Council Plan – Last Days of Survey
Published on 03 February 2025
Council Plan – Last Days of Survey
Rural City of Wangaratta encourages residents to make their voices heard on the 2025-29 Council Plan before submissions close on Sunday 9 February. Every four years, following local government elections, the Council collaborates with the community to identify priorities and address concerns through a new Council Plan.
The Council Plan is shaped by extensive community feedback and outlines the objectives, strategies, and initiatives that will guide Council actions in the coming years.
Community engagement for the Plan began in December 2024. Council representatives have engaged online and directly with the community at markets, Australia Day celebrations, and other local events. So far, Council has engaged with more than 1000 people in our community through pop-up events, surveys, and children’s activities.
While the Council welcomes input from all residents, some groups are currently underrepresented in the survey responses. Specifically, individuals aged 24-35, members of our diverse multicultural community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to participate and ensure their perspectives are included.
It is crucial that the Council Plan accurately reflects the current needs and future aspirations of our community. Residents are encouraged to submit their feedback to help shape the future of Wangaratta.
Irene Grant, Mayor Rural City of Wangaratta, emphasised that hearing from a wide range of voices is an important part of the process:
"We know life is busy, and filling out a survey might not be a top priority—but this one only takes 10 minutes, and your input is vital.
The Council Plan shapes the future of our city because Council’s work is about so much more than roads, rates, and rubbish. So we need to hear from everyone who attends events, goes to the Library and the Gallery, and enjoys our parks and gardens.”
Get involved in the Council Plan
• Complete the survey online https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/council-plan
Complete a hard copy of the survey, available from the Government Centre or Library
• Attend a community workshop to be conducted in mid-March. Register here: https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/council-plan/surveys/community-survey1
Council Plan timeline
• December 2024 – February 2025: Community Engagement Survey
• March 2025: Community Workshops
• April 2025: Draft Community Vision and Council Plan developed
• July 2025: Public exhibition of Draft Community Vision and Council Plan
• August 2025: Update Community Vision and Council Plan
• October 2025: Adoption of final Community Vision and Council Plan
Future Application of the Plan
The Council Plan also incorporates our Community Vision 2045, the long-term aspirations that the community has for the Rural City of Wangaratta; and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, what the Council will do to protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing in the municipality