VIC · North East Victoria — Mansfield (High Country) · Local council, made simple
Mansfield Shire Council
About 11,000 people live in Mansfield Shire, in Victoria's High Country — Mansfield, Bonnie Doon, Jamieson, Merrijig and smaller towns across 3,844 km². Five 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 rise, how your bill is worked out, due dates and help paying.
2026–27: average rate +2.65% (state cap 2.75%); municipal charge $362
Open →Budget & financesThe council's standard financial measures, each next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,697 (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 five councillors, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and how they are chosen.
Mayor: Cr Steve Rabie (one-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: (03) 5775 8555
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is, which towns it covers.
Population: 10,979 (2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Mansfield Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Council raises concerns about 10 state planning amendments
The council says the state government notified it of 10 ministerial planning amendments in under two weeks, taking effect after 28 days, including expanding the VicSmart pathway from two to four dwellings, allowing larger small second dwellings (80 m², up from 60 m²) and changing garden-area rules.
What this means for you: This is the council's stated position on state planning reform. The council says planning permit applications already in progress may be affected if an amendment applies to them.
Source: Mansfield Shire Council — State government rushes through 10 ministerial amendments
- Development
Works begin on Mansfield dog park
Construction has started on an off-leash dog park at the Mansfield Station Precinct, under a $381,250 contract, funded through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program with $175,000 from the state's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
What this means for you: The park will have separate small- and large-dog areas, seating, shade and water stations.
Source: Mansfield Shire Council — A New Leash on Life: Works Begin on Mansfield Dog Park
- Policy
Macs Cove bus stop closure delayed to early October
Public Transport Victoria had moved to close the Macs Cove bus stop immediately on safety grounds. The council says it secured agreement from the Department of Transport and Planning and PTV to keep