Council Plan 2025-29

The Urban Paths Plan (UPP) is a key driver in achieving this Council Plan Action. Implementation is on track, with planning and construction activities progressing as anticipated.

A scheduled review will assess outcomes and provide an updated status report to inform future priorities.

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The environmental and planning team at Wellington Shire Council (WSC) continues to engage with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) in many land-use planning projects including ensuring appropriate input into shaping largescale renewable projects.

Council has also supported the Deadly in Gippsland Expo 2026 which is designed to foster economic growth and bring together business owners, community members and industry partners, with the aim to expand the Gippsland Aboriginal business sector.

The Quarter 1 update on the Council Plan 2025–29 was successfully delivered through the new Future Wellington platform and presented to Council prior to its public release. This approach streamlined the process, ensuring Councillors received information in a clear, easy-to-read, and comprehensive format.

The new reporting platform represents a major step forward in improving transparent governance and communication, enabling timely decision-making and improved access for the community. A diverse range of engagement initiatives were also undertaken during this quarter to involve residents in shaping Wellington’s future.

These included:

• Get It Sorted – How do you do waste? – Seeking community input on waste management practices to inform the rollout of the Food Organics waste stream (FOGO).
• Lions Park Master Plan – Gathering feedback to inform the development of a key recreational space.
• Public Open Space – Consulting on priorities for open space planning and usage.
• Urban Forest Renewal Program – Inviting input on street tree planting.
• Wellington’s Disability Inclusion and Access Plan – Developing the next Disability Inclusion and Access Plan to inform Council services and facilities via targeted engagement.
• Maffra Lawn Tennis Club – LED lighting upgrade – Supporting local sport infrastructure improvements with grant application requirements.
• Naming Proposal – Western side of the Port of Sale – Inviting community input on the naming decision of a public space.
• Boisdale Recreation Reserve Multipurpose Court Redevelopment – Supporting local sport infrastructure improvements with grant application requirements.
• Public Land Acquisition C122well – Cobains Road – Consulting on land acquisition to support future development. Feedback was actively collected through targeted surveys and forms, including Senior Community Expo – Vendor Feedback – Capturing insights from participating vendors to improve future expos and Kindergarten Central Registration – Family and Services Feedback – Gathering perspectives to enhance and streamline early childhood service registration processes.

These activities reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to meaningful engagement, ensuring community voices inform planning and decision-making. The combination of improved reporting processes and active consultation demonstrates a strong focus on transparency, accessibility, and collaboration with residents.

This quarter, our arts and culture programs continued to advance inclusion and engagement across Wellington's socially and culturally diverse communities. New exhibitions provided a broad range of creative perspectives and accessible entry points for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Synchron City showcased contemporary works by 26 national artists, offering a wide spectrum of voices and artistic approaches.

Olive Cotton & Her Contemporaries brought nationally significant early 20th‑century photography to local audiences and Wide Nature Wonder Land, (a VicHealth‑funded exhibition in the Youth Space) encouraged creative participation and connection among young people.

The return of the Gallery's permanent collection to an online, fully searchable format has improved access for the wider community, supporting greater cultural engagement and learning opportunities.

Beyond the gallery, our broader arts and events activity helped connect diverse community groups through shared cultural experiences. Venue technical staff and the portable trailer stage supported a series of major events including;

• The Middle of Everywhere Christmas Parade
• Stratford Carols by Candlelight, and;
• The Wellington Walk Against Domestic Family Violence,

These events help create inclusive, community‑wide celebrations that reflect and bring together the richness of Wellington's population. Collectively, these initiatives continue to expand participation, visibility, and cultural connection across the region.

Key initiatives for this period include the following highlights:

1. Council has completed Year-1 of its device replacement program whereas outdated and unsupported devices have been replaced within the renewal program timeframe. This provides improved security, reduced cyber vulnerabilities, and full compliance with relevant cyber standards.
2. A collaborative tender process with East Gippsland Shire Council for a new Geographic Information System was undertaken. This supports alignment of business systems, processes and procurement efficiencies for both councils.
3. Completion of Network Penetration Testing and Cyber Awareness Audit to ensure compliance with the Victorian Protective Data Security Standards Framework and a demonstrated improvement in Council's cyber security posture.

Internal training is undertaken on a recurring cycle and includes:

• Cultural Awareness
• Gender Equality
• Prevention of Workplace Bullying and Harassment
• Child Safety

A new e-learning module relating to Gender Impact Assessments (GIAs) which includes the topic of intersectionality is in development.

Gender Impact Assessment drop-in sessions are facilitated on a monthly basis.

During this reporting period, the Cultural Awareness E-Learning module which focuses on First Nations Culture and Cultural Safety was completed by 48 staff on an optional basis, contributing to broader organisational capability in inclusive and culturally safe practices.

Tender documentation and the scope of works were completed and released, with the tender period now closed. Both East Gippsland Shire Council and Wellington Shire Council are currently assessing the received proposals, with the next steps involving evaluation, recommendation and contractor appointment to enable commencement of works.

The development of governance resources and templates to support volunteer committees is progressing.

The new reporting platform, Future Wellington was launched in September 2025, demonstrates a commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community engagement.

This platform serves as a central hub for Council's long-term strategic plans, including the:

• Community Vision 2041
• Council Plan 2025-29
• Financial Plan
• Asset Plan
• Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan - Live Well in Wellington

The new website is designed to address previous challenges around engagement and accessibility. It replaces the static PDF based approach with a dynamic, user-friendly interface that allows:

• Real-time tracking of progress against strategic priorities via a performance dashboard
• Clear updates on Council initiatives and actions
• Interactive access to strategic documents and sub-plans
• New channels for community feedback and engagement

The reporting platform is available at future.wellington.vic.gov.au and is updated after the end of each quarter.

A new section titled Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) has been incorporated into the Council Report process, embedding the consideration of gender equality impacts into decision making. This enhancement aligns reporting requirements with legislative obligations and supports more informed and thoughtful assessments across projects and initiatives.

This quarter saw a strong program of visual arts activity, with several new exhibitions launched across our gallery spaces.

These included:

• Synchron City showcasing contemporary works by 26 national artists,
• Olive Cotton & Her Contemporaries, a touring exhibition of early 20th‑century photography; and
• Wide Nature Wonder Land, a VicHealth‑funded youth‑focused exhibition.

In addition, the Gallery's permanent collection is now back online and fully searchable for the first time in three years, following the successful integration of the collection database with the gallery website.

Across the broader arts and events program, venue technical staff and the portable trailer stage supported a range of major community events, including the Middle of Everywhere Christmas Parade, the Stratford Carols by Candlelight and the Wellington Walk Against Family Violence. These contributions continue to enhance the quality and visibility of cultural activity throughout the region.

Council progressed a range of activities that directly support new and emerging businesses. This included advancing the development of a business survey designed to capture current business sentiment, with results to guide the design of the business workshop program over the next 12 months. This approach ensures that future workshops are co‑designed with, and responsive to, the needs of the business community.

Council also scheduled business visits and undertook commercial vacancy rate mapping, conducted twice each year to monitor local economic conditions and identify emerging trends across commercial precincts.

Early planning commenced for the Jobs and Careers Fair, scheduled for May 2026. The Fair will connect local jobseekers with employers, industry representatives and training providers, supporting stronger workforce participation and improved local employment pathways.

The Business Concierge program delivered the monthly business newsletter to a database of 3,500 businesses, providing updates on available grants, business advice from Business Victoria, and other relevant support information. The team additionally secured the Business Victoria Small Business Bus for a visit in March, alongside the delivery of a grants and tender workshop to further support local business capability.

A Small Business Clinic was held in Stratford in November, providing one‑on‑one mentoring to both new and established businesses. The team also participated in the Jobs and Industry Working Group meeting, which brings together a range of service providers to coordinate support for local workforce and business needs.

Collectively, these activities strengthen business intelligence, enhance engagement with industry, and support a coordinated program of initiatives aimed at improving the sustainability and growth of local businesses.

Council continued 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.

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Council continued to engage productively with industry and government stakeholders to attract new investment. This included participation in the Gippsland New Energy Conference coordination group and ongoing meetings with VicGrid to progress discussions on local supply‑chain targets.

Council also contributed to the Local Content Clean Economy Working Group, chaired by Regional Development Victoria, providing input into planning for the upcoming Energy and Suppliers event to be held next quarter. The event will place strong emphasis on supporting local businesses to tender for energy projects.

Council's strong industry partnerships enabled delivery of the “Pathway to Project” pop‑up events in Sale and Rosedale, encouraging local businesses and the local workforce to engage with emerging renewable energy project opportunities.

Council continued to strengthen The Middle of Everywhere brand and broaden its reach through a coordinated series of initiatives. Digital engagement was enhanced through increased visibility and interaction across social media platforms, reinforcing brand awareness and deepening community connection.

Co‑branded Wellington Shire Council and The Middle of Everywhere corporate merchandise was introduced, supporting stronger brand cohesion and ensuring consistent dual‑brand representation across internal and external touchpoints. This was complemented by the development of new products to support advertising campaigns, events and broader promotional activity.

