At their regular Council meeting this week, Council received a progress report on deliverables in its 2022/2023 Annual Plan.

Mayor of Hepburn Shire Cr Brian Hood said Council has been able to make good progress over the last 12 months achieving strong outcomes in challenging circumstances.

“It’s very pleasing to reflect on some of the achievements over the last year, especially when you consider the challenges we have faced in terms of ongoing recovery from multiple storm and flood events, the rising costs of construction, challenges with supply chains and increasing financial pressures,” said Cr Hood.

The Annual Plan serves as a progress tracker for the objectives outlined in the four-year Council Plan rather than an all-inclusive list of that plan.

“Some of the highlights include completion of two major capital projects, the Trentham Sportsground Reserve Pavilion and the Hammon Park Trailhead,” said Cr Hood.

“Both projects have delivered considerable benefits for the community and are very well-used and popular spaces,” he said.

Other features in the Annual Plan 2022/23 progress update include developing and implementing the Sustainable Hepburn Strategy and circular economy activities, adopting a Disability Access Inclusion Plan and youth strategy, and completing a flora and fauna assessment of Creswick township and surrounds.

At the same meeting, Council adopted its Annual Plan for 2023/2024. The plan highlights the delivery of 34 projects and initiatives aligned with the four-year Council Plan.

Action items include the planned rollout of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) across townships to reduce landfill (expected in 2024), a review of short-term accommodation, ongoing repair of sealed roads damaged by storm events, finalising a business case on aquatics provision, adopting an Integrated Transport Strategy, developing a new Reconciliation Action Plan, continuing the strategic planning project Future Hepburn, renewal of Wheelers Bridge in Lawrence, support for the transition to a circular economy, completion of construction of the Trentham Community Hub, delivering enhancements to modernise Council’s planning services and conducting a review of Council’s Long Term Financial Plan.

For details visit the Plans, strategies and studies page of Council’s website.