What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
The council's direction is set by its Council Plan 2025–2029, which works towards the community's long-term vision, Building a Better Buloke 2040: 'a healthy, socially connected, inclusive and accessible community with a prosperous economy offering services, amenities and activities that match our desired liveability.' The plan has five strategic objectives, supported by 13 strategies and 54 actions.
The five strategic objectives are: Services — supporting our communities to thrive (advocacy in service networks; accessible and responsive health and community services). Vibrant and connected communities (strengthening community activity and connections; supporting local organisations). Built and natural environment (community buildings, roads and transport networks; parks and open space; caring for the environment). Prosperous and growing economy (attracting businesses; investing in young people; promoting Buloke as a place to visit, live and invest). Council leadership and engagement (responsible decision-making; advocacy and partnerships; consulting with and informing the community).
The 2026–27 Annual Budget was adopted on 17 June 2026. It raises average rates by the 2.75% cap, spends $76.9 million on services and capital (excluding depreciation), and has a $49.8 million capital program, $44.5 million of it on roads and bridges. $37.9 million of the program depends on outside funding. The budget says it was prepared on a cash-neutral basis as directed by the Minister after the Municipal Monitor's report. It names the pressures as flood and storm recovery since October 2022 (with works re-hit by the March 2026 floods, and the December 2025 Charlton fire), cost shifting from other levels of government, and rate capping. It sets aside about $13 million in each of the next two years for flood recovery works, depending on state and federal disaster funding. A revised Financial Plan and Asset Plan for 2026–2036 are out for comment until 19 October 2026.
- Buloke Shire Council — Plans · Sep 2026
- Buloke Shire Council — Council Plan 2025–2029 (PDF) · 2025–2029
- Buloke Shire Council — Building a Better Buloke 2040: Community Vision (PDF) · Sep 2026
- Buloke Shire Council — Annual Budget 2026/27, Mayor & CEO introduction and Budget Influences (PDF) · 2026–27
- Buloke Shire Council — Budgets · Sep 2026
- Buloke Shire Council — June Meeting Wrap 2026 · Jun 2026
- Buloke Shire Council — Have Your Say · Sep 2026
Underway now
Draft Financial Plan and Asset Plan 2026–2036
Submissions to 5pm Mon 19 Oct 2026; hearing 26 Oct; council decision 18 Nov 2026Ten-year plans for the council's finances and for managing more than $531 million of roads, buildings, open space and drainage assets. The council says the Asset Plan focuses on maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure while managing a significant long-term renewal funding gap. Submissions by email to buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au, in person at the Wycheproof office, or by post.
Flood recovery road works
2026–27 and 2027–28, subject to disaster recovery fundingThe 2026–27 budget puts $44.5 million into roads and bridges and sets aside about $13 million a year for the next two years to repair damage from floods since October 2022. The council says works depend on state and federal Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and that projects re-hit by the March 2026 floods are on hold until the damage is reassessed. Rehabilitation projects announced in 2026 include Nullawil Meridian Road, Watchupga West Road and roads around Berriwillock.
Buloke Aquatic Strategy
Adopted 16 Sep 2026; 10-year strategyA 10-year direction for the shire's seven outdoor pools, adopted after 46 submissions. Changes after consultation include a five-day-a-week service for the full season at Berriwillock and Watchem, and further work on membership options and volunteer support.
Kerbside hard waste trial
June 2026 (Berriwillock, Nandaly, Sea Lake); 9–16 Sep 2026 (Birchip, Watchem)A trial collection of e-waste, mattresses, furniture and scrap metal from township households, to test whether a permanent hard waste service across the shire is feasible.
Planning Scheme Amendment C47blok (flood mapping in Charlton and Donald)
Adopted by council 15 Jul 2026; with the Minister for PlanningUpdates flood mapping and planning controls after flood mitigation works: the Urban Floodway Zone would be removed from seven properties in Clifton Street, Charlton, and flood overlays from 37 properties in Camp and Wood streets, Donald. Takes effect once approved and gazetted by the Minister.
Planned / committed
Roads and Buildings Advisory Groups
Expressions of interest to follow (approved Sep 2026)Two new advisory groups for residents, user groups and industry representatives to contribute to infrastructure priorities and the council's funding advocacy.
Recently delivered
Donald demountable flood levee
Completed mid-2026A 22-metre, 2.3-metre-high demountable flood barrier on Camp Street, Donald, designed for a 1% annual exceedance probability (100-year) flood. Total cost to date $748,081: $496,861 from the Victorian Government's Risk and Resilience Grants Program and $251,220 from the council.
Source: Buloke Shire Council — Donald Strengthens Flood Preparedness