Local Government

Hepburn Shire Council has released a draft Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) for community feedback. The strategy forms part of Council’s Future Hepburn strategic planning initiative.

Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Don Henderson has welcomed the State Government’s temporary reprieve on the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy but says the measure does not go far enough to address long-standing concerns about fairness for rural communities.

Hepburn Shire Council has adopted the Future Hepburn Settlement Strategy and Implementation Plan. The implementation plan outlines the process for incorporating the strategy’s recommendations into the Hepburn Planning Scheme.

The Victorian Government has legislated a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), set to take effect from 1 July 2025. This levy will replace the current Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL). For rate payers in Hepburn Shire, the increase comes hard on the heels of a10% increase in rates approved last week by the Essential Services Commission.

Hepburn Shire Council has released its draft Budget for 2025/26, outlining a strategy to address ongoing financial challenges through a combination of increased rates and substantial operational savings. The draft documents, which include the Council Plan, Financial Plan, Revenue and Rating Plan, and Asset Plan, are now open for public consultation until 5 June.

Hepburn Shire Council is inviting community feedback on a suite of draft strategic documents that will shape the future of the Shire, including the draft Council Plan 2025–29.

Hepburn Shire Council has received approval from the Essential Services Commission (ESC) for a 10 per cent rate rise in 2025–26—comprising the state-imposed 3 per cent cap plus a 7 per cent variation sought by Council to address what has been described as an “unsustainable financial position.”

The latest quarterly finance report considered by Council at their April meeting reveals a significant improvement in the Shire’s financial position, with strong cost savings delivering a healthy budget surplus and improved cash reserves — a welcome change from the $2.1 million forecast deficit.

ANZAC Day 2025, a time to commemorate those men and women who have served in our defence forces, to think about how their service and sacrifice has contributed to the Australia we live in today and to reflect on what our own contribution to our communities and the nation should be.

Hobsons Bay Mayor Daria Kellander has since written to the Victorian attorney-general, calling on the state government to officially release a report into governance issues at Hepburn Shire Council.