KINGSTON Council has posted a surplus of $25.5 million for the 2024/2025 financial year, a $17.3 million improvement on the adopted budget’s projection of an $8.2 million surplus.
The surplus was revealed in Kingston Council’s annual report, which was published last week. The contract for Mordi Aquatic Centre works being awarded after the adoption of the budget is the main cause of the difference between the projected surplus and the eventual outcome.
The annual report read that “council’s total capital works expenditure for 2024–25 was $68.6 million, which is $17.1 million below the approved budget. The variance is primarily due to the timing of the Mordi Aquatic Centre construction contract, which was awarded after the budget was adopted. As a result, planned expenditure for the project was deferred, though the overall project budget remains unchanged.”
The annual report also read that increased activity at Waves Leisure Centre had proved a financial boost to council’s coffers.
In a message to ratepayers in the annual report, Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley outlined the infrastructure projects which were completed in the last financial year. “A liveable Kingston has been enhanced through projects such as the completion of the Chelsea netball courts and carpark, and renewal works at key community buildings, including the former Mordialloc Courthouse, Chelsea Yacht Club, Highett Pavilion, Turner Road MCH Centre, and Mordialloc Sailing Club,” she said.
“Beyond construction, the much-loved Mordi Fest drew more than 26,000 people to Peter Scullin Reserve. Our most significant investment in community health – the Mordi Aquatic Centre – is now rising above ground, with piling and foundation works complete. The Waves Investment Strategy program is also well underway, helping shape future investment opportunities.
“We’ve invested in open spaces and recreation with a new outdoor gym at Bicentennial Reserve, upgraded playgrounds at Brownfield Street Reserve, McDonaldHealy Reserve, Meribah Court and Glyn Court Reserve, and the launch of the Beach Access Volunteer program at Mordialloc Lifesaving Club.”
Kingston Council CEO Peter Bean said “careful financial management and our steadfast commitment to the Council Plan have enabled us to invest wisely in a liveable, sustainable, prosperous, healthy, safe, and well-governed city. Over the past year, we delivered 238 projects and invested $66.7 million back into our community.”
“This year we adopted the 2025–26 Budget, which includes $103.6 million for capital works – continuing development of the Mordi Aquatic Centre, revitalisation of the Edithvale Shopping Village, and many other projects. Central to the budget is a $2.3 million cost of living support package to assist residents during these challenging economic times. Your voice has shaped many of these decisions,” he said in his budget message.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 5 November 2025