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.
The new 10-year Public Open Space Strategy completed its first phase of community engagement in August 2025.
The Urban Forest program is ongoing, with a target of planting 1,000 new, replacement, or infill trees each year.
We also 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 is in ongoing discussions with key service providers regarding their plans to upgrade some sites.
In addition, Council has engaged with the State Government to explore potential locations for new kindergartens on school sites within 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 continues to drive strong community engagement, supported by:
- New membership options
- Expanded swimming lesson access
- Refreshed programs, and
- Enhanced digital communication.
These initiatives complement the recently completed $23 million redevelopment, which delivered major improvements, including a new seven‑lane indoor pool, zero‑depth water play area, 24‑hour gym access, modern wellness facilities and fully accessible changerooms and pool deck.
Wellness services such as cold‑water immersion, Reformer Pilates and recovery equipment have also been implemented. The centre has experienced a strong resurgence with membership exceeding pre‑closure levels. A record participation has been documented across all programs, including more than 1,100 swim school enrolments.
This activity is scheduled to commence in Year 2 of the Council Plan, with project planning already underway.
The Wellington Proposal project continues to analyse and review current library service delivery in the Shire to ensure that they are relevant to community needs.
Garden beds, street trees, rubbish services, lighting, seating, and other amenities are regularly maintained.
Standards are audited, and customer requests are promptly addressed to keep these spaces well-presented, active, and welcoming.
2025/26 CapEx rollout has allowed for renewal, some new green features and small infrastructure.
Planning is underway to review the Community Managed Facilities Strategy and associated plans during 2026.
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.
Preparation of the detailed design tender documentation has reached its final stages, and preparations have been made for advertisement.
Residential Road and Street Construction is progressing well with community engagement commencing in February 2026. 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.
Review and update to be completed in 2026.