August 24th, 2023Making progress? council releases progress report

The Hepburn Shire Council has released a summary of progress towards delivering goals contained in its 2022/2023 Annual Plan.

Mayor of Hepburn Shire Cr Brian Hood said the council has been able to make good progress over the last 12 months, amid challenges.

“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 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 Council meeting last night Council also 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), review of short-term accommodation, ongoing repair of sealed roads damaged by storm events, finalise a business case on aquatics provision, adopt an Integrated Transport Strategy, develop a new Reconciliation Action Plan, continue the strategic planning project Future Hepburn, renew Wheelers Bridge in Lawrence, support the transition to a circular economy, complete construction of the Trentham Community Hub, deliver enhancements to modernise Council’s planning services, conduct a review of Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and much more. 

Those keen to take a closer look can find more details on the Plans, strategies and studies page of the council’s website at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au.