Council Meeting Snapshot - Wednesday 25 February 2026

Published on 25 February 2026

To keep our community up to date with key Council decisions, outcomes and plans; here is a snapshot summary from Council’s Wednesday 25 February Council Meeting.

Planning and Development

10.1 PLA0118/24 - 337 Princes Way, Drouin

Council moved to;

Issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit for Planning Permit Application PLA0118/24, subject to conditions;
Authorise the Manager Planning and the Coordinator Statutory Planning to instruct Council's planners or advocates in any review proceedings and mediation under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 provided that any proposed amendments do not alter Council's decision or introduce significant changes to the proposal.

Economic Development, Grants and Advocacy

Baw Baw Shire Council Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026-2030

Council endorsed the Draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026 - 2030 to progress to community consultation.

Strategy and Organisational Performance

Q2 2025/26 Combined Performance Report

Council noted the;

Quarterly Performance Report for Quarter 2 of 2025/26;
Financial Report for Quarter 2 of 2025/26; and,
Capital Works Program Report for Quarter 2 of 2025/26.

Governance and Information Services

Governance Report February 2026

Council moved an alternate movement that Council;

Note the February 2026 Governance Report;
Submit the following motions to the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council Meeting, being held on Friday 29 May 2026:

a) 'That the MAV State Council calls on the Australian Government to establish a funding stream that supports local councils in the development, construction, and renewal of paths and trails networks, with the aim of improving local Council Meeting- Unconfirmed Minutes 25 February 2026 Page 8 health, environmental, and tourism outcomes and supporting regional economies across Australia;' and 'That the MAV State Council calls on the Australian Government to establish a funding stream that supports local councils that are experiencing or preparing for significant growth due to government policy such as housing targets, to facilitate strategic planning and preparedness for the implications of rapid population growth;’
b) Authorise the CEO to make any minor changes to the wording of the motions and/or to update the motions relative to any changes to the issue that may have occurred between the council meeting and the date of their lodgements with the MAV.

3. Submit the following motions to the Australian Local Government Association 2026 National General Assembly, being held 23-25 June 2026:

a) 'This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to establish a funding stream that supports local councils in the development, construction, and renewal of paths and trails networks, with the aim of improving local health, environmental, and tourism outcomes and supporting regional economies across Australia;' and ‘This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to establish a funding stream that supports local councils that are experiencing or preparing for significant growth due to government policy such as housing targets, to facilitate strategic planning and preparedness for the implications of rapid population growth;’
b) Authorise the CEO to make any minor changes to the wording of the motions and/or to update the motions relative to any changes to the issue that may have occurred between the council meeting and the date of their lodgements with the ALGA

4. Note the attached Place Names Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes;
5. Note the changes to the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2020 (Vic);
6. Note the progress update on agreed public transparency improvements; and,
7. Note the Assembly of Councillor records for 22 January to 18 February 2026.

Bereavement Motion

Councillors raised a condolence motion to commemorate Dick Van Leeuwen, a former Mayor and Councillor of Baw Baw Shire.

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

In June 2025, Council revised the Council Meeting schedule for the remainder of the year. Council Meeting dates can be viewed here.

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.