Council Meeting wrap - March 2026

Published on 19 March 2026

The noting of a document outlining how renewable energy and mining projects are forecast to impact the Gannawarra Shire was the key item of discussion at Gannawarra Shire Council’s March 2026 meeting.

Held at The Glasshouse, Kerang on 18 March, the meeting saw Council note the Resource Ready North-Western Victoria Energy & Mining Impact & Readiness Strategy, with Council to support continued regional advocacy and planning to address the challenges identified in the document.

Gannawarra Shire was one of nine councils across northwestern Victoria that engaged Urban Enterprises to examine the potential impacts of emerging renewable energy and mining projects in the region. The study aimed to understand the economic effects of these developments and identify the actions and levers local governments can use to capture opportunities, mitigate risks, and maximise benefits for their communities.

The report found that Gannawarra faces some of the most significant readiness pressures of all councils that took part in the study. Acute housing shortages, limited labour capacity, strain on agricultural productivity, weak telecommunications, and existing infrastructure constraints—particularly around Kerang—were identified as key factors that could limit Council’s ability to capture the economic benefits of these projects.

Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to have their say on the draft Thriving Together 2026–2030 – a plan for a diverse, inclusive and resilient Gannawarra document up to 5pm Friday, 17 April, which can be downloaded from www.gsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or viewed at Council’s Customer Service Centres at Cohuna and Kerang.

The draft plan outlines Council’s commitment to ensuring every resident—regardless of age, ability, cultural background, income, gender identity, or circumstances—can feel valued, welcomed, safe, and connected.

Other outcomes of the meeting included:

• Receiving and noting the minutes of the Audit and Risk Committee meeting held on 3 February 2026.
• The establishment of bank guarantees for work authorities in place with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action relating to Benwell’s Pit, Coughlan’s Pit, Denyer’s Pit and Guttrum Pit.
• Seeking authorisation from the Minister of Planning to prepare an amendment to the Gannawarra Planning Scheme to implement recommendations and fundings from the Gannawarra Planning Scheme Review (2024), as well as including updates to zoning maps to correct errors and anomalies at 48 sites.
• The adoption of the revised Dust Control and Asset Management policies.
• Endorse in principle the establishment of an Asset Committee for the Cohuna Recreation Reserve and engage with affected clubs, stakeholders and community groups regarding the proposed governance model and committee structure.

Questions from the public regarding the development of a fully fenced, off-leash dog area at Kerang, and the creation of a local scholarship program to support residents undertaking essential training for health and community-health related services were also addressed.

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