VIC · Mallee — Wycheproof, Charlton, Donald, Sea Lake, Birchip · Local council, made simple
Buloke Shire Council
A farming shire of about 8,000 km² in Victoria's north-west Mallee, home to about 5,900 people in Wycheproof, Charlton, Donald, Sea Lake, Birchip and smaller towns. The council runs your bins, local roads and drains, parks and pools, planning and community services, 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 rate +2.75% (state cap); waste charge $496
Open →Budget & financesThe council's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,140 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyOffences recorded in Buloke by Victoria Police, next to the Victorian rate.
Offences recorded, year to June 2026
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillors, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Graeme Milne (2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Buloke votes, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, office hours and address.
Phone: 1300 520 520
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 5,887 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
8 updatesRecent items from Buloke Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Council meeting
Aquatic Strategy adopted; draft Financial and Asset Plans go out for comment
At its 16 September meeting the council adopted a 10-year Aquatic Strategy for its seven outdoor pools, approved new Roads and Buildings Advisory Groups, and endorsed draft 2026–2036 Financial and Asset Plans for public exhibition.
What this means for you: The council says the strategy was never meant to close pools; Berriwillock and Watchem keep a five-day-a-week service for the full season.
- Have your say
Have your say on the draft Financial Plan and Asset Plan 2026–2036
The council is taking written submissions on its draft ten-year Financial Plan and Asset Plan until 5pm on Monday 19 October 2026, with a submissions hearing in Wycheproof on 26 October.
What this means for you: Email buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au or post to PO Box 1, Wycheproof, and say if you want to speak at the hearing. The plans go to the council meeting on 18 November.
- Policy
Council backs 'Invest in Rural Victoria' campaign
The council has joined Rural Councils Victoria's campaign ahead of the November state election, calling for more state investment in roads, community infrastructure, housing and economic development, including a proposed $1 billion Productivity and Growth Fund.
What this means for you: The council says it will put up campaign signs across the shire and host a candidate forum before the election.
- Council meeting
New single Community Grants Program adopted
The council merged its two grant streams into one Community Grants Program with two funding rounds a year, and appointed two independent members to its Audit and Risk Committee.
What this means for you: Community groups apply to one program; sustainability projects are still funded, from Coonooer Bridge wind farm income.
- Policy
Flood overlays to be lifted in parts of Charlton and Donald; council asks for review of glass-only bin
The council adopted Planning Scheme Amendment C47blok, which would remove flood controls from 7 Charlton and 37 Donald properties after mitigation works, and resolved to ask the state to review its planned mandatory glass-only kerbside service.
What this means for you: The flood changes take effect only once the Minister for Planning approves and gazettes them.
- Development
Demountable flood levee completed in Donald
A 22-metre demountable flood barrier on Camp Street, Donald, is complete, built to protect against a 1-in-100-year flood. It cost $748,081, of which $496,861 came from the Victorian Government.
What this means for you: The barrier can be put up quickly when flooding threatens; the council's emergency team has trained in installing it.
- Council meeting
2026–27 budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 Annual Budget, prepared on a cash-neutral basis. Average rates rise by the 2.75% cap and the waste charge rises to $496.
What this means for you: Rates notices went out in August; the first instalment is due on 30 September 2026.
- Election
Cr Graeme Milne elected Mayor, Cr Bernadette Hogan Deputy Mayor
The councillors elected Cr Graeme Milne as Mayor for a one-year term, succeeding Cr Alan Getley, and elected Cr Bernadette Hogan unopposed as Deputy Mayor.
What this means for you: The Mayor chairs council meetings and is the council's main spokesperson. The next mayoral election is on 18 November 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 Buloke Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.