NEARLY $50 million for the Mordi Aquatic Centre project is the centrepiece of Kingston Council’s draft budget.
Although the draft budget includes an average rate rise of three percent, a majority of councillors also voted to receive a report back assessing the possibility of a budget without a rate increase. The report will also investigate smaller rate increases than what is proposed in the draft budget.
Council has set aside $103.6 million for infrastructure works in the 2025/2026 financial year. That includes $48.6 million for the Mordi Aquatic Centre, $20.5 million for community and sporting facilities, $20.2 million for roads, drains, footpaths, and bike paths, $6.3 million for parks and reserves, and $5.6 million for playgrounds and active recreation. The budget projects a surplus of $11.1 million in the 2025/2026 financial year.
The mayor Georgina Oxley said that during the initial consultation stages council “heard the need for traffic improvements, more active recreation facilities, clean and well-maintained open spaces, and to encourage more lively and vibrant shopping strips – all of which are reflected in the draft.”
“This is a financially responsible budget focused on making every dollar count for the community by prioritising, renewing and maintaining vital infrastructure and facilities to ensure they remain in great condition for years to come,” she said. “It also accommodates new projects and programs that our growing community needs, while still looking out for those that need a little more help now.
“These are really challenging economic times, and that is reflected in the cost-of-living relief provided. This includes financial hardship assistance, offering reduced fees on services such as aged care, leisure centres, and pet registration, and providing a range of low-cost and free community activities.
“The development of any budget is a balancing act, and we are focused on strengthening our community while future-proofing our city. That includes strongly representing our community around important issues and projects like housing, the Suburban Rail Loop and level crossing removals This advocacy has also extended to securing funding for important local projects like the Mordi Aquatic Centre that is well underway and major upgrades to Le Page Park and Namatjira Park, which will now be able to happen sooner.”
Councillors Chris Hill, Tess Law, Tony Athanasopouls, Kirralee Ashworth-Collett, Hadi Saab, and Georgina Oxley voted to send the draft budget out for consultation. Councillors Caroline White, Sarah O’Donnell, Georgia Erevnidis, and Chris Howe voted against the budget. Councillors White, O’Donnell, Law, Erevnidis, Howe, and Oxley voted to ask for a report into the impacts of scrapping or decreasing the planned rate increase.
To view the draft budget, financial plan, and the revenue and rating plan and make a submission visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/2526budget.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 7 May 2025