VIC · North East Victoria — Indigo (Beechworth, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Yackandandah) · Local council, made simple
Indigo Shire Council
About 17,800 people live in Indigo Shire, in North East Victoria — Beechworth, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Yackandandah and smaller towns across 2,040 km². Seven councillors are elected by the whole Shire, and they choose the Mayor. The council runs your bins, local roads, parks, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the things that affect 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 cap, how your bill is worked out, due dates and help paying.
2026–27: average rate +2.75% (state cap); municipal charge $364.20
Open →Budget & financesThe council's standard financial measures, each next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,828 (Vic median $1,937), 2024–25
Open →Crime & safetyOffences recorded in the Shire by Victoria Police, next to the Victorian rate.
Offences recorded, year to June 2026
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour seven councillors, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and how they are chosen.
Mayor: Cr Sophie Price (two-year term to Nov 2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how the Shire votes, and the 2024 result.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Phone: 1300 365 003
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is, which towns it covers.
Population: 17,758 (2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Indigo Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Heritage management plan for Beechworth Historic Precinct begins
The council is seeking expressions of interest from heritage consultants to prepare a Heritage Management Plan for the National Heritage Listed Beechworth Historic Precinct, funded by a $240,000 Australian Heritage Grant.
What this means for you: The plan will guide future works, use and maintenance of the precinct's buildings. The council expects to hear in the coming weeks whether the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage preliminary assessment has progressed.
Source: Indigo Shire Council — Beechworth historic precinct plan takes the next step
- Council meeting
CEO Trevor Ierino resigns, effective February 2027
After almost nine years as Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Ierino has resigned, effective February 2027. The council has accepted his resignation.
What this means for you: The councillors are responsible for appointing the next CEO.
- Policy
2026–27 Budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 Budget at its 30 June 2026 meeting, with a 2.75% average rate rise in line with the state cap and a $13.05 million capital works program led by $3.26 million for roads.
What this means for you: Kerbside waste charges rise by about 10%. The first rates instalment is due 30 September.
- Policy
Council joins national call for higher federal grants
The council added its voice to a letter from Australia's local government associations asking the federal parliament to raise Financial Assistance Grants to councils by $3.5 billion, to 1% of federal tax revenue.
What this means for you: Financial Assistance Grants are untied federal funding paid to councils. The council's statement is a request, not a funding decision.
Source: Indigo Shire Council — Council backs national call for fairer funding
- Council meeting
Cr Jane Dowsley elected Deputy Mayor
At the Statutory Meeting on 25 November 2025 the councillors unanimously elected Cr Jane Dowsley as Deputy Mayor for one year. There was no mayoral election: the Mayor's two-year term, set in November 2024, runs to November 2026.
What this means for you: Victorian mayors are elected by the councillors, not by voters. The next Statutory Meeting is on 17 November 2026.
Source: Indigo Shire Council — Statutory Council Meeting minutes, 25 November 2025
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We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Indigo Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.