Council Meeting Snapshot - Wednesday 24 June 2026

Published on 24 June 2026

To keep our community up to date with key Council decisions, outcomes and plans; here is a snapshot summary from Council’s Wednesday 24 June Council Meeting.

Community Infrastructure

11.1 Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan 2026 - 2023

Council noted the items from 14 May 2025 Council resolution:

i. Completion of Council's draft Carbon Emission Reduction Plan Guidance Report, including the key recommendations identified in its 'Roadmap' to achieve net zero emissions and provided in principle approval of the Report, and
ii. Support officers in preparing a detailed five-year action plan (2025 2030) containing information on actions, approach, timing and resourcing requirements.

Council endorsed the Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan 2026-2030.

11.2 Annual Review of Register of Public Roads

Council considered the recently completed internal review of Council's Register of Public Roads and the proposed additions and deductions.

Council accepted the proposed additions and deductions to the Register of Public Roads, noting that the changes will increase the annual Routine Road Maintenance Contract Sum.

Council endorsed the Register of Public Roads as suitable for inspection by the public in accordance with the Road Management Act 2004.

Economic Development, Grants and Advocacy

12.1 Draft Public Art and Civic Art Collection Policies - Post Community Consultation

Council acknowledged and noted the community feedback received and the subsequent updates to the draft policies.

Council adopted the Public Art Policy and Civic Art Collection Policy.

Strategy and Organisational Performance

13.1 Borrowing Policy and Investment Policy Reviews

Council adopted the Borrowing Policy and the Investment Policy.

13.2 Adoption of the Annual Budget, Rating and Revenue Plan, Fees and Charges Schedule, Financial Plan and Long-Term Infrastructure Program

Council adopted the:

Annual Budget 2026/27 (including the Schedule of Fees and Charges), and the Capital Works Program 2026/27 as required by Section 94 of the Local Government Act 2020;
Revised Rating and Revenue Plan 2025/26-2029/30, including the Rates and Differential Rates noted, in accordance with Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2020;
2026/27 - 2035/36 Financial Plan in accordance with Section 91 of the Local Government Act 2020; 4. Adopt the Long-Term Infrastructure Plan 2026/27 - 2035/36.

Council noted the changes between the draft Annual Budget 2026/27 placed on public exhibition from 23 April 2026 to 14 May 2026 and the final Budget following consideration of the budget submissions received are as follows: and,

a. The rebate for Cultural and Recreational Land to increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent; funded through a reduction in the Priority Minor Capital Works Program - $22,000.
b. Addition of the Neerim East Road Pedestrian Crossing detailed design project funded through reprioritisation and reallocation of funding from the following projects:
i. Reduction of the Warragul South Urban Design Framework - $50,000;and,
ii. Reduction of the Priority Minor Capital Works Program - $25,000.

Council thanked the community members who made a submission as part of the 2026/27 Annual Budget process.

13.3 Community Grants - Community Projects Round 2 2025/26 Outcomes

Council noted the outcomes of the Community Projects Round 2 2025/26 Applications.

13.4 Q3 2025/26 Combined Performance Report

Council noted:

The Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 3 of 2025/26;
The Financial Report for Quarter 3 of 2025/26; and,
The Capital Works Program Report for Quarter 3 of 2025/26.

13.5 Hamilton Heights Boundary: Proposed Realignment

Council endorsed the proposed locality boundary realignment between Drouin and Longwarry, affecting the Hamilton Heights Estate and surrounding properties.

Council authorised the submission of this endorsement to the Office of Geographic Names Victoria for formal consideration.

Governance and Information Services

15.1 Revised Customer Service Charter and Complaints Handling Policy

Council adopted the revised Customer Service Charter and revised Complaints Handling Policy.

15.2 Proposal to name the final park in Waterford Rise, Warragul

Council endorsed the name 'Nyalling' for the unnamed park on Longview Road and Regent Avenue, Warragul and moved to conduct community consultation on the naming proposal from 25 June to 25 July, in accordance with the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria.

15.3 Governance Report June 2026

Council:

Noted the June 2026 Governance Report;
In the exercise of the powers conferred by section 147 (4) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, section 224 of the Local Government Act 1989 and section 313 of the Local Government Act 2020, resolve that:
a. The members of Council staff referred to in the instrument be appointed and authorised as set out in the instrument;
b. The instrument comes into force immediately after the common seal of Council is affixed to the instrument, and remains in force until Council determines to vary or revoke it; and,
c. In accordance with Council's Governance Rules, the instrument be signed and sealed.
Noted the Environmental Voice Advisory Committee meeting minutes of 19 May 2026 and the Early Years Advisory Committee meeting minutes of 27 May 2026;
Noted the response to clarifying questions of notice submitted at the 27 May 2026 Council Meeting;
Noted the update regarding PLA0145/25 - Blossom Retreat & Whistle Place, Neerim South and that no further decision of Council is required on this application for a planning permit; and,
Noted the Assembly of Councillor records for 21 May to 17 June 2026.

Mayoral Minute

Deputy Mayor Cr Suzanne Allen used the Mayoral Minute to acknowledge the receipt of two Council-led tiny towns projects that have received funding in Longwarry and Westbury, and to thank Sally for her contributions to the organisation over the past 6 months at her last Council Meeting with Team Baw Baw. On behalf of all Councillors and staff, she thanked Sally and wished her all the best for the future.

Baw Baw Shire Council's Council Meetings are open to the public and are held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre.

All Council meetings will be live-streamed, and archived recordings will be available on the Council website for viewing.

The agenda for the next meeting will be available online on the Friday prior to the meeting.