February 7th, 2025Chance to help shape council strategic direction plan

The Hepburn Shire Council has announced it is developing a new plan to guide its strategic direction for the next four years, from 2025 to 2029.

Members of the community keen to have some input now have an opportunity to become part of a Deliberative Engagement Panel to help prioritise intended outcomes.

The new Council Plan will focus on key areas such as financial sustainability, service delivery, and promoting economic growth. It will be informed by both councillor and staff feedback, and feedback from the community.

The significant initiative will outline the key outcomes the council aims to achieve for continued growth, development, and well-being of the community.

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said the council was excited to embark on the development of the new plan.

“This is an important opportunity for our community to have input into the future direction of our council,” Cr Henderson said.

“Together, we will work to create a plan that reflects our shared vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous community, while acknowledging the challenging financial circumstances that Council finds itself in.”

“Council has conducted a significant amount of community engagement over the last 18 months, including consultation on Future Hepburn and our Financial Vision. 

“The community feedback obtained through these engagements will inform the draft outcomes that a deliberative engagement panel will discuss and prioritise.”

“An expression of interest for the Deliberative Engagement Panel is now live. We are looking for 44 community members who reflect the demographics of our shire.

“I strongly encourage anyone interested in participating to get involved,” Cr Henderson said.

The Deliberative Engagement Panel will work through a series of questions and activities to review a community vision and help to prioritise outcomes the council intends to deliver over its current term.

The EOI to be part of the panel closes on February 24.

“We will have a strong focus on community and customer service, and we encourage members of the community to take part in the consultation process,” Cr Henderson said.

“This is your opportunity to have a direct say in how our council can best serve the needs of the community over the next four years.”

The draft Council Plan will be presented for public review and feedback, through an online survey and a series of community listening posts, after the council meeting on April 29, with the final version expected to be adopted in June.

For more information or to participate in the consultation process, those interested can visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hepburn-together-2025-2029

This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council media release