Future Hepburn

Future Hepburn is a once in a generation project. It aims to protect and enhance the existing character and productivity of our farming areas, towns and rural settlements through planning strategies for land use and development across the Shire.  

Following extensive community consultation, and expert input, Council adopted the following six Future Hepburn strategies on 3 September 2024.  

Rural Hepburn: Agricultural Land Study and Rural Settlement Strategy(PDF, 38MB)

Clunes Structure Plan(PDF, 65MB)

Creswick Structure Plan(PDF, 79MB)

Daylesford-Hepburn Springs Structure Plan(PDF, 103MB)

Glenlyon Structure Plan(PDF, 60MB)

Trentham Structure Plan(PDF, 62MB)

Council officer overview of the strategies

 

future-Hepburn-Timeline-graphic_final.png Implementation plan

Council will consider an implementation plan for the directions, recommendations and actions in these strategies in March 2025. 

The implementation plan will indicate when the next stages of community input will arise including through planning scheme amendments and other implementing actions. 

Integrated Transport Strategy

The Integrated Transport Strategy will plan for a local transport system that can efficiently and safely connect people to their everyday needs, catering for residents, workers and visitors alike. It will recognise the need for better transport connections within and between townships in the Shire and beyond. 

The strategy will also cover recreational infrastructure such as walking and cycling trails and will address how good transport can promote economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. 

Council published the discussion paper below in 2023. The next step is to publish a draft strategy for community input in 2025. 

Transport discussion paper, integrated transport strategy for Hepburn Shire(PDF, 2MB)

Background document library 

Bushfire planning assessment Creswick, Practical Ecology 2022(PDF, 21MB)

Bushfire planning assessment four towns, Terramatrix 2024(PDF, 11MB)

Central Highlands Regional Growth Plan, VicGov 2014(PDF, 2MB)

Cultural values assessment for five towns, Djaara 2024(PDF, 4MB)

Ecological survey 4 towns+corridors, Ecology Partners 2023(PDF, 199MB)

Ecological survey Creswick corridors, Ecology Partners 2022(PDF, 35MB)

Hepburn land capacity and demand assessment, SGS 2023(PDF, 3MB)

Hepburn towns infrastructure survey, 2023(PDF, 384KB)

Integrated Transport Strategy Background, Movement Place 2023(PDF, 11MB)

Landfill transfer station assessments, Nation Partners 2022(PDF, 31MB)

Melbourne’s Green Wedges and Agricultural Land Action Plan, VicGov 2023(PDF, 3MB)

Rural Hepburn background report, RMCG+SGS 2023(PDF, 47MB)

 

Timeline

April to May 2023 - Community activation

April to September 2023 - Initial community engagement

  • Rural Hepburn: Agricultural Land and Rural Settlement Strategy survey held from 13 April to 12 May 2023.
  • Township Structure Plan surveys held from 17 May to 2 July 2023.
  • Township Structure Planning Community Conversations held between 29 May and 8 June 2023.
  • Rural Hepburn: Agricultural Land and Rural Settlement Strategy survey findings released - July 2023.
  • Integrated Transport: Transport & Trip Behaviour survey held from 18 September to 22 October 2023.

October to November 2023 - Deeper community engagement - Township Community Panels

  • Five Township Community Panels worked on developing a shared vision and six key objectives for their township's draft structure plan.

1 May to 26 June 2024 - Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn open for community feedback

  • Submissions open during 1 May and 26 June 2024. Community Information Sessions Online webinar

September 2024 - Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn adopted by Council

March 2025 - Council to finalise the implementation plan for Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn. Consultation on the Integrated Transport Strategy to commence.