Our Focus
Wellington has always been a place of hard work, innovation and strong local character, all of which continues to drive our economy today.
We’re focused on helping local businesses grow, creating space for new ideas, and making sure people can find good jobs close to home. It’s about backing the industries we’re known for, while also looking ahead and welcoming the kinds of investment that bring long-term benefits to our region.
As our towns grow and change, we’re planning carefully to make sure that growth works for everyone. That means thinking about the land we have, the infrastructure we’ll need, and how we support communities to adapt and thrive.
Strategic Indicators
At a Glance...
Major Initiatives and Actions
A series of targeted events were delivered during the quarter to support workforce development, industry awareness, and local business capability across the defence and aviation sectors.
The Aviation Taster Tour provided participants with a practical introduction to aviation careers and training pathways, fostering early interest in the sector and highlighting local opportunities.
Complementing this, the Defence 101 Event offered foundational knowledge of the defence industry, including procurement processes, key stakeholders, and potential entry points for businesses and individuals seeking to engage with defence-related opportunities.
Industry engagement was further strengthened through the Ventia Subcontractors Forum, which connected local suppliers with a major defence contractor to explore subcontracting opportunities and requirements for participation in defence supply chains. This event facilitated direct contact between Ventia and local businesses, improving understanding of compliance, capability, and partnership expectations.
Similarly, participation in The Middle of Everywhere Jobs and Careers Fair broadened outreach efforts by showcasing local employment pathways, promoting local industries, and connecting job seekers with employers and highlighting potential careers to students.
To build business capability, the Business Victoria Workshop on Winning Government Grants and Tenders assisted local enterprises with practical skills to navigate funding opportunities and tender processes. This workshop provided guidance on identifying relevant opportunities, preparing strong submissions, and aligning business offerings with government objectives.
Collectively, these events contributed to strengthening workforce pipelines and supporting economic development outcomes within the region.
Council continues to advance integrated place-based planning and promote housing diversity through the ongoing assessment of planning permit applications and the implementation of Planning Scheme Amendments.
These actions ensure alignment with strategic objectives and support sustainable growth across the municipality.
Council continued to work with industry and government partners to attract investment that supports renewable energy development and the broader energy transition.
Engagement with Regional Development Victoria focused on identifying opportunities to strengthen local industry participation and investment outcomes. To further promote the region's capabilities, Council organised a tour of local businesses during the quarter, highlighting the strength of the local supply chain and advocating for greater involvement of local businesses in upcoming new energy projects.
Council continued to maximise investment in the Middle of Everywhere brand through the support, facilitation and promotion of events across the municipality. The reporting period commenced with the highly successful ANZAC Week Airshow, which attracted 12,300 ticket sales and continued to be a major event for the region, generating a significant boost to the local economy through increased visitation, accommodation bookings and visitor spending.
During the reporting period, 28 event applications were assessed and approved, ensuring events were compliant and able to proceed successfully. Three major events received additional Council support, including sponsorship, staff attendance, visitor information and promotional materials, social media promotion, and direct permit assistance.
Council's event facilitation role involved extensive cross-organisational coordination, with 71 referrals made across Council departments for acknowledgements, approvals, permits and specialist advice. This collaborative approach helped deliver safe, compliant and successful events that contribute to visitation, economic activity and the promotion of Wellington Shire as the Middle of Everywhere.
Council also continued work on the Gippsland Rally, supporting event planning and delivery to ensure the event remains a premier attraction for motorsport enthusiasts and visitors to the region. The rally continues to provide opportunities to showcase local communities, businesses and visitor experiences while generating economic benefits across Wellington Shire.
Several Planning Scheme Amendments (including C124well, C126well, C131well and C132well) are currently in progress andat different stages of preparation but when completed will enable the delivery of zoned land for residential, industrial, and commercial growth.
A finalised Development Plan was formally adopted by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 21 April 2026. Work will now continue to provide support in accessing the necessary infrastructure required to facilitate the development of the land.
Investigation works continued during the reporting period on the subdivision of strategically significant Council-owned land in Stratford, Sale and Yarram. These activities support future investment opportunities and help ensure an ongoing supply of land to meet residential, commercial and industrial development needs across the municipality.
Progress also continued on the West Sale Airport Master Plan, with the project advancing through key planning and consultation stages. Endorsement of the Master Plan is anticipated in late 2026 and will provide a strategic framework to guide the future development and growth of this important regional asset.
Following a successful bid for funding from the Department of Transport and Planning during the reporting period, consultants have been appointed to undertake the project, which is now formally underway. Councillors will receive an update in September 2026 with a final report for adoption anticipated to be presented to the 20 October 2026 Council meeting.
As part of Council's participation in Timber Towns Victoria, a delegation attended State Parliament to advocate on behalf of timber-dependent communities.
The delegation focused on key State Government election priorities, highlighting the importance of supporting regional economies, industry development, workforce transition, and investment in communities impacted by changes in the forestry sector.
This advocacy aimed to ensure local priorities were recognised and considered in future government policy and funding decisions.
Throughput at the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange continues to remain strong, with increased buyer attendance at sales contributing to robust competition and positive market activity. The continued strength of the exchange reinforces its importance as a key regional economic asset, supporting livestock producers and attracting participation from across Victoria nd interstate.