Delivering services, projects and sustainable outcomes to meet community expectations will be the driving force for Mildura Rural City Council over the next four years.
Councillors tonight endorsed the updated Community Vision 2020-2040 and 2025-2029 Council Plan – two vital documents that help set the direction for community and Council alike.
Originally developed in 2020, the Community Vision is driven and owned by our community. The 2025 update reinforces the outcomes our community is striving to achieve by 2040 across five key themes – Community, Leadership, Economy, Place and Environment.
The Council Plan, meanwhile, is Council's most important strategic document, outlining what the organisation will focus on for the next four years, ensuring everything we do supports the realisation of the community's 20-year Vision.
The Council Plan also focuses on key outcomes and priorities related to the five Community Vision themes. Highlights of the Plan include:
Environment: We will sustain our natural environment and resources for current and future generations.
- Implement the Mildura Waste & Resource Recovery Strategy (2025-2026)
- Expand solar PV installations and electrify Council buildings (2025-2029)
- Deliver the 'Cool It' Street Tree Program annually to increase tree canopy cover
- Support community climate action through the Community Climate Response Plan (2025-2028)
Community: We will be a healthy, respectful and connected community.
- Implement the Gender Equality and Preventing Family Violence Strategy (2025-2029)
- Develop a Middle Years Strategy for youth aged nine to 12 (2027-2029)
- Establish a Social Inclusion Action Group (2026-2029)
- Advocate for public CCTV network expansion annually
Place: We will be a place to love, belong and visit with infrastructure and development that enhances our lifestyle.
- Develop and implement the Stormwater Drainage Strategy (2025-2029)
- Deliver key projects like the Mildura Riverfront Adventure Playground (2025-2028) and Nichols Point Early Years Hub (2025-2027)
- Maintain sealed and unsealed roads annually in accordance with the Road Management Plan
Economy: We will have a thriving economy that harnesses our strengths and capitalises on opportunity.
- Implement the Economic Development and Tourism Framework (2025-2029)
- Develop a Workforce Accommodation Framework (2026-2027)
- Capitalise on tourism opportunities like the Trail of Lights art installation (2025-2028)
- Develop and implement a Tourism Strategy (2025-2029)
Leadership: We will have responsible, collaborative leadership that puts community wellbeing at the heart of decision-making.
- Develop an AI Strategy to leverage emerging technologies (2026)
- Implement the Customer Experience Framework (2025-2027)
- Develop a new Community Engagement Strategy (2026-2029)
- Advocate for equitable local government funding (ongoing)
Mayor Cr Helen Healy thanked the more than 3,000 community members who informed the plan through surveys, workshops and vision boards over the past several months.
"This plan sets a clear roadmap for Mildura Rural City Council to enhance environmental sustainability, community wellbeing, infrastructure, economic growth and leadership over the next four years," Cr Healy said.
"Councillors and staff remain committed to ensuring residents and businesses are supported and empowered through the outcomes and actions highlighted in this plan.
"I also want to thank all those residents who replied to surveys, attended in-person events, and shared their dreams, ambitions and wants for the future."
Cr Healy said Council would measure the success of the Plan against several measures, including community satisfaction, waste reduction, tree canopy coverage, road conditions, economic growth and service efficiency.
"It's important to note that the Council Plan is a fluid document – one that we will review annually to ensure it remains current with community needs," Cr Healy said.
Both the 2025-2029 Council Plan and Community Vision 2025 Update will be available on Council's website in the coming days.
