VIC · West Gippsland · Local council, made simple
Baw Baw Shire Council
Baw Baw Shire Council is the council for West Gippsland's Warragul, Drouin, Trafalgar and Yarragon, and for the hill and forest towns to the north such as Neerim South, Noojee, Erica and Walhalla — home to about 63,000 people. Nine councillors, three for each of three wards, choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average rates +2.75% (the state cap); waste charge $580
Open →Budget & financesBaw Baw's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,138 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyBaw Baw's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
7 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour three ward councillors, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Kate Wilson (2025–2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Baw Baw's wards vote, and the 2024 results.
Next council election: Saturday 28 October 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, email, offices and hours.
Phone: 5624 2411 or 1300 229 229
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 62,784 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Baw Baw Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Construction starts on Warragul's $30 million Library and Learning Centre
The council marked the start of construction on the new Library and Learning Centre next to the West Gippsland Arts Centre. Early site works are under way, and main building construction is due to begin towards the end of 2026. The centre is planned to open in early 2028.
What this means for you: Expect construction activity around Albert Street and Civic Place; the council says it will tell residents about any temporary changes to access or traffic.
- Policy
$137,000 in community grants offered to 35 local groups
The council has conditionally offered more than $137,000 in the first 2026–27 round of its Community Grants – Community Projects Program, with grants of up to $5,000 for activities, events and programs across the shire.
What this means for you: The council's announcement lists each recipient group and project.
- Waste
Council keeps fortnightly red bin and weekly FOGO collections
At its September meeting the council voted to keep collecting the red general rubbish bin fortnightly and the green FOGO bin weekly. A petition for a return to weekly red-bin collection, with 6,139 signatories (3,997 from Baw Baw), had been tabled in August. The council said weekly collection would add about $173,000 a year to its contract costs.
What this means for you: Households with extra waste needs can apply to the Special Consideration Program for an extra 120 litres of red-bin capacity at no cost.
- Policy
Council asks residents to back two projects ahead of the state election
The council is seeking state funding for a second stage of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail ($7 million, from Neerim to Noojee) and for faster upgrades of intersections around Warragul and Drouin, and invites residents to send letters of support to candidates for the seat of Narracan through its online advocacy platform.
What this means for you: The council's Advocacy Priorities page links to the campaigns.
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 budget on 24 June 2026: an operating spend of about $127.5 million, average rates up by the 2.75% cap, the household waste charge up from $554 to $580, and $38.74 million for road renewals over four years. After 17 community submissions, the council raised the proposed rebate for cultural and recreational land from 50% to 75% and added design work for a Neerim East Road pedestrian project.
What this means for you: The first 2026–27 rates instalment is due on 30 September 2026.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Baw Baw Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.