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.

Progress on this action is also supported by reviews and renewals of key infrastructure and boating strategies, delivery of park maintenance and activation programs, and continued investment in community wellbeing initiatives (such as Live4Life and Parks Week) that improve access, encourage movement, and increase use of local places and spaces.

Wellington Shire's Health and Wellbeing Coalition have been working collaboratively with Ramahyuck Gippsland Aboriginal Corporation to secure up to $1.5 million in Vic Health Partners in Place funding for a five-year period.

This funding is designed to support long-term, systems-level change through place-based prevention initiatives that strengthen health and wellbeing outcomes for First Peoples. To date, an application for funding has been submitted and Vic Health extended an invitation for a panel Interview to Ramahyuck, Wellington Shire Council's Community Development Team and the Public Health Unit.

This funding application is under consideration.

During the January to March quarter, Council delivered a broad and diverse program of community engagement to better understand local needs and support informed decision‑making across a range of services, plans and projects.

Key engagement initiatives undertaken during the quarter included:

• Business in Wellington - Gathering insights from local businesses to help shape future business support and initiatives across the shire.
• Draft Disability Inclusion and Access Plan - Inviting community feedback to inform how Council services and facilities can be more inclusive and accessible.
• Golden Beach Master Plan - Collecting community input to help guide the development of a coastal community open space.
• Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan - Seeking feedback from the community and stakeholders to inform planning for a key tourism and recreation asset.
• Lions Park Draft Master Plan - Consulting on the draft master plan to guide the future development of this important recreational space.
• Prince Street Reserve Master Plan - Engaging with the community on the future direction of a local open space.
• Residential Road and Street Construction Plan - Inviting community input into a key document that informs the upgrade of local roads through special charge schemes.
• Draft Waste Collection Policy and Guideline - Consulting with the community on a key policy that guides one of Council's core services.
• Wellington Alcohol, Social Life and Wellbeing (Local Drug Alcohol Team) Survey - Capturing local experiences relating to alcohol use to support actions under the Live Well in Wellington Plan.
• Naming proposal - western side of the Port of Sale - Conducting an objection period following the Place Names Committee decision.

In addition, targeted feedback was gathered through specific surveys and forms, including:

• Parks Week stakeholder survey - Collecting feedback from vendors to inform improvements to future events.
• Sale Botanic Gardens visitor survey - Gathering visitor insights to inform ongoing management and enhancement of the gardens.

This quarter delivered an inclusive and engaging program of performing and visual arts that supported participation from a broad cross‑section of the community across TheWedge and Gallery spaces.

At The Wedge, audiences experienced a diverse range of accessible, high‑quality performances. Highlights included the Australian Shakespeare Company's outdoor presentation of Twelfth Night on 1 March at the Sale Botanic Gardens, which removed traditional venue barriers and encouraged broad community attendance.

Maffra Dramatics Society marked its 50th anniversary with a highly successful season of The Rocky Horror Show from 20-29 March, attracting strong local participation and selling more than 1,800 tickets. Contemporary music offerings were strengthened through a performance by three‑time ARIA Award‑winning artist Meg Washington on 11 April, appealing to a wide and diverse audience base.

The Gallery further supported inclusion and representation through the launch of its Autumn Season exhibitions, showcasing the work of Wellington Shire artists Jenny Noone, Cindy Tong and Gavin Roberts. These exhibitions highlighted diverse creative voices and reinforced opportunities for local artists to share their practice with the community.

Entries also opened for the 2026 John Leslie Art Prize, encouraging broad participation from emerging and established artists across the region. Collectively, these initiatives strengthened access to arts and cultural experiences, increased engagement across different audiences and reinforced Council‑supported venues as welcoming and inclusive spaces that celebrate creativity, diversity and community connection.

Key initiatives for this period include the following highlights:

• Completion of a collaborative joint tender process with East Gippsland Shire Council for provision of ICT Professional Services Panel of Providers. A joint evaluation panel has been established to assess submissions and make recommendations to both councils. This initiative will ensure ongoing ICT procurement efficiencies for both councils.
• A collaborative joint tender process with East Gippsland Shire Council for a new Geographic Information System was completed and work has commenced to support alignment of business systems, and processes efficiencies for both councils.
• Council's ICT team has worked collaboratively with the Emergency Management team to install a power generator at Yarram Secondary College, strengthening emergency response capability and community preparedness.

