Surf Coast Shire Council has set its strategic direction for the next four years, following the adoption of Council Plan 2025-2029, which involved extensive community consultation.
Council Plan identifies five themes, with a series of outcomes for each:
- Assets and Infrastructure
- Climate and Environmental Leadership
- Community Wellbeing
- High Performing Council
- Sustainable Communities
The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which is integrated into the Council Plan, includes the following priority areas:
- Increase Healthy Eating and Active Living
- Advance Gender Equity and Address Family Violence
- Improve Mental Health and Social Connection
- Reduce Harm from Alcohol and Vaping
- Tackle the Impacts of Climate Change on Health
Council Plan was informed by comprehensive community engagement, including a shire-wide survey and a 43-member community panel during late 2024 and early 2025. This was followed by a further six-week consultation period for the draft plan mid-year, resulting in 33 contributions.
The final Council Plan includes minor changes, including replacing outcomes with strategic objectives under the themes as well as strategic indicators for each theme.
"Development of a Council Plan is a critical part of every new Council's first year - it sets our direction and priorities for the rest of our term," Mayor Cr Mike Bodsworth said.
"Community input is a vital part of this, so it's fantastic that we received more than 1,000 contributions, in addition to the central role of the community panel."
"Through this Council Plan we have the foundation of our work for the next four years. It will keep us steady when there is doubt, guide us when tough decisions must be made, and importantly, it reflects the views of the community we are entrusted to serve.
