The vote for the rise was not unanimous, with four councillors wanting a rise of below 6per cent.

Councillors Anne Shaw, Bev Colomb, Frank Martin and Susan Beveridge pushed for the lower rate but were outvoted by the other seven councillors.

Some of the seven said the shire's rates were among the lowest in the state and 6.2 per cent was a modest increase that would enable provision of extra services being demanding by residents.

Cr Lynn Bowden said rates in neighbouring City of Frankston were "$400-500 higher" and that if residents wanted more services "we have room to increase rates, as we are among the lowest in the state". You have to pay more to get more, she said.

Cr Tim Rodgers agreed, saying putting up rates would not be popular but it was a reality when people wanted more services and improvements to facilities.

The budget includes 'service growth' of 1.3 million, financed by a growth in the rates base from new developments.

It says property values have increased by an average of 10.3 per cent in the past financial year, adding further to the shire's coffers, as rates are set as a percentage of property value.

A major element of the budget is increased expenditure on 'climate change response'. The 'big ticket' item here is a leachate treatment plant to be built at the Rye landfill to prevent leachate – the liquid that drains from landfill – from entering the water table.

Other spending includes $3 million on flood prevention and drainage, an increase of $1.5 million. A sustainable development officer will be employed ($82,000) as well as a climate change community education officer ($61,000).

The Mornington Structure Plan will be implement at a cost of $500,000 and the same amount has been earmarked for a 'streetscape strategy' for Dromana.

Footpaths are to get special attention in a $1.6 million 'rehabilitation' program and $500,000 will finance footpaths at five locations.