Your Council, Your Community

Published on 14 February 2025

Southern Grampians residents are invited to contribute and share ideas for the Southern Grampians Shire Council Plan 2025-29. 

The Council Plan is an important document that is developed from community feedback and outlines key priorities that drives the new Council’s strategic direction over the next four years.  

The Plan summarises where Council and the community will aspire to be by 2029 and how Council will achieve those outcomes. 

Residents will have an opportunity to meet with Councillors and staff at community engagement sessions across the region with feedback opportunities also available online. 

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin encourages residents to get involved and participate in the process. 

“I would really encourage all those within our communities to participate in the Council Plan development by attending your closest community session or jumping online if you are unable to attend,” said Cr Heslin. 

“By contributing, you have the opportunity to directly impact the future and direction of our region and that of our Council. Each time we put together a new Council Plan, there are a number of community ideas that feed into budgets and are delivered to our residents. 

“Throughout February and March, we will be coming to you to meet within your own communities and to understand your needs.  

“Details of these sessions can be found on the Council website and will be shared via Council’s Facebook page over the coming weeks.” 

Key projects that were developed from the 2021 – 25 plan included the development of key strategies to support waste reduction, sustainable practices, opportunities for youth, ongoing steps in reconciliation with first nations, as well as focus on housing, roads, and an increase in capital works. This plan also supported the development of Council’s big three community projects of the New Hamilton Gallery, the Community Hub and also the CBD Revitalisation project. 

“The Plan will be built on the views and ideas of community members through what will be an extensive engagement process to develop a quality four-year strategic plan for Council and the community,” concluded Cr Heslin. 

For more information on the engagement process or sessions, please contact Council on 5573 0444.