Murrindindi Shire Council is inviting community members to take part in Financial Sustainability Roadmap engagement by sharing their priorities for facilities and services. This is the first step in understanding community priorities for facilities and services so Council can make informed, sustainable decisions. Your feedback will help guide how we balance community needs with financial realities - now and into the next budget cycle. Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open to join the Facilities Review Advisory Group (FRAG), and a Community Priorities Survey is open to gather feedback on what matters most before detailed reviews begin in 2026.
The FRAG is a new panel that will bring together approximately 25 community members, selected to reflect the diversity of Murrindindi Shire, to help develop principles and recommendations for managing community facilities in a fair and sustainable way. Panel members will work with Council and independent facilitators to consider options for facilities consolidation, possible divestment and partnerships, ensuring decisions reflect the needs and values of our community. The panel will meet over five sessions from late February to May 2026. All in-person events will be accessible, and panel members' names will remain confidential.
Council has also launched a broader community survey to understand priorities for both facilities and services, including libraries, pools, public halls, playgrounds, sporting venues, and public facilities managed by other entities. Council manages hundreds of facilities and thousands of assets valued at more than $640 million and maintaining buildings alone costs over $1.2 million each year. With rising costs and limited revenue growth, it's critical that we manage our assets and services sustainably while continuing to meet community needs.
Mayor Damien Gallagher said, "This is about planning together for a sustainable future. Managing our facilities and services means making tough choices and balancing limited resources with community priorities. By inviting feedback now, we can make informed decisions that respond to today's challenges and set a strong foundation for the years ahead."
"Together, we can ensure Murrindindi remains a place where people feel connected, supported, and proud to call home."
Expressions of Interest to join the FRAG close on Sunday 8 February 2026, and successful applicants will be notified by 13 February.
To learn more, visit our online engagement platform The Loop
