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 Vision 2031. The council says the plan drew on community feedback and a Deliberative Engagement Panel of community representatives. Its Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan is built into the Council Plan, and the yearly budget funds it.
The Community Vision is: 'Hepburn Shire – an inclusive rural community located in Dja Dja Wurrung country where all people are valued, partnerships are fostered, environment is protected, diversity supported, and innovation embraced.' The Council Plan has three domains. 'Hepburn Life': a vibrant, resilient and inclusive community, including resilience to emergencies. 'Future Hepburn': shaping the future of the towns and rural landscapes while supporting sustainable growth, infrastructure and the economy. 'Hepburn Working Together': high-quality services, strong governance and a skilled workforce.
The 2026–27 budget was adopted at a Special Council Meeting on 30 June 2026. It raises the average rate by the 2.75% cap and commits $10.5 million to capital works with no new borrowings, prioritising asset renewal and finishing current projects, with $4.83 million for roads. The average township waste charge falls by $70, from $610 to $540. The Mayor described it as 'getting back to basics'. The council says it is reviewing its budget process for 2027–28, including consulting the community at the start rather than on a draft at the end, and that an independent review of its Long-Term Financial Plan is a key initiative of this budget.
Underway now
Independent review of the Long-Term Financial Plan
Phase 2 due November 2026; financial items at every council meeting for six months from September 2026The first phase of an independent expert review of the council's adopted Long-Term Financial Plan went to the 22 September 2026 council meeting, with reports on the council's financial position and unpaid rates. A second phase in November will look at revising the plan. The council says upcoming meetings will cover budget reviews, alternative revenue and long-term planning, with community input at key points.
Source: Hepburn Shire Council — Council sets path forward for financial sustainability
Creswick Flood Mitigation Study
Final report April 2026; stage 1 works expected in 2026–27An updated flood study for Creswick, informed by the 2016 and 2022 floods, covering six priority locations: stormwater upgrades, redirections, retention basins and more pumping capacity. The council estimates the full works at $6–8 million, to be built in stages as funding allows; it says stage 1 is co-funded through the Disaster Ready Fund. The study introduces no new planning controls.
Source: Participate Hepburn — Creswick Flood Mitigation Study
Planned / committed
St Georges Lake Road upgrade, Creswick
October to December 2026Road sealing, a realigned Lees Street intersection, speed management and signage near the Djuwang Baring trails network, plus traffic management for safer access to the trails. The council says the works respond to community concerns about traffic, dust and speed, and will use funds already allocated plus funds budgeted for next year's works because material costs have risen.
Source: Hepburn Shire Council — St Georges Lake road upgrade
Glenlyon Recreation Reserve pavilion, stage one
Works to start October 2026 and finish by February 2027About $336,000 of Australian Government-funded works: refurbishing the kitchen and internal toilets, new weatherboards, internal linings, painting and electrical work. The council says user groups asked for flood-proofing to be a priority.
Source: Hepburn Shire Council — Glenlyon Pavilion Stage One to go ahead
Daylesford Transfer Station Masterplan
Draft being prepared after a March 2026 survey; community engagement on the draft to followA plan to make the Daylesford Transfer Station easier and safer to use and to add waste streams, looking at traffic flow, drop-off points, amenities, and options such as a tip shop, repair café or composting. The site's location will not change and kerbside collection stays a contracted service.
Source: Participate Hepburn — Daylesford Transfer Station Masterplan