Council Adopts Key Strategic Documents for Wangaratta’s Future

Published on 30 October 2025

The Rural City of Wangaratta formally adopted three strategic documents at its October Council meeting: the Council Plan 2025-2029 (including the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan), the Financial Plan 2025-2035, and the Annual Report 2024-25.

Council Plan 2025–2029

The Council Plan 2025–2029 was developed through extensive community engagement that began in November 2024, with feedback on the draft plan concluding in September 2025. The top priorities identified by the community include health and wellbeing, places for connection and culture, infrastructure, environmental care, cost of living, safety, and economic development.

The Council Plan is structured around four key themes: Community Wellbeing, Natural Environment, Economy and Tourism, and Infrastructure and Place. Each theme is supported by targeted strategies and initiatives designed to deliver tangible outcomes for the community. The Plan incorporates the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP), ensuring that vital community health and wellbeing actions are also prioritsed.

The adoption of the Council Plan follows community consultation on the draft conducted in August and September. The Council received 55 formal submissions regarding the draft, including online surveys, email feedback, and insights from face-to-face consultation events. Key themes raised included strong support for the Creative Precinct, advocacy for the Rail Trail extension, and calls for increased support for economic and tourism development in the King Valley.

Mayor Irene Grant said:

“All feedback on the draft was carefully considered, with appropriate changes made to reflect community priorities and ensure the Council Plan is fit for purpose. Council responded by updating initiatives, clarifying advocacy roles, and refining strategic indicators.

The process of gathering feedback for the Council Plan has taken over 10 months, beginning last November. I would like to thank the more than 2,000 community members who actively participated and contributed to shaping the future of the Rural City of Wangaratta. I look forward to collaborating with the Council to implement the plan we developed together with our community.”

Financial Plan 2025–2035

The adopted 10-year Financial Plan outlines the Council’s long-term financial position, key assumptions and priorities, and funding strategies for the next decade. As the Plan anticipates an ongoing adjusted underlying deficit over the next 10 years, Council has moved its financial risk appetite to Cautious from a previously Balanced approach. The Plan includes Council’s commitment to continuing to pursue opportunities to further improve its financial sustainability over time.

The Financial Plan has undergone minor updates following community consultation in August and September. Changes include clearer allocations for cultural initiatives and enhanced transparency; these changes did not affect the overall financial position.

Annual Report 2024-25

The Annual Report 2024-25 was also adopted at the Council Meeting and is the final reporting milestone of the previous Council Plan for 2021-2025. The Financial Statements and Performance Statements included in the Annual Report have been audited and approved by Crowe Australia on behalf of the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO).

The Annual Report highlighted that Council continues to navigate increasing financial pressures, which are placing pressure on the ability to deliver services and maintain infrastructure. While also celebrating Council’s achievements over the past financial year, including appointing new Councillors, opening the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre stadium, securing funding for the urban levee network, and hosting over 10,000 people at the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Additional Information

Documents can be downloaded here: