2025-2029 Council Plan, Community Vision 2040 adopted
Published on 16 October 2025
Gannawarra Shire Council’s work during the next four years will be guided by two documents developed following months of engagement with Councillors and residents.
Adopted at the October 2025 Council meeting, the Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan and Gannawarra Community Vision 2040 outline the community’s aspirations for Council and the goals Council will strive to achieve during the current Councillor term.
“Development of the updated version of the Council Plan and Community Vision is one of the major tasks Councillors must undertake during the first 12 months of each Council term,” Mayor Garner Smith said.
“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, with these conversations providing an insight into how our residents see the Gannawarra and what they would like Council to achieve on their behalf.
“These discussions highlighted that our residents have a strong sense of community and view our natural environment as one of the Gannawarra’s strengths. However, poor road conditions, rising living costs and access to healthcare and affordable housing are challenges that need to be addressed.”
The Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan retains the three strategic goals from the 2021 – 2025 Council Plan - liveability; growth; and sustainability. Each goal has four strategies to guide Council in achieving them.
The Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan also incorporates the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. A requirement under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, the plan outlines how Council will work in partnership with the Victorian Government and other agencies undertaking public health initiatives, projects and programs to contribute to the achievement of the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023-2027.
Development of the Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan coincided with a review of the Gannawarra’s long-term community vision, resulting in the development of the Gannawarra Community Vision 2040, which outlines the community’s priorities for the next 15 years.
“Infrastructure and roads, economic growth, recreational opportunities and environmental sustainability were identified as top priorities for our residents during the review process, with this information to help our strategic planning and partnerships with community, business, and government,” Mayor Smith said.
“My fellow Councillors and I thank all residents who helped develop these two documents and look forward to working together to achieve the outcomes featured in these publications.”
To learn more about the Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan and Gannawarra Community Vision 2040, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/CouncilPlan