Council begins development of new plan to shape strategic direction
Published on 31 January 2025
Hepburn Shire Council is pleased to announce that it is in the process of developing a new Council Plan that will guide its strategic direction for the next four years, from 2025 to 2029. This important initiative will outline the key outcomes Council are seeking to achieve to support the continued growth, development, and well-being of the community.
Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that Council was excited to embark on the development of this new Council Plan.
“This is an important opportunity for our community to have input into the future direction of our Council. Together, we will work to create a plan that reflects our shared vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous community, while acknowledging the challenging financial circumstances that Council finds itself in.”
“Council has conducted a significant amount of community engagement over the last 18 months, including consultation on Future Hepburn and our Financial Vision. The community feedback obtained through these engagements will inform the draft outcomes that a deliberative engagement panel will discuss and prioritise.”
“An expression of interest for a deliberative engagement panel is now live. We are looking for 44 community members who reflect the demographics of our Shire. I strongly encourage anyone interested in participating to get involved,” said Cr Henderson.
The Deliberative Engagement Panel will work through a series of questions and activities to review our Community Vision and help to prioritise outcomes the Council will deliver over the coming Council term. The EOI closes on 24 February 2025.
The new Council Plan will focus on key areas such as financial sustainability, service delivery, and promoting economic growth. It will be informed by both Councillor and staff feedback, and feedback from the community.
“We will have a strong focus on community and customer service, and we encourage members of the community to take part in the consultation process. This is your opportunity to have a direct say in how our Council can best serve the needs of the community over the next four years,” said Cr Henderson.
The draft Council Plan will be presented for public review and feedback, through an online survey and a series of community listening posts, after the Council meeting on 29 April 2025, with the final version expected to be adopted in June.
For more information or to participate in the consultation process, please visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hepburn-together-2025-2029