Home
Strategic Objectives
strategic objective 
Four

Natural Environment

Protecting nature for lasting impact.
In this Section
Healthy Connected Communities
Dynamic and Diverse Economy
Infrastructure, Spaces and Places
Need assistance? Check out the Help Center for tips!
Our Focus
Performance
strategic objective 
Four
A healthy natural environment, protected and nurtured for generations to come.
What we will deliver:
Contributing to the protection and revitalisation of natural landscapes, biodiversity, and waterways.
Encouraging and supporting sustainable practices.
Strengthening natural disaster resilience and emergency response preparedness.
Empowering the community and businesses to drive positive environmental outcomes.

Our Focus

We’re proud of the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Wellington. From the coast to the ranges, our landscapes are part of everyday life and we know how important they are to our health, identity and way of living.

Caring for these places is a big part of our role. As the region grows and environmental conditions continue to change, we’re making sure our plans and services help protect the environment while still supporting how people live, work and enjoy the outdoors.

We’re focused on managing land and resources responsibly, maintaining clean and healthy public spaces, and helping communities prepare for things like fire, flood and storm. Looking after the environment means looking after our future, and that’s something we all benefit from.

Strategic Indicators

Strategic
How we will measure success
Baseline
30 June 2025
Target
30 June 2029
Year 1
Overall Progress
Year 2
Overall Progress
Year 3
Overall Progress
Year 4
Overall Progress
Achieve an annual nett gain of street and park trees through the Urban Forest Renewal Program
Baseline (30 June 2024)
Approximately 100,000 trees
Target (30 June 2029)
Increase
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Community satisfaction with Council's approach to environmental sustainability
Baseline (30 June 2024)
Wellington Shire Council result 59/100 Large Rural Council result 58/100
Target (30 June 2029)
Equal to or greater than Large Rural Council result
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Community satisfaction with emergency and disaster management by Council
Baseline (30 June 2024)
Wellington Shire Council result 67/100 Large Rural Council result 65/100.
Target (30 June 2029)
Equal to or greater than Large Rural Council result
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Community satisfaction with the management of waste by Council
Baseline (30 June 2024)
Wellington Shire Council result 63/100 Large Rural Council result 62/100
Target (30 June 2029)
Equal to or greater than Large Rural Council result
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Kerbside collection waste diverted from landfill
Baseline (30 June 2024)
26.35% waste diversion
Target (30 June 2029)
Maintain
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Achieve an annual nett gain of street and park trees through the Urban Forest Renewal Program
Baseline (30 June 2024)
Approximately 100,000 trees
Target (30 June 2029)
Increase
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Community satisfaction with Council's approach to environmental sustainability
Baseline (30 June 2024)
Wellington Shire Council result 59/100 Large Rural Council result 58/100
Target (30 June 2029)
Equal to or greater than Large Rural Council result
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Community satisfaction with emergency and disaster management by Council
Baseline (30 June 2024)
Wellington Shire Council result 67/100 Large Rural Council result 65/100.
Target (30 June 2029)
Equal to or greater than Large Rural Council result
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Community satisfaction with the management of waste by Council
Baseline (30 June 2024)
Wellington Shire Council result 63/100 Large Rural Council result 62/100
Target (30 June 2029)
Equal to or greater than Large Rural Council result
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Kerbside collection waste diverted from landfill
Baseline (30 June 2024)
26.35% waste diversion
Target (30 June 2029)
Maintain
Year 1 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 2 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 3 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A
Year 4 Progress
On Track
Not on Track
N/A

At a Glance...

0
 Total Initiatives
0
 Major Initiatives
0
 Actions
Overall
0
Completed
0
Progressing
0
Pending
Major Initiatives
0
Completed
0
Progressing (1-49%)
0
Progressing (50-99%)
0
Pending
Actions
0
Completed
0
Progressing (1-49%)
0
Progressing (50-99%)
0
Pending
Completed
Progressing
Pending

Major Initiatives and Actions

Filter Items
Tag Text
Tag Text
Showing 0 results
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
4.1
4.01
Natural Environment
In partnership with community and business, encourage sustainability initiatives and take actions to reduce Council's impact on climate
Status: 
Progressing
20
%
20
%
20
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Major Initiative
20
Initiative Type
Major Initiative
Live Well
Progress Update

A successful delivery of Wellington Sustainability Festival in partnership with Gippsland Climate Change Network was had on 14 March 2026. Compared to previous years, there has been an increase in attendance.

Activities included:

  • Engaging with the community on the VEGuary Event in coordination withNakunbalook.
  • Environmental Education Centre future event scheduling
  • The Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) introduction campaign.
5
10
20
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
4.2
4.02
Natural Environment
Enhance the extent and quality of the urban forest across our townships
Status: 
Progressing
20
%
20
%
20
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Major Initiative
20
Initiative Type
Major Initiative
Live Well
Progress Update

Council continues to deliver the multi-year Urban Forest program, which focuses on planting street trees to improve shade and streetscape amenity in Wellington townships where trees are limited or missing.

