Tell Council what matters to you and shape the future of the shire

Published on 18 March 2025

What three things matters most to you? That’s one of the questions that Mount Alexander Shire Council is asking residents as part of its Our Shire, Our Future 2025-2029 project.

Community feedback provided will inform the development of a number of long-term Council strategies and priorities.

This includes the new Council Plan 2025-2029, and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

“What we hear from residents will inform our priorities for the next four years”, said Mayor Rosie Annear.

“We don’t want to make decisions on behalf of the community without asking what they need first, so that’s what we’re doing.”

Input shared will also be used to assess whether Council’s 10-year Community Vision remains relevant. This was developed in partnership with residents in 2021.

“It’s been four years since we collaborated with residents on our Community Vision, and we want to check back in with our community to make sure it still feels right today,” she said.

“Feedback provided to us will influence Council decisions, and guide our actions in the coming years.”

Visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/ourshire and get involved in one of the following ways:

• Complete our quick survey - Tell us three things that matter most to you now, and three things you’re thinking about for the future via our online or hardcopy survey.
• Complete the full survey – This is an opportunity to provide more detailed feedback.

Hardcopy surveys and postcards will be available throughout the shire, and can also be requested by calling (03) 5471 1700 or emailing info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.  

Previous feedback heard during the development of the Council Plan 2021-2025 led to the delivery of a range of important projects and initiatives. 

Priority areas for residents included affordable housing, climate change, flood recovery and emergency preparedness, access and inclusion, business, and support for creative initiatives.

“Our Council Plan 2025-2029 moves us away from business-as-usual, and focuses on the bigger picture,” said Mayor Rosie Annear.

“Don’t think that your voice doesn’t matter - we’re here, and we’re listening.”

Council is involving a wide range of people and local organisations in the Our Shire, Our Future 2025-2029 project.

This includes collaborating with community members, Council staff, local MP’s, First Nations community members, CALD communities, young people, a community reference group, stakeholder organisations such as Dhelkaya Health, Country Fire Authority, and more. 

“It’s important that we hear from as many people in our community as possible on this,” said Mayor Annear.

“The more people we hear from, from right across our shire, in all different stages of life – will help us create the best Council Plan possible for our community and Council.”

The multi-staged consultation will result in the development of a draft Council Plan 2025-2029, which will be shared with the community for further feedback in May 2025.

Councillors will review and consider the draft document, incorporating the second round of community feedback, later this year.

The development of a Council Plan is a legislative requirement outlined in the Local Government Act 2020. All councils across Victoria are required to complete their Council Plans, and have them adopted by 31 October 2025.