Our Community Our Future Council Plan and Community Vision – Are we on the right track?
Strathbogie Shire Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Council Plan 2025–2029 and draft Community Vision 2035. This is an opportunity for residents to ensure the vision and priorities outlined reflect the aspirations of our community and to help shape the Shire’s future.
At an extraordinary meeting held on 29 April 2025, Strathbogie Shire Council endorsed the following suite of connected plans. These are being released today for the final community feedback phase:
• refreshed draft Community Vision 2035,
• draft Council Plan 2025-2029,
• draft Financial Plan2025-2035,
• draft Asset Plan 2025-2035,
• draft Rating and Revenue Plan 2025-2029
• draft Budget 2025-2026 (and draft Fees and Charges).
“This suite of documents reflects the commitment of the new Council to restoring trust and integrity following a period of instability that we know had a significant impact on our community. We have listened and we are taking action. The proposed budget looks different to those of the past, because long term financial sustainability sits at its core. Historically, budgets have not been achieved – that changes now. “Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy explained.
“As a newly elected Council, we’ve spent considerable time working closely with Council staff to identify the key needs of our community—needs that must be addressed with long-term financial sustainability at the forefront,” she reflected. “Unlike in previous years, where forecasted surpluses weren’t realised, we are committed to delivering on what we promise. This budget and long-term plan are realistic, responsible, and focused on delivering outcomes our community can rely on.”
The draft Council Plan 2025–2029 sets out Council’s strategic direction, initiatives, and priorities for the next four years. This plan also incorporates the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and the Disability Action Plan, which identifies key priorities for enhancing the health and wellbeing of Strathbogie Shire residents.
The plan will be funded through the Budget, based on principles in the Financial Plan. This plan outlines how Council will manage resources to deliver on the Council Plan and achieve the Community Vision in a financially responsible manner. The income to fund the Budget is outlined in the Rating and Revenue Plan.
As part of this round of consultation, Council is seeking feedback, through a formal submission process on our refreshed community vision and the key themes that have emerged through community engagement.
“These plans represent a critical moment in setting the course for our Shire’s future,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said. “We want to ensure the Community Vision reflects the values, hopes and priorities of our residents—and that the Council Plan and other documents deliver on what matters most to our community”.
The draft Community Vision was developed with input from broad community feedback and an independently recruited community working group, which met over two sessions to inform a refresh of the long-term vision for Strathbogie Shire. This vision serves as a foundation for the draft Council Plan 2025-2029 and guides Council’s strategic priorities.
Mayor Ewart Kennedy said “We’ve worked hard to ensure community voices are embedded at every step. We’re proud of where this draft Community Vision has landed, and now it’s time to check in—are we on the right track? Real change starts with your voice, so I urge everyone to have their say and help shape the future of our Shire.”
Our draft Community Vision for consideration is:
We will create a thriving place to live, work, and explore – where history and Country are honoured, innovation is welcomed, our collective spirit makes us stronger, and our natural environment is sustained for future generations.
In addition, we have developed a set of three strategic objectives to support the vision which align directly with the community’s aspirations, needs and priorities for the future.
“This is our communities chance to influence the decisions that will shape our collective futures for years to come. With community feedback, we can make Strathbogie—already a truly special place—even stronger, more connected, and better prepared for the future
Residents are encouraged to review all plans and provide feedback before the formal submission deadline.
How to Have Your Say
You can view all plans at www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au. Formal submissions can be made by:
• Online: www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au.
• Email: info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au
• Mail: 109A Binney St, Euroa, Vic, 3666
Please outline in your submission which draft plan your comments relate to and if you would like to speak to your submission at an Extraordinary Council Meeting proposed for 4pm on 3 June 2025, at the Euroa Community Conference Centre.
Submissions close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025.