One thousand street trees for Autumn 2026 planting have been ordered for planting across the shire.

5
10
20
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
4.3
4.03
Natural Environment
Continue involvement in regional Integrated Water Management forum and consider funding opportunities where aligned with Integrated Water Management Plan
Status: 
Progressing
15
%
15
%
15
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Major Initiative
15
Initiative Type
Major Initiative
Live Well
Progress Update

Staff continue to actively participate in regional meetings, ensuring Wellington Shire remains engaged in collaborative planning efforts.

Funding submissions have been submitted for an Integrated Water Management (IWM) study to support the Stratford Structure Plan and for an investigation into alternative water sources for the Yarram Recreation Reserve.

Council officers will continue to contribute to these forums to support coordinated outcomes.

5
5
15
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
4.4
4.04
Natural Environment
Encourage the reuse of items through the provision of a quality library service
Status: 
Progressing
30
%
30
%
30
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Major Initiative
30
Initiative Type
Major Initiative
Live Well
Progress Update

Public Libraries Victoria in partnership with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) support and progress the United Nations 2030 agenda and the 17 goals across the economic, social and environmentally sustainable domains.

For Council libraries, this includes providing accessible information and opportunities for library patrons to take action on climate change. This may involve participating in library-led programs such as Citizen Science, as well as supporting individuals to take practical actions - such as reducing their carbon footprint, minimising waste, and choosing to buy local.

20
20
30
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
4.5
4.05
Natural Environment
Ensure emergency management plans are developed collaboratively with lead agencies and communities to improve community preparedness
Status: 
Progressing
35
%
35
%
35
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Major Initiative
35
Initiative Type
Major Initiative
Live Well
Progress Update

A review of the current Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) is currently being undertaken by the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC).

The review and updating of the MEMP is on schedule to be completed by the legislative timeframe (October 2026).

5
25
35
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
4.6
4.06
Natural Environment
Progress updates to the flooding provisions within the Wellington Planning Scheme
Status: 
Progressing
20
%
20
%
20
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Major Initiative
20
Initiative Type
Major Initiative
Live Well
Progress Update

A Council resolution has been approved to seek the consent of the Minister for Planning to commence Planning Scheme Amendment C125well agreed at the ordinary meeting of 17 March 2026.

Amendment documents have been formally submitted to the Department of Transport & Planning (via its Amendment Tracking System) on 2 April 2026.

10
10
20
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
4.7
4.07
Natural Environment
Manage waste production and resource recovery, supporting both waste reduction and diversion from landfill
Status: 
Progressing
20
%
20
%
20
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Action
20
Initiative Type
Action
Live Well
Progress Update

With the Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection starting in July 2026, and more people using the Container Deposit Scheme, less waste is expected to end up inlandfill.

Education on general waste within school's and the general community including FOGO have been implemented and have assisted residents in understanding the importance of these new initiatives.

Also in place are education campaigns to encourage waste reduction, as well as correctly separate recyclables, and reuse where possible. These initiatives are continuing to help maximise recovery within the community.

5
10
20
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
4.8
4.08
Natural Environment
Enhance the reuse and recycling of resources, minimise waste and support the development of circular economy initiatives
Status: 
Progressing
20
%
20
%
20
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Action
20
Initiative Type
Action
Live Well
Progress Update

Ongoing waste education campaigns have assisted residents in understanding the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling resources.

These efforts have built in momentum, and excitement has been noted for the introduction of the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) bins in 2026. Community information, education and engagement increased significantly in April 2026 for FOGO service introduction in July 2026.

5
10
20
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
4.9
4.09
Natural Environment
Educate the community on the importance of environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and climate resilience
Status: 
Progressing
20
%
20
%
20
%
Natural Environment
Council Plan 2025-29
Natural Environment
Progressing
Major Initiative
20
Initiative Type
Major Initiative
Live Well
Progress Update

Campaigns across school’s and the broader community have been delivered as scheduled.

These include:

  • Sustainability Education
  • Planting programs have been implemented in designated Natural Environment areas.
  • Ongoing Waste Education with an emerging focus on the introduction of the new Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service in 2026.

Public engagement opportunities have included invitations to talks hosted at Nakunbalook Environmental Education Centre. Media channels have been actively utilised to encourage community participation in environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and building climate resilience.

5
10
20
Progress Chart
Information current as at: 
Sep 1, 2026
There are 0 results to display.
Other Strategic Objectives
View All
Strategic Objective 
One
Healthy Connected Communities
View
Strategic Objective 
Two
Dynamic and Diverse Economy
View
Strategic Objective 
Three
Infrastructure, Spaces and Places
View
This website is developed and managed by Wellington Shire Council.
 Contact information (including Privacy Statement) is available from the Wellington Shire Council website.
Wellington Shire Council acknowledges our offices are located on the traditional lands of the Gunaikurnai nation. We pay our deep respects to their Elders past, present and future and acknowledge their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to their land and waters.