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.

Monthly Gender Impact Assessment drop-in sessions are also facilitated to build capability and strengthen understanding of gender equality.

During this quarter, the Cultural Awareness E-Learning module which focuses on First Peoples Culture and Cultural Safety was completed by 30 staff on an optional basis. This contributed to the organisations's broader capability in inclusive and culturally safe practices.

Since the closure of the tender period, further investigative works have been completed, including on‑site assessments, technical investigations and service demonstrations to better inform the delivery approach.

These activities have provided greater clarity on scope, methodology and project requirements.

The project partners are now considering the outcomes of this work and are progressing discussions with a suitably qualified provider, with the intention of proceeding toward appointment in the coming months to enable works to commence.

The development of governance resources and templates to support volunteer committees is progressing. Volunteer Committees of Management continue to be supported through quarterly network meetings and workshops.

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 2025-2029
• 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. Engagement with our local community is guided by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) framework, which recognises that when a community, or a specific cohort within the community, is impacted by a decision, they should have a meaningful opportunity to contribute to that decision.

Consistent with this approach, Council has established a Youth Council, focused on training and empowering young people to build the skills and confidence needed to have their voices heard across the municipality. Through this forum, young people are supported to participate as active citizens and to contribute to community policy, discussion and decision‑making.

To support transparent and evidence‑based engagement, staff have recently improved the collection and recording of community program data across Wellington Shire's public libraries, including reporting by cohort. This enables accurate and transparent reporting on the number of sessions delivered and the number of participants engaged across different community groups.

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 delivered a vibrant program of performing and visual arts, with strong attendance and community engagement across The Wedge and Gallery spaces.

At The Wedge, audiences enjoyed a diverse range of high‑quality performances.

Highlights included:

• An outdoor presentation of Twelfth Night by the Australian ShakespeareCompanyon 1 March, staged in the scenic surrounds of the Sale Botanic Gardens.
• Maffra Dramatics Society celebrated its 50th anniversary with a highly successful season of The Rocky Horror Show from 20-29 March, selling more than 1,800tickets across the run. Contemporary music audiences were also captivated by three‑time ARIA Award‑winning artist Meg Washington, who performed to a strong crowd at The Wedge on 11 April.
• The Gallery marked the start of its Autumn Season with the launch of new exhibitions showcasing the work of Wellington Shire artists Jenny Noone, Cindy Tong and Gavin Roberts, reinforcing the Gallery's commitment to supporting and promoting local creative practice. In addition, entries opened for the 2026JohnLeslie Art Prize, generating early interest from artists across the region.

Together, these activities demonstrate continued momentum across the arts program, strengthening cultural participation and reinforcing the role of Council‑supported venues as key drivers of creative and community life within the Shire.

Council delivered a range of targeted initiatives to support business sustainability, capability building and growth across Wellington Shire.

A business sentiment survey was completed, with results informing the design of a business workshop and engagement program for the next 12 months to ensure future support is responsive to local business needs.

Business capability and industry development activities included the delivery of a Business Boost working meeting and, in partnership with the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS), a free Defence 101 information and networking event in March. These initiatives supported businesses to identify growth opportunities, including entry into defence related supply chains.

Council continued direct engagement through scheduled business visits, biannual commercial vacancy rate mapping, and promotion of Small Business Mentoring Service support to improve understanding of local economic conditions and provide tailored business advice.

Through the Business Concierge program, Council delivered a monthly business newsletter to more than 3,500 businesses, coordinated a grants and tender workshop, and hosted the Business Victoria Small Business Bus to improve access to expert advice and government support.

Council also continued participation in the Business-Friendly Councils initiative, reinforcing its commitment to reducing red tape, improving customer experience and creating a more business friendly operating environment.

Further planning commenced for the 2026 Jobs and Careers Fair to support workforce availability and long-term business growth by connecting employers with jobseekers and training providers.

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.

Council continued to collaborate with industry and government partners to attract renewable energy investment and maximise economic and employment benefits for the region.

Council maintained active participation in the Gippsland New Energy Conference coordination group, supporting collaboration across government, industry and local supply‑chain partners.

Ongoing engagement with VicGrid also continued, including attendance at the VicGrid Community Reference Group (CRG), to progress discussions relating to project development, community engagement and local supply‑chain opportunities.

Industry engagement continued through Council's participation in Environment Effects Statement (EES) processes for VicGrids Transmission Line project, supporting informed assessment and advocacy for regional outcomes.

Council officers attended the Gippsland Worker Transition Advisory Group, chaired by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. This group focuses on a coordinated Gippsland‑wide approach to the energy transition, with particular emphasis on workforce transition, skills development and maximising local employment benefits from emerging energy industries.

Council continued to advocate for the application of a Payment in Lieu of Rates(PILOR) model for offshore wind developments, reinforcing the importance of long‑term revenue certainty for host communities and ensuring local governmen benefits from major renewable energy investment.

Council has continued to maximise its investment in The Middle of Everywhere brand through consistent storytelling, digital content and regional collaboration. Initiatives such as the Local Lowdown business spotlight series and regular “how to spend a day” content reinforced the region's appeal while highlighting local and emerging businesses. Collaboration with neighbouring regions, including East Gippsland Marketing and Mitchell Shire, expanded brand reach, exposed the region to new audiences and strengthened cross regional marketing outcomes.

Brand visibility was further strengthened through on ground activation and media coverage. Council promoted The Middle of Everywhere at key community and visitor events including the Sale Specialist School Inclusivity Festival, Open Roads Rally, Tarra Festival, Tinamba Food and Wine Festival and Defence Family Open Day. Media outcomes included dining features in Coast Magazine and the Lakes & Coast Guide, while a professional photo shoot for the Great Southern Rail Trail enhanced promotional assets for future campaigns. Work also progressed towards placement of regional brochures at Melbourne Airport Visitor Information Centre.

To support long term value from brand investment, Council progressed system and capability improvements through the Business-Friendly Councils Program, focusing on better internal coordination and support for events. These improvements, combined with ongoing brand advocacy and partnerships, ensure The Middle of Everywhere continues to deliver strong exposure, community benefit and economic impact now and into the future.

Several Planning Scheme Amendments (including C124well and C126well) are currently in progress and at different stages of preparation to enable the delivery of zoned land for residential, industrial, and commercial growth.

Completed Development Plan submitted to Council for consideration at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 21 April 2026.

Council continued to advance the West Sale Airport activation program. The Airport Master Plan has progressed to the late part of stage 3 of the 5‑stage process. The draft Master Plan will be released for public consultation in Q4.

The Airport Expressions of Interest (EOI) process is formally transitioning to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. A Project Control Group has been established, supported by defined governance arrangements, to oversee assessment, decision‑making and risk management through this phase. Engagement with proponents is ongoing, with further updates to be provided to Council as milestones are reached.

Discussions with existing and prospective operators at West Sale Airport have continued, focusing on new lease, aviation‑related and complementary development opportunities. Council's commercial property portfolio continues to perform strongly, generating stable rental revenue. Vacant properties are actively marketed, with leasing and enquiry activity monitored to maximise occupancy and return.

Council is currently in the development stage of preparing for the Planning Scheme Review and awaiting the formal approval of funding to assist in the delivery of the project from the Department of Transport and Planning.

Council continued to work closely with local agricultural stakeholders, including the Gippsland Agricultural Group and Food and Fibre Gippsland, to support and advocate for the region's diverse agri‑business sectors.

Council commenced development of a new Economic Development Strategy, with agriculture identified as a key economic pillar. Targeted engagement with industry representatives will be undertaken as part of the strategy development process to identify priority challenges, opportunities and actions to support the sustainability, growth and value‑adding potential of the sector.

Council has also been in discussions with HVP Plantations regarding issues and opportunities relevant to the timber industry and broader agricultural economy. A briefing has been organised for Council as part of an upcoming May workshop to improve understanding of industry priorities, future plans and potential areas for collaboration.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.