MORNINGTON — In a striking departure from the “financial emergency” messaging used during this year’s budget process, Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh told councillors this week that balancing the budget is “not the goal.”
“It’s not the goal or the outcome to balance a budget. It’s to make sure you use financial resources properly,” Cr Marsh said during debate on Council’s 10-Year Financial Plan on Thursday, 30 October.
The comment represents a clear shift in tone from the alarmist fiscal language that accompanied the 2025–26 budget, which saw sharp service reductions including the arts sector and a major staff restructure to the tune of a $5 million cut, framed as necessary to prevent a long-term financial collapse.
Council Adopts Long-Term Plans
Councillors voted 8–1 to adopt both the 10-Year Financial Plan (2025–2035) and 10-Year Asset Plan (2025–2036) before the 31 October legislative deadline. The motions were moved by Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro (Tanti Ward) and seconded by Cr Cam Williams (Tootgarook Ward).
Cr Pingiaro said the plans reflect a financial turnaround — from a projected $279 million deficit to $3 million — supported by $3.5 billion in service expenditure and $515 million in capital works over the next decade.
He said the Shire’s arts budget now exceeds recreation and leisure funding, with $4.1 million for arts and culture and $2.85 million for climate action.
“This is a responsible financial plan that positions Council to accelerate community needs and expectations,” Cr Pingiaro said.
Cr Max Patton (Benbenjie Ward) thanked staff for delivering the plans under time pressure but said future deliberations should involve a citizens’ panel to improve transparency and community understanding of financial trade-offs.
The proposal was notable because the Mayor and his bloc of six councillors voted earlier this year to scrap the Shire’s citizens’ panel program, which had previously been used to engage residents on complex or high-impact decisions under the Local Government Act 2020.
Cr David Gill (Coolart Ward) opposed both plans, arguing that the Shire’s priorities remain misaligned with community expectations and that the focus on budget restraint continues to disadvantage smaller townships and volunteers.
Shift Away from Crisis Narrative
The Mayor’s new language contrasts sharply with his rhetoric during the June budget process, when Council communications warned of “financial unsustainability” and “tough decisions ahead” — framing a $5 million staff reduction and program cuts as unavoidable.
Thursday’s remarks instead framed the Shire’s position as stable and manageable, shifting the focus from austerity toward effective resource use and service delivery.
Observers say the change in tone may signal an attempt to rebuild public trust after months of criticism over the loss of the citizens’ panel, reduced consultation, and community backlash to cuts affecting arts, youth and environmental programs.
10-Year Asset Plan: Renewal Before Expansion
Council also adopted its 10-Year Asset Plan, outlining how it will manage $3.3 billion in infrastructure assets — including roads, buildings and community facilities — at a projected lifecycle cost of $1.4 billion.
It was moved by Cr Pingiaro and seconded by Cr Patton.
Cr Pingiaro said the plan focuses on responsible asset stewardship and integrates climate resilience measures through the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA).
Cr Kate Roper (Beek Beek Ward) encouraged residents to read the plan to better understand Council’s asset management challenges.
Both plans passed with eight votes in favour and one against (Cr Gill).
