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
At a Glance...
Major Initiatives and Actions
Council continues to deliver sustainability education programs with schools and the broader community as scheduled.
Media opportunities are used to showcase Council initiatives and encourage businesses and residents to take part in actions that reduce environmental impact.
These actions include transitioning to renewable energy, planting trees for shade and climate mitigation, electrifying Council's operational equipment, and improving waste and resource recovery practices.
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.
In September 2025, residents were invited to take part in selecting suitable tree species for planting in Autumn 2026.
This engagement encourages community involvement in street design and helps foster long-term stewardship of street trees.
Council staff continue to actively participate in regional meetings, ensuring Wellington Shire remains engaged in collaborative planning efforts.
At the most recent meeting, initiatives to improve integrated water management across the region were considered, with discussions focused on practical strategies to enhance sustainability and resilience.
Council will continue to contribute to these forums to support coordinated outcomes.
A series of book sales have been conducted across the Shire, utilising surplus and outdated stock from library collections.
This initiative supports the reuse of items and promotes sustainable practices while maintaining the quality of library services.
The development and publication of Local Emergency Directories (LEDs) for high-risk communities is ongoing.
Initial planning for the renewal of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP), scheduled for completion in late 2026.
Further progress on this renewal will occur throughout the 2026 calendar year.
A suite of draft documents for Planning Scheme Amendment C125well (Revised Flood Controls) are currently being finalised in collaboration with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority in preparation for a Council Briefing scheduled for November 2025.
Work is also progressing with the Communications Team on a comprehensive strategy to support the formal public notice period, anticipated to occur in the third quarter.
The diversion rate for the first quarter (1 July - 30 September 2025) was reported at 25.42%.
Ongoing education initiatives, including general waste awareness and school-based programs, continue to promote waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.
Ongoing waste education campaigns are assisting residents to understand the importance of reducing, re-using and recycling resources.
These efforts are building momentum toward the introduction of Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) in 2026.
This year's Annual Hard Waste Collection encourages residents to consider what they discard, the first ever E-Waste collection campaign aims to maximise E-Waste recovery.
Sustainability Education campaigns with schools and broader community have been delivered as scheduled.
Planting programs have been implemented in designated Natural Environment areas.
Waste Education campaigns are ongoing, 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.