Golden Plains Shire Council charts course for a sustainable future with adoption of its 2024/25 Annual Report at its Council Meeting on Tuesday 28 October 2025.
The Annual Report is a celebration of Council’s collective effort and shared achievements over the past financial year, marking the successful conclusion of the Council Plan 2021-2025.
Despite a period of transition, including the conclusion of the previous Council term and induction of the newly elected Council, the organisation delivered all key legislative service commitments. The year saw the successful completion of several important community projects and the adoption of key strategic documents to guide future growth. Key outcomes included:
- Completion of the Bannockburn Female Friendly Changerooms, expanded Haddon Pre-School and the new Rokewood Community Hub.
- Securing over $9 million in external funding for major projects, including the Shelford Road Bridge Replacement, and upgrades at the Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve, through strong advocacy partnerships.
- Adoption of the Growing Places Strategy to manage sustainable growth, Asset Plan, Financial Plan and the new Council Plan 2025-2029, which was shaped following extensive deliberative community engagement.
- Council teams delivered a wide range of popular community events and programs, including the Victorian Seniors Festival, Children’s Week, the monthly Golden Plains Farmers’ Market and Active Golden Plains 2025.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the Annual Report captures the many ways we have worked to strengthen and celebrate our community, protect and enhance our environment and support our local economy, over the past financial year.
“This report highlights the yearly progress we’ve made towards achieving our strategic goals and priorities, and it is a fantastic reminder of the breadth of projects and initiatives we’ve delivered for and with our community,” Cr Sharkey said.
“The 2024/25 financial year was marked by adaptation and a commitment to delivering essential services despite an evolving economic landscape. We will continue to act in the best interests of our residents and ratepayers.”
CEO Adam McSwain, who joined the organisation in August, expressed optimism for the future, highlighting Council’s forward-thinking approach.
“Adaptation and responsiveness were the hallmarks of a successful year for Golden Plains Shire Council. I am pleased to have joined the organisation as we enter a phase of refocusing, both what we do as a Council and how we do it,” Mr McSwain said.
Mayor Sharkey concluded by thanking Council’s dedicated staff, who provide more than 70 services to our community, and to fellow Councillors for their leadership and commitment.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved over the past year, and I encourage everyone to explore the Annual Report and celebrate the positive impact we’re making together,” he said.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Annual Report 2024/25 is available for viewing on Council’s website here.