Council
1 May, 2026
Strong work despite disruptions
CORANGAMITE Shire Council is on track to complete the first year of council plan initiatives and projects despite disruptions including the January fires and rising costs of fuel.
Councillors voted this week to note the quarterly plan update report at their monthly Ordinary Meeting of Council, with an increase seen in completed projects.
Of the 68 projects and initiatives outlines in the Council Plan 2025-2029, 24 per cent (16) have been completed – an increase on the 13 per cent from the previous quarter.
Additionally, 48 out the 68 initiatives and projects (71 per cent) are marked as in progress while five per cent (four) have not yet commenced.
Councillor Ruth Gstrein moved to note the report, saying she was amazed by the amount of work completed despite the impact of the fires in Skipton, Laralee and Simpson.
“We’re developing a new recreation and open space strategy and that’s recently been funded by the Department of Sport and Recreation – we’re so grateful to the State Government for that support,” she said.
“It’s also a great job by our works and services team who have delivered the annual road resealing and resheeting program, as well as the local road upgrades.
“That’s all been completed early prior to the fuel crisis, so that’s a significant saving for council.
“I certainly would like to congratulate and thank our team at Corangamite Shire for the work they’ve completed to date.
“I look forward to seeing all projects completed by the end of the financial year.”
The initiatives are divided into four categories – project, policy, plan or strategy, service and advocacy.
The project category sees 19 initiatives listed over the four-year period, with two completed, 16 in progress and one which has not commenced.
In progress initiatives include expanding the community emergency planning program to include one additional town, which had been put on hold due to fire recovery efforts and investigating circular economy opportunities for businesses such as the Corangamite Vintage Trail which was launched in October last year.
The remaining project which hasn’t commenced is initiating a pilot program for a repair café, which has been deferred due to a lack of funding.
Of the 10 year one projects, nine are on track for completion by June 30.
Of the 15 policy, plan or strategy initiatives listed in the plan, four have been completed, 10 are in progress and one is yet to start.
The 11 initiatives within the first year have nine on track for completion by June 30, one awaiting a funding outcome and one awaiting rules.
Completed initiatives under the policy, plan or strategy category include implementation of year three actions of the Gender Equality Action Plan, with remaining ongoing actions to be incorporated into the next plan and investigating proactive release of data initiatives under the Transparency Policy review.
Council advocacy priorities are currently under review in the lead-up to the November State Election, with a further council briefing to occur by June 30.
A revision of the Council Governance Rules, which remains to be commenced, is awaiting ongoing consultation and the release of Model Governance Rules.
Of the 21 service initiatives listed in the council plan, nine have been completed, 10 remain in progress and two have not commenced.
Additionally, the 15 service initiatives scheduled for the first year are all on track for June 30 completion.
Completed service initiatives include working with the Department of Transport and Planning to evaluate and possiblly reduce speed limits within town centres, with advocacy having been made.
One ongoing service initative – replacing the footbridge in Lismore – has seen works commence, which are expected to be completed in May.
Plans to design accessibility improvement opportunities for the Camperdown Civic Centre are yet to commence, with a consultant engaged to develop the masterplan for the Civic Centre.
The final category, advocacy, has 13 initiatives listed, with 12 remaining in progress.
This includes advocacy for truck wash facilities within the shire and for energy-efficient lighting on state-owned main roads.
Councillor Nick Cole said he has been impressed with what was completed during the quarter.
“Everything’s been a bit stretched this quarter because of the fires and other factors, but the staff have done an amazing job keeping it all on track and should be congratulated,” he said.
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