Council plan and vision

The Council Plan is Council’s key strategic document. It sets out how Council will work towards achieving the Community Vision 2031 over the next four years. Read the Council Plan 2025–2029(PDF, 5MB).

Read the other Integrated Strategic Planning documents which support the Council Plan.

• 2025/26 Budget(PDF, 3MB)
• Asset Plan 2025-2035(PDF, 2MB)
• Financial Plan 2025–2035(PDF, 14MB)
• Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–2029(PDF, 11MB)

Community vision

Developed in partnership with our Community, our vision is:

“Hepburn Shire – an inclusive rural community located in Dja Dja Wurrung country where all people are valued, partnerships are fostered, environment is protected, diversity supported, and innovation embraced.”

Council Plan

This document outlines the strategic framework that guides Council’s planning and decision-making over the current Council term. It sets a clear direction for how the Council will work towards delivering long-term community aspirations while responding to current priorities and challenges.

The framework is structured around five key components:

1. Community Vision
   • A long-term vision that outlines the aspirations of the Hepburn Shire community.
2. Domains
   • Broad areas outlining the strategic direction and priorities across the Council term.
3. Outcomes
   • The outcomes Council is seeking to achieve across the Council term, reflecting the change or benefit to community, environment or organisation.
4. Strategies
   • Key approaches, actions and initiatives that will drive progress towards achieving the outcomes. These strategies guide projects, policies, decision making and the budget across the Council term.
5. Indicators
   • How we will monitor progress across the Council term in achieving the outcomes. 

Each element of the Council Plan plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Shire. Together, they provide a roadmap for meaningful action and measurable progress.

Domains

Hepburn Life

Hepburn Life is about building a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive community where every person feels connected, informed, and supported to thrive. Through strong partnerships, education, and advocacy, we will enhance community resilience to changing environmental conditions, emergencies, and evolving community needs. By ensuring access to essential resources before, during, and after crisis, we are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all residents.

Future Hepburn

Council is committed to shaping a future that honours the distinctive character of its towns and rural landscapes while fostering sustainable growth, infrastructure, and economic vitality.

Hepburn Working Together

Council is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable community. Our strategic focus is guided by a commitment to delivering high-quality services, ensuring strong governance, and fostering a positive and skilled workforce. 

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP) has been integrated into the Community vision and Council Plan 2025–2029. Council and community identified health and wellbeing priority areas for working towards the Community Vision. They are:

• Increased active living
• Increasing mental wellbeing

Visit our engagement website Participate Hepburn to find details about the engagement that shaped the Community Vision and Council Plan 2025–2029.

Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework

The Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (the Framework) lays out the range of strategic documents Council is required to adopt under the Local Government Act 2020. The Framework sets out Council's integrated approach to planning, monitoring, and performance reporting.

Components of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework