Get involved in the Council Plan
Published on 10 December 2024
Community engagement has commenced for the Council Plan 2025-29 and Community Vision 2045, allowing the Wangaratta community to share their thoughts on our region, our future. The consultation has begun with an online survey via the Connect Wangaratta website.
Every four years, following local government elections, Council works with the community to identify needs and concerns to be addressed with a new Council Plan.
The Council Plan is shaped by feedback from the community and describes the objectives, strategies and initiatives to be implemented by Council over the coming years, these inputs will also inform Council’s development of its 10 Year Financial Plan.
The Council Plan also incorporates our Community Vision, the long-term aspirations that the community has for the Rural City of Wangaratta; and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, what the Council will do to protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing in the municipality.
Members of the community can complete the Council Plan survey on the Connect Wangaratta website or by collecting a hard copy of the survey at the Government Centre or Library. Everyone that completes the survey goes into the draw to win one of three $100 vouchers for a local business of their choice.
Irene Grant, Mayor Rural City of Wangaratta, said
“It is important we hear from all members of our community so that the Council Plan accurately reflects their current needs and future aspirations. That way we can ensure Wangaratta remains a great place to live and work.”
Other ways to get involved include registering your interest in attending community workshops that will commence in March or speaking with Councillors at a range of community events over the summer.
Hearing from a wide range of voices is an important part of this process, which includes the voices of the young people. Worksheets developed especially for children in years P-6 have been sent to all local primary schools with participation of all years encouraged. These are also available on the Connect Wangaratta website.
Running in conjunction with Council Plan community engagement is the survey on Rates, Revenue & Spending Priorities, where the community can influence how funding is allocated in the 2025/26 Budget and give feedback on how revenue and rates will be raised across the municipality. There’s also an opportunity to request funds for a specific community project, service, or initiative you want to see Council invest in next year. Visit https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/25-26-budget-and-revenue-and-rating-plan for more information.
Get involved in the Council Plan
- Complete the survey online https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/council-plan
- Complete a hard copy of the survey, available from the Government Centre or Library
- Attend a community workshop. These will be conducted in March 2025, with announcements in the New Year on how to get involved.
Council Plan timeline
- December 2024 – February 2025: Community Engagement Survey
- March 2025: Community Workshops
- April 2025: Draft Community Vision and Council Plan developed
- July 2025: Public exhibition of Draft Community Vision and Council Plan
- August 2025: Update Community Vision and Council Plan
- October 2025: Adoption of final Community Vision and Council Plan