The Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan and Gannawarra Community Vision 2040 outline aspirations and goals the council will strive to achieve in its current councillor term.
Mayor Garner Smith said developing the plans were significant tasks that councillors had to undertake during the first 12 months of each council term.
“My fellow councillors and I, as well as council staff, heard from more than 700 residents of all ages between December 2024 and February this year,” he said.
“These discussions highlighted that our residents have a strong sense of community and view our natural environment as one of the Gannawarra’s strengths.”
Poor road conditions, the rising cost of living, access to healthcare and affordable housing were raised as challenges that needed to be addressed.
The council plan retains three strategic goals from its 2021-2025 iteration: liveability, growth and sustainability, with each goal assigned four strategies to guide the council.
It also incorporates the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which outlines how the council will work with the Victorian Government on public health initiatives.
The council’s long-term community vision was developed alongside the plan, outlining community priorities for the next 15 years.
“Infrastructure and roads, economic growth, recreational opportunities and environmental sustainability were identified as top priorities,” Cr Smith said.
“This information (will) help our strategic planning and partnerships with community, business and government.”
Cr Smith thanked all residents involved in the documents’ development, and said he looked forward to working together to achieve their outcomes.
To learn more about the plans, visit gsc.vic.gov.au/CouncilPlan
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