Investment was also made in new event assets, including a branded marquee, alongside the implementation of improved collection and access processes for event organisers. These enhancements increased accessibility for community groups and elevated the presentation of Council‑supported events.

Cross‑department collaboration continued to strengthen with initiatives such as the Let's Play Passport, which extended brand reach while supporting inclusive community participation across multiple Council programs.

Council also worked actively with councils across Victoria, providing marketing and branding support that strengthened their social media presence, supported business relationship development and improved community engagement outcomes.

Collectively, these activities demonstrate strong value from Council's investment in the brand by increasing exposure, improving utilisation of brand assets, and embedding The Middle of Everywhere across programs, partnerships and community‑facing initiatives.

Several Planning Scheme Amendments are currently in progress and at different stages of preparation to enable the delivery of zoned land for residential, industrial, and commercial growth.

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Council continues to address outstanding drainage issues and consult with adjoining landowners.

Council continued work on the West Sale Airport activation program. The Airport Master Plan is now at stage 3 of a 5‑stage process, with consultation completed with key stakeholders, particularly in relation to forecast aircraft movements. A draft Master Plan is scheduled for release for comment in early 2026.

The Airport Expressions of Interest (EOI) process has progressed to the Requests for Proposals (RFP) stage. A Project Control Group is being formalised along with supporting governance structures to guide this next phase. Engagement with interested parties will continue throughout 2026/27, with updates provided to Council as progress is made.

Discussions around West Sale Airport are ongoing regarding new lease and development opportunities, and ongoing investigations will continue to identify additional development and investment opportunities. To support this, the Airport Lease Framework has been updated to reflect current market conditions and rental values.

Council's commercial property portfolio continues to generate strong rental revenue, and any vacant properties are being actively marketed.

Council is currently in the development stage of preparing for the Planning Scheme Review.

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Council continued to support and advocate for Wellington's key agri‑business sectors by providing responsive assistance to communities affected by recent industry closures.

A Supports and Services Expo was attended in Yarram and the event brought together employment agencies, training organisations, financial counsellors, mental health services and other support providers to assist the local community. This event actively demonstrated Council's commitment to regional resilience and to supporting workers within the forestry and timber sector during a time of transition.

Council participated in the Supports and Services Expo in Maffra in response to workers impacted by closures in the local horticultural industry. This event demonstrated a collaborative and proactive approach to support community through the impacts of agricultural sector workforce disruptions whilst also supporting long‑term economic sustainability across the Shire.

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.

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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.

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A record of strong activities during the summer holiday period has been documented, and resumed at a slower pace in February, coinciding with the return to work and school.

Activities including engaging with the community on the VEGuary Event, coordination of Nakunbalook Environmental Education Centre event scheduling, the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) introduction campaign. Preparations are underway for the Wellington Sustainability Festival on 14 March 2026.

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. Following this engagement, the community involvement had an impact on street design, helping foster longterm stewardship of street trees.

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

Planning and collaboration with Gippsland Water on a funding submission will begin in March 2026. This will investigate Integrated Water Management (IWM) opportunities to support the Stratford Structure Plan.

Consideration is also being given to a funding submission to investigate alternative water sources for the Yarram Recreation Reserve.

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

Rosedale's ‘Itty Bitty Booksale’, event held in January supported the reuse and recycling of books.

It also involved community engagement to build awareness around opportunities for reuse. With over 140 people in attendance, it is estimated that approximately 1000 items were given new homes as a result of the sale.

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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 inlate 2026.

Further progress on this renewal will occur throughout the 2026 calendar year.

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A Council Briefing on Amendment C125well (Revised Flood Controls) included request for a formal resolution to seek Ministerial Authorisation. A suite of draft documents for this Planning Scheme Amendment is currently being finalised.

Half yearly diversion rate from 1 July 2025 - 31 December 2025 reported at 25.86% which is determined from Council's current 2 bin kerbside service (General Waste, and Glass and Mixed Recycling).

The target figure has been reduced on previous years as a result of the uptake of the new Container Deposit Scheme by residents - which has diverted recyclables to a higher recovery stream and improved recycling outcomes overall.

With the introduction of the Food and Garden Organics collection in July 2026 and further uptake of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) diversion of additional waste from landfill is expected, with better results than 25% expected by the end of 2026.

General waste education, school-based education and Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) education campaigns to encourage reduction, reuse and correct separation of recyclables is continuing to help maximise recovery.

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.

This year's Annual Hard Waste Collection encouraged residents to consider what they discard - the first ever EWaste collection campaign with Hard Waste Collection was delivered in the municipality aiming to maximise EWaste recovery.

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.