Budget prize offer

Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is offering a prize for residents’ “ideas and aspirations” for its next budget.

The inducement follows the unprecedented backlash the shire faced over its secret decision to allow the wildlife sanctuary at The Briars, Mount Martha, to be used for the sound and light show, Harry Potter: a Forbidden Forest Experience.

Despite weeks of saying it was not possible, the shire last week moved the show out of the sanctuary and into the community forest, dog leash-free area (Sanctuary may be forbidden for Harry, The News 13/2/24).

Suggestions for items to be included in the 2024-25 shire budget can be made until 15 March.

“By participating, you have the chance to win a $100 voucher from one of the many food establishments that were nominees in the hospitality category for our 2023 Business Excellence Awards,” a news release stated (including exclamation marks) and issued by the shire the day before it performed the Harry Potter backflip.

Budget suggestions can be made at mornpen.vic.gov.au/budget-2024-25

“Don’t miss your chance to go in the draw! Your feedback is food for thought for council, so what better way of thanking our community than with a good feed?” the mayor, Cr Simon Brooks said.