Council Meeting wrap - August 2026

Published on 24 August 2026

August 2026 Council meeting.png

The adoption of the plan that will guide how Gannawarra Shire Council manages its urban stormwater network was the highlight of Gannawarra Shire Council’s July 2026 meeting.

Held at The Glasshouse on Wednesday, 19 August, the meeting saw Council adopt the Gannawarra Urban Stormwater Management Plan, which provides a municipality-wide framework for identifying stormwater risks and prioritising actions to minimise risks to human health and the environment, so far as reasonably practicable.

Council sought feedback from residents and other stakeholders during April 2026 and May 2026 regarding the document, with five submissions received. The majority of submissions related to localised flooding and drainage performance issues, which are already reflected in the township risk assessments and proposed actions; however several amendments were made to strengthen recognition of cultural heritage, Traditional Owner engagement and cultural values.

Council also endorsed the draft GROW Gannawarra Children and Youth Strategy 2026-2030 for community feedback. Developed via consultation with children, young people, community stakeholders, service providers and partner organisations, together with evidence from The State of Gannawarra Children and Young People Report 2023, the draft strategy provides a coordinated framework to improve outcomes for young people aged 0–24 years across the municipality.

Residents can have their say regarding the draft GROW Gannawarra Children and Youth Strategy 2026–2030 before 5pm on Friday, 18 September, in various ways, including online, by phoning Council, or by writing to or emailing Council.

Other outcomes of the meeting included:

  • Council seeking improvements to the planning, assessment, consultation and governance processes for renewable energy projects. As part of these efforts, Council will write to the Victorian Premier, Opposition Leader, Minister for Planning, and Minister for Energy and Resources, expressing concerns about current approval processes, including for the Normanville Energy Park. Council is also requesting mandatory Environment Effects Statements without fast-tracking, extended consultation periods of at least 56 days, protection of neighbouring landowners’ planning rights, and full consideration of Council submissions. Council’s stance also calls for additional resources to support councils and landowners and resolves that certain Minister-approved projects affecting Council-managed roads require Council determination rather than officer delegation.   
  • Approving a leave of absence for Cr Keith Link from 6 August 2026 to 6 November 2026 inclusive.
  • Approving a planning permit for the construction of two new lagoons within the existing Cohuna Water Reclamation Plant at Chugg’s Road, Cohuna.
  • Approving a planning permit for a three-lot subdivision at Dalton Street, Koondrook.
  • Authorising the development of a tender process for the operations of the Koondrook Caravan Park and Koondrook Retreat, and the Cohuna Waterfront Caravan Park.
  • Adopting the following revised policies – Appointment of Acting CEO; Asset Disposal and Rationalisation; Roadside, Parks and Reserves Trading; and Smoke and Vape Free Zones.
  •  Noting the results of the 2026 Residential Kerbside Reform Survey
  • Acknowledging that Council’s offices will be closed from 12.30pm Thursday, 24 December 2026 to Friday, 1 January 2027 for the Christmas and New Year period, with normal services resuming Monday, 4 January 2027. Service changes will be promoted via Council’s website and local newspapers in mid-December.

Questions relating to the establishment of a dedicated dog park in Kerang were also addressed.

For more information, including a link to the video and minutes from this meeting, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/meetings

Tagged as:
Back to top