VIC · Gippsland · Local council, made simple
East Gippsland Shire Council
East Gippsland Shire Council covers Victoria's far east — about 21,000 km² from the Gippsland Lakes to the NSW border and the Alps — and is home to about 50,000 people, in Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Orbost, Mallacoota, Omeo and many smaller communities. Nine councillors represent the whole shire and choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your bins, local roads and bridges, 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 +2.5%, below the 2.75% cap
Open →Budget & financesEast Gippsland's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,807 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyEast Gippsland's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
6 of 11 offence rates above the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsThe Mayor, the nine councillors, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Jodie Ashworth (2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how East Gippsland votes, and the 2024 results.
Next council election: Saturday 28 October 2028 (postal)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, email, offices and hours.
Phone: (03) 5153 9500
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 49,669 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesRecent items from East Gippsland Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Have your say
Proposed new locality of Mosquito Point
The council proposes to realign the boundaries of Metung, Nungurner, Nyerimilang and Boole Poole to create a new locality, Mosquito Point, on the Boole Poole Peninsula. It says Ambulance Victoria asked for the change so emergency services can find properties in the area, which is reachable only by water, more easily.
What this means for you: Written comments can be made by email to feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au, by post or at a service centre before the proposal goes to the Registrar of Geographic Names.
- Have your say
Have your say on the General Local Law review
The council has started reviewing its General Local Law 2017, which expires in December 2027 and covers matters such as unsightly land, camping on public land, dogs, the use of parks and reserves, and events. No changes are proposed at this first stage; the council is asking about people's experiences and concerns.
What this means for you: The survey on YourSay East Gippsland is open until Friday 2 October 2026.
- Have your say
Draft Omeo District Place Plan open for feedback
The council has released a draft place plan for the Omeo District after 10 months of engagement, focusing on health services, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness.
What this means for you: Feedback closes Friday 2 October 2026, on YourSay East Gippsland or by email to placeplanning@egipps.vic.gov.au.
- Development
Howitt Park pedestrian bridge closed for replacement
The timber pedestrian bridge over Clifton Creek at Howitt Park, Bairnsdale, closed on 14 September 2026 for replacement with an accessible steel and concrete bridge. The project is expected to be finished in December. Some market stall sites are unavailable during the works; the boat ramp stays open.
What this means for you: Pedestrians can't cross Clifton Creek at the bridge site until the works are finished.
- Policy
2026–27 valuation and rates notices issued
The council has sent 2026–27 valuation and rates notices. The average rate increase is 2.5%, below the state cap of 2.75%, although individual bills vary with property valuations and other charges. The council's rates team is visiting towns across the shire until 13 October to answer questions.
What this means for you: The first instalment is due 30 September 2026. Valuation objections close 30 October 2026. If you're having trouble paying, call (03) 5153 9500.
- Policy
2026–27 Budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 Budget on 23 June 2026, with an average rate increase of 2.5%, $54.4 million of capital works ($22.7m from grants), $1.5m of savings and efficiency measures and $483,000 in pensioner rebates. The council says the budget includes about $880,000 of additional fuel costs.
What this means for you: The budget and fact sheets are on the council's budget page and at service centres and libraries.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from East Gippsland Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.