Our Focus
The way our towns and spaces are planned, designed and maintained has a big impact on how we live. We’re focused on creating places that meet the needs of our community, places that bring people together and reflect what matters most.
As our population grows and the way we live changes, we’re thinking carefully about how our infrastructure supports that. We want our streets, buildings and public spaces to work well now and into the future, with a strong focus on accessibility and thoughtful design.
It’s about looking after the places people rely on every day and making sure they continue to meet local needs.
Strategic Indicators
At a Glance...
Major Initiatives and Actions
Parks are regularly maintained on a set schedule, and upgrades to park infrastructure are planned as assets reach the end of their life. Masterplans for key reserve sites are in preparation with active engagement of communities including:
- Lions Park Sale
- Golden Beach
- Prince Street Reserve Rosedale, and
- Great Southern Rail Trail.
The Urban Forest program is ongoing, with a target of planting 1,000 new, replacement, or infill trees each year in Autumn. Engagement with the community on tree selection has occurred with trees ordered for Autumn planting in streets.
We also continue to actively support events and licensed activities that encourage community use of our parks.
This activity is scheduled to begin in Year 3 of the Council Plan. It follows a regular cycle and was last completed in 2024.
Council continues to work with early years services, stakeholders and government agencies to ensure that the 2028 Best Start, Best Life roll out in Wellington will be streamlined and effective.
s part of this work, key strategies and plans will undergo a thorough review to ensure it reflects the Early Years landscape in Wellington.
Council is continuing regular maintenance of parks along with upgrades to trails, paths, playgrounds, and accessible facilities.
Plans also include improving access to open spaces within a short walk of homes and adding lighting to make parks safer and more usable for longer hours.
2025/26 Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Program rollout is supporting some enhanced accessible infrastructure both paths and playgrounds.
Council's targeted reactivation of Aqua Energy Leisure continues to drive strong community engagement, supported by new membership options, expanded access to swimming lessons, refreshed program offerings and enhanced digital communication.
These initiatives compliment the recently completed $23 million redevelopment, which delivered significant facility upgrades including a seven‑lane indoor pool, zero‑depth water play area, 24‑hour gym access, contemporary wellness facilities and fully accessible changerooms and pool deck.
Additional wellness services, including cold‑water immersion, Reformer Pilates and recovery equipment, have further diversified participation opportunities. The centre continues to experience strong demand, with memberships exceeding pre‑closure levels and record participation recorded across all programs, including more than1,100 swim school enrolments.
Supporting this momentum, associated car park upgrade works are due for completion in the coming weeks. These improvements will enhance access, safety and convenience for patrons and are expected to further support participation and visitation to the facility.
This activity is scheduled to commence in Year 2 of the Council Plan, with project planning already underway.
In May 2026, three Not for Profit Library Corporations were invited to respond to a Request for Quotation (RFQ) process. The closing date for submissions to the PCG is 8 May 2026. Following submissions being received, Council will embark on a thorough evaluation and recommendation to Council as to whether libraries continue to be maintained by Council or by an external library provider.
Council continues to maintain garden beds, street trees, rubbish services, lighting, seating, and other amenities across the shire.
Standards are regularly audited, and customer requests are promptly addressed to keep these spaces well-presented, active, and welcoming.
The 2025/26 Capital Expenditure program (CapEx) rollout has allowed for renewal, and new green features and small infrastructure installations.
An independent review of the Community Managed Facilities Strategy has been completed and presented to Councillors.
Items arising from this review will be presented at workshops during 2026 for further discussion. This review will be an ongoing process for the next 12-18 months.
Asset Condition data was considered in the development of the initial 2026/27 budget.
This data ensures that any assets listed in poor condition have been addressed and considered in the program of developments in the coming years.
Condition audits and renewal modelling has shown a steady positive trend in asset condition rating indicating that expenditure is effective in maintaining/slightly improving over the longer term.
Council assets are being maintained in a good condition.
Preparation of the detailed design tender documentation has progressed to completion, with the tender now advertised and due to close in the coming weeks.
Following the tender closure, Council officers will assess submissions and progress to the next stage of the project, including engagement with the preferred consultant and commencement of community‑led detailed design activities in the months ahead.
Residential Road and Street Construction Plan is progressing well. Community engagement commenced in February and concluded in March 2026.
A Council Workshop is scheduled for April 2026 to present feedback from the engagement and guide the finalisation of the plan. This updated plan is on track for Council consideration and adoption by the end of June 2026.
The Urban Paths Plan update is on track to commence from July 2026 and to be completed by June 2027.
Initial review and updating of the plan to be completed during 2026.