient to the impacts of climate change.
“The updated Green Wedge and Biodiversity Management Plans also went through extensive public consultation.
“Community consultation was also evident in the preparation of this year’s Budget, for which Council consulted widely. As a result, the Budget includes the largest number of community-initiated projects the Shire has ever seen.
“I would like to thank my Council colleagues and staff for their support and efforts over the past year and a special thank you to our 26,000 volunteers – including the more than 2,200 who work directly with the Shire who help make the Peninsula a great place to live,” concluded Cr Gill
The 2018/19 Annual Report showcases many significant achievements including:
- Early works for the highly anticipated Rosebud Aquatic Centre commenced in October 2018 with the construction of 210 car parks and a storm water drain diversion. Council accepted the design for the centre in November 2018 and awarded a $35.82 million construction contract. The main building is now under construction.
- The Somerville Recreation Centre officially opened its doors in May. The project was funded by Council ($4.3 million), the Victorian Government ($1.3 million) and insurance money from the fire at the original building. The reconstruction of the centre is one of the most significant community infrastructure projects that Somerville and the Shire has seen and is a great result for our community and sporting clubs.
- Following two rounds of community consultation, Council adopted the Green Wedge Management Plan in December 2018. The plan identifies a long-term vision, objectives and actions to support the distinctive role and functions of the Green Wedge.
- Council resolved in February 2019 to undertake a broad review into waste, including our current operations in this sector and investigating alternatives that demonstrate best practice and promote avoidance, reduction, reuse and recycling and address the current crisis in recycling.
At the conclusion of the 2018/19 financial year, Council remains in a strong financial position with strong cash flows, reserves and a solid balance sheet.
To date Council has been able to respond well to the state government’s rate capping system and provide an increased surplus that has allowed more spending on capital works and services.
Capital Works delivered during the year at $58.7M is the main driver in increased net assets of $21.1M. The Shires loan balance reduced to $12.1M after principal payments of $3.7M made during the year.
Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 2018/19 Annual Report can be downloaded by visiting mornpen.vic.gov.au/annualreport.
