Setting the path for the next four years
The Draft Golden Plains Council Plan 2025 -2029 (the Draft Plan) has been developed in consultation with our community and details the vision, goals and strategies to guide Council’s priority activities, decision making and service delivery over the next four-year period.
From Community Vision to Council Plan
The Plan is the foundation for everything we do, providing a roadmap that will guide how we serve our community over the next four years. The Draft Plan directly addresses and aligns with the themes of the Golden Plains Community Vision 2040: Community; Liveability; Sustainability; and Prosperity; with the additional theme of Leadership added to represent the Council-specific regulatory, governance, leadership and advocacy activities required to achieve outcomes for the community and govern the organisation.
During 2024, community members and stakeholders were invited to contribute to the development of the Draft Plan through a range of engagement activities including: surveys, community Thinktank sessions, engagement of target populations, visiting and promoting in locations across the shire, desktop reviews and community events.
The Draft Plan has been developed in accordance with the Strategic Planning Principles of the Local Government Act 2020, and details 18 Strategic Objectives, with 18 key priorities for delivery during the Council term. The Draft Golden Plains Council Plan 2025-2029 incorporates the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. Every four years Victorian local governments are required to develop a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan by the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 which also sets out what must be included in the Plan.
What is a Council Plan?
A Council Plan is a pivotal high-level document which outlines the council's strategic direction, operational priorities and is directly linked to the Annual Budget along with internal documents such as departmental plans. The Plan is a requirement of the Local Government Act 2020, must be reviewed regularly, and needs to be delivered within 12 months of a local government election.
The Draft Council Plan 2025-2029 outlines our strategic focus through the Community Vision, strategic objectives, key priority initiatives and actions over the next four years. It is community-focused, reviewed annually, and includes measurable goals to track our progress.
Community Profile
In addition to community consultation, the Draft Council Plan has been informed by an extensive examination of population health and wellbeing data. Details of this examination can be found in our Community Profile and Community Profile Summary.
Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan
The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan is a key strategic document for Council and other agencies with an aim to improve the health and wellbeing of our community. It sets out the broad mission, goals and priorities identified for the next four years and brings together key stakeholders and partner organisations in collaboration to identify and respond to the priority health and wellbeing challenges facing our municipality.
This plan builds on the work being undertaken to support health and wellbeing in our community and considers feedback from our community and partner organisations, changes in State and Federal policy, and opportunities to implement a best practice approach. It uses a holistic approach in setting high-level strategic focus areas with the agreed outcomes to be achieved and details how progress will be measured.
Have Your Say
We welcome your feedback on the Draft Council Plan 2025-2029. Written submissions in relation to the Draft Council Plan will be considered by Council and are invited until 5pm, Wednesday 28 May 2025.
How to make a submission:
- Post a written submission addressed to: Manager Community Wellbeing (Draft Council Plan 2025-2029), Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331.
- Complete a hard copy submission at Council’s Customer Hubs located at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
- Make an online submission using the link below.
Please note - All written submissions lodged will be available for public inspection for a period of 12 months in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020.
What happens next?
Council will review all written submissions and feedback on the Draft Council Plan 2025-2029 and where appropriate incorporate changes to finalise the plan. Council will then consider the final Council Plan 2025-2029 for adoption at its June 2025 Council Meeting.