Annual Report

Two major road projects completed in Yarragon and Warragul

Works were completed on a $4.9 million upgrade to Copelands Road in Warragul, which improved traffic flow, capacity and safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.

The major upgrade between Mills Road and Lillico Road also included important drainage works and the construction of the new Moe River bridge.

New footpaths and a shared bicycle path were also created.

Two bridges on Factory Road in Yarragon were also completed in May 2025.

These were rebuilt to a safer and more sustainable standard to meet community needs into the future.

Council appreciated the $1.4 million contribution from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to facilitate this project, with a $350,000 contribution from Baw Baw Shire.

Council adopted its Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026-2030

The Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026-2030 was endorsed by Council in May 2026, setting out a clear road map to grow the local economy and tourism sector over the next four years and beyond.

The Strategy guides Council’s work to support local industry, small businesses, attract investment, create new jobs and grow local tourism. It provides a framework for strategic planning and decision making that balances the needs of the community, local businesses and the environment, ensuring economic growth and prosperity that benefits the entire community.

Key partners include Agriculture Victoria, Destination Gippsland, Food and Fibre Gippsland, Lardner Park, Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort among many others, as well as state and federal government departments.

2026 advocacy priorities adopted

In March 2026, Baw Baw Shire Council endorsed its key advocacy priorities ahead of the upcoming Victorian State Election, outlining a clear list of critical projects and investments needed to support the region’s future growth, safety and liveability.

The Weebar Road roundabout, Stage Two of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail and the construction of a second oval in Trafalgar were among Baw Baw Shire’s key advocacy priorities.

Business attraction, paths and trails, sporting infrastructure, financial assistance and recognition of peri urban status were among the other primary advocacy priorities for Council.

Priority Mobility Car Parking trial at Warragul Leisure Centre

A trial of mobility car parking at the Warragul Leisure Centre (WLC) was a success and resulted in the permanent fixture of three priority mobility parking spaces at the WLC. The three priority spaces were added in addition to the four disability spaces at the front of WLC and the four disability spaces beside the stadium. The spaces were added to help people with mobility issues park closer to the entrance. This makes it easier for visitors to access the centre for fitness, wellbeing or injury recovery.

Early works contract awarded for the new landmark Library and Learning Centre in Warragul

Following a comprehensive procurement process, Council awarded Becon Constructions the early works package for the landmark Library and Learning Centre, coming to Warragul.

Valued at $857,000, the contract allows site preparation, earthworks and essential service installation ahead of main construction. This was a major milestone for the new Library and Learning Centre.

The $30 million dollar project is being funded in collaboration with all three levels of government. Council will contribute $10 million, the largest investment in a single project to date, with the balance funded through grants from the Victorian and Commonwealth Government.

Delivery of the Live4Life, Youth Mental Health program

Throughout the financial year, Council continued to support and enhance the lives of Baw Baw Shire’s young people through the delivery of the Live4Life program – a dedicated program nurturing the mental wellbeing of young people, specifically in rural and regional communities. The Live4Life program has seen many achievements this past financial year, including scheduling of weekly lunches for students to help enhance and foster positive conversations, facilitating Teen Mental Health First Aid Training sessions and running socialising and connection building sessions. Since the inception of Baw Baw Live4Life in 2020, more than 3,500 students and community members have participated in the program, and more than 160 students have volunteered to be Live4Life crew members.

Nearly $400,000 through Council’s Community Grants Program

Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $392,000 in grants across 88 local projects to fund delivery of new projects, programs and events. The Community Grants program has two main funding streams - Community Projects and Minor Capital Work. Successful projects align with the Baw Baw Shire Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

Review and implementation of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

Council adopted the 2025-29 Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan on 22 October 2025. The priorities of the 2025-29 Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan include active living, healthy eating, wellbeing and resilience and gender equality and the prevention of family violence. This Plan identifies how Council will work with its partners to support health and wellbeing in the municipality and considers tackling the impacts of impacts of climate change.

Official reopening of Dowton Park following a $3.9 million redevelopment

A red ribbon was cut on a brand new $3.965 million sports pavilion at Yarragon’s Dowton Park with an official opening in June 2026.

The new pavilion features upgraded change rooms, accessible and female-friendly facilities, a coaches’ box and timekeeper’s room, a multi-purpose social space, a canteen, storage areas, improved parking and viewing areas for spectators. Sustainability features, including energy-efficient lighting, solar panels with a battery and watersaving systems have also been incorporated into the build.

$4 million upgrade to Rokeby to Noojee Trail official opened (August 2025)

An official opening ceremony was held on Friday 29 August 2025 to mark the completion of the $4 million upgrade to a 15-kilometre section of the much-loved Rokeby to Noojee Trail as part of Stage one of the project.

The scope of works included within stage one of the project included:

• Upgrades to the existing section of the trail between Rokeby and Crossover

• Upgrades to the existing roadside trails and connecting missing links from Crossover to the Apex lookout in Neerim

• Detailed designs and preconstruction work for the extension of the trail to Noojee (ongoing).

Completion of and reopening of the Drouin Recreation Reserve Oval following major redevelopments

A $3.3 million dollar redevelopment to the oval at Drouin Recreation Reserve included a $1 million dollar funding contribution by the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. The oval at the reserve was completely resurfaced and works also included the installation of new drainage and irrigation systems to improve the oval’s surface.

Launch of Council’s new Emergency Dashboard

Council launched new Emergency Dashboard designed to make it easier for the community to find accurate, up-to-date information before, during and after an emergency. The new Emergency Dashboard brings information together in one central and simple platform - saving time, reducing confusion, and improving access to accurate local information when it matters most.

Visits to the Warragul Leisure Centre increased by more than 120,000

The Warragul Leisure Centre was incredibly activated over the last financial year. In 2025/26 there were 559,377 visits to the WLC, compared to 438,419 to the same centre in the financial year 2024/25.

Throughout the 2025/26 financial year, Council recorded major internal organisational achievements, which supported and enhanced Council’s capacity to deliver on the Council Plan’s strategic initiatives.

Road maintenance continues to be a focus

In October 2025 Council adopted its Road Management Plan, which establishes how Council looks after its road infrastructure. It guides Council’s maintenance of the Shire’s road and path network and provides clarity to the community about the kinds of services we deliver. Council is also advocating to other levels of Government for financial support and investment in the local roads network, with an adopted advocacy priority being the upgrade of Weebar Road roundabout in Drouin.

Local events to celebrate and acknowledge Biodiversity Month

Baw Baw Shire Council proudly supported Biodiversity Blitz, a campaign dedicated to encouraging people to get out in nature and record as many native plant and animal species as possible during the month of September. To ensure the community had the chance to come together to explore and celebrate the incredible flora and fauna of our region, Baw Baw Shire also hosted two walk and talk events this biodiversity month.

Adoption of a Master Plan to guide the future of Drouin’s historic Alex Goudie Park

A 10-year master plan to guide the future of Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park was endorsed by Council. Alex Goudie Park is a cherished green space in the heart of Drouin.

The master plan has been prepared to further improve the park, honour its rich history, protect its natural beauty, and enhance the overall space to provide activities and amenities that will cater to evolving community needs.

As part of the master plan, proposed future improvements include more play equipment for different age groups, linking shared paths, bike hooks, a drinking fountain, a unisex toilet block and expansion of habitat. Although these improvements are currently not funded, having a strategic master plan allows Council to consider funding works in future budgets and advocate for external funding opportunities.

New pool heating system to warm up the Warragul Leisure Centre

Baw Baw Shire Council received more than $1.1 million from the Australian Government through the $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund to upgrade the pool heating system at the Warragul Leisure Centre, Council’s biggest gas consumer.

Council will match this grant and contribute more than $1 million toward the project, bringing its total value to approximately $2.29 million, at one of the Shire’s most loved community recreational facilities.

The new heating system will be used across all of the pools at the Leisure Centre, including the outdoor pool, improving usability for members.

Free green waste drop off’s

Council offers free green waste drop off’s at its local transfer stations to help property owners safely prepare their properties for the summer season.

Healthy Forest Plans Pilot in Noojee

Baw Baw Shire Council welcomed the news that Noojee is one of two towns in Victoria selected for the Healthy Forest Plans Pilot, with a $4 million dollar investment into the project.

Council worked closely with the community to support local businesses to establish, expand and create local jobs.

Throughout the 2025/26 financial year, Council recorded major internal organisational achievements, which supported and enhances Council’s capacity to deliver on the Council Plan’s strategic initiatives.

An open community briefing between Councillors and Council officers

Baw Baw Shire Council invited the community to attend an Open Community Briefing on issues surrounding flood mapping in Baw Baw Shire, as part of our community engagement.

The Open Community Briefing included a presentation from Council’s Planning Department, before Councillors opened the session to hear submissions from the 17 community members in attendance.

Adoption of new Customer Service Charter

Reflecting Council’s commitment to delivering improved customer experience, a new Customer Service Charter(PDF, 10MB) was endorsed by Council. The Customer Service Charter outlines the standard of service customers can expect when interacting with Council online, by phone or in person. It applies across all Council services and governs interactions with both Council staff and authorised contractors.

The charter is built around six core commitments including responsiveness, clarity and transparency, ownership of service, respect and fairness, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Adoption of the new Complaints Policy

A new Complaints Handling Policy(PDF, 401KB) was endorsed by Council and designed to ensure that any customer concerns are treated seriously and are addressed promptly, fairly and equitably. It applies to complaints about operations, contractors and decisions made at Council meetings. The policy outlines what defines a complaint, how complaints can be made and how complaints are assessed, reviewed and responded to.

Advocating to the State Government in the lead up to the November election

Baw Baw Shire adopted a set of exciting advocacy priorities in March 2026, to seek support and funding from other levels of government in the lead up to the November State Election.

The advocacy list was prepared based on community feedback and what Council knows its local community needs and wants investment in.

The list seeks to attract investment in roads, tourism, businesses, paths and trails and much more.