Annual Plan shows progress for Shire

Published on 24 November 2022

Hepburn Shire Council’s Annual Plan report for the first quarter of 2022/2023 was noted by Council at their meeting this week. 

Council Chief Executive Officer Bradley Thomas said the Annual Plan quarterly update highlighted the significant progress made by Council over the last three months.

“These actions contribute directly towards achieving the ten-year Community Vision and four-year Council Plan,” said Mr Thomas.

“We have seen solid progress on a significant number of our projects across our five Council Plan focus areas, which is commendable especially given the external constraints.” 

The Council Plan focus areas are:

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood said there are many projects being delivered across the Shire.

“Some of the highlights of the work to date have included launching our Sustainable Hepburn Strategy, our affordable housing project, activities to support young people and continuing construction on major projects including Hammon Park trailhead, Creswick Town Hall, Trentham Community Hub and a new pavilion at Trentham Sportsground Reserve,” said Cr Hood.

“Providing important services for the community is an essential role for Council. We’re pleased to have so many projects underway as we also continue with storm recovery and day-to-day business,” said Cr Hood.

Below are some of the highlights of the Annual Plan achievements to date:

Sustainable Hepburn - The Sustainable Hepburn Strategy has been adopted and kicked off with the Sustainable Hepburn Expo Day in Trentham on 29 October. This was the first expo of its kind held in the Shire and was warmly embraced by our community. Sites for three electric vehicle charging stations in Creswick, Hepburn Springs and Trentham have been scoped, and site-specific requirements are being prepared, with installation scheduled soon.

Major projects - Construction of the trailhead for Creswick Trails at Hammon Park is well underway, with the project making strong progress. Meanwhile work on the Trentham Sportsground Pavilion and Trentham Hub are also progressing.

Public health – Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Central Highlands Rural Health to ensure continuation of the collaborative partnership in the implementation of Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and Central Highlands Rural Health’s Population Health Plan. 

Affordable housing - Activities are underway on development of the Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan. 

Disability advocacy - The Disability Advisory Committee and other key stakeholders continue to develop the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and it is currently at community engagement phase. 

Reconciliation - The new Reconciliation Committee has been appointed and its first meeting held. Development of the second Reconciliation Action Plan is expected to commence in December.

Young people - An action plan for the ACE Youth Strategy has been developed and is being implemented.

View the Annual Plan progress report.