VIC · Great South Coast — Moyne · Local council, made simple
Moyne Shire Council
About 17,800 people live in Moyne Shire, in south-west Victoria next to Warrnambool — Port Fairy, Koroit, Mortlake, Macarthur and a string of smaller towns across 5,500 km² of coast and farmland. Seven councillors are elected by the whole Shire, and they choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your bins, local roads, parks, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the things that affect your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate cap, how your bill is worked out, due dates and help paying.
2026–27: rates +2.75% (state cap); municipal charge $311
Open →Budget & financesThe council's standard financial measures, each next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,613 (Vic median $1,937), 2024–25
Open →Crime & safetyOffences recorded in the Shire by Victoria Police, next to the Victorian rate.
Offences recorded, year to June 2026
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour seven councillors, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and how they are chosen.
Mayor: Cr Jordan Lockett (elected Nov 2025)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how the Shire votes, and the 2024 result.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Phone: 1300 656 564
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is, which towns it covers.
Population: 17,760 (2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Moyne Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Councillors endorse the Moyne Planning Scheme Review 2026
The council endorsed an independent review of the Moyne Planning Scheme and will seek the Planning Minister's authorisation to prepare and exhibit an amendment to implement its recommendations, which the council describes as largely policy-neutral and administrative.
What this means for you: Any amendment will be publicly exhibited, and residents and stakeholders can make formal submissions then.
- Development
Final concept designs released for the new Gipps Street Bridge
The council released renders of the replacement Gipps Street Bridge in Port Fairy, with a wider footpath on the upstream side and cycling lanes on both sides. Works permits have been applied for, and an early 2027 start remains the target.
What this means for you: The council expects the bridge to be closed for up to eight months during construction. A draft closure management plan will be released for community feedback; updates are on Engage Moyne.
Source: Moyne Shire Council — First look at the new Gipps Street Bridge
- Policy
2025–26 result: $24.5 million of capital works delivered
The council reported an operating surplus of $5.9 million for 2025–26, boosted by the early receipt of $9.9 million of 2026–27 Commonwealth grant funding, and an underlying surplus of $3.4 million. Capital spending was $24.5 million, 88% of the program.
What this means for you: The Gipps Street Bridge replacement and the Koroit Township Renewal continue into 2026–27.
Source: Moyne Shire Council — Council delivers $24.5 million in projects and stronger result
- Policy
2026–27 Budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 Budget after 13 submissions, with a 2.75% rate increase in line with the state cap and a $28.8 million capital works program, including roads and bridges, new change facilities at DC Farran Oval in Mortlake and a pump track in Koroit.
What this means for you: The council puts the average rate increase at around $0.97 a week. The first rates instalment is due 30 September 2026.
Source: Moyne Shire Council — Budget focused on capital works, services
- Council meeting
Cr Jordan Lockett elected Mayor, Cr Myra Murrihy Deputy Mayor
At the council meeting on 25 November 2025 the councillors elected Cr Jordan Lockett as Mayor — his first term in the role — and Cr Myra Murrihy as Deputy Mayor, both for the next 12 months. Cr Karen Foster was the outgoing Mayor.
What this means for you: Victorian mayors are elected by the councillors, not by voters.
Source: Moyne Shire Council — New Mayor and Deputy for Moyne Shire
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Moyne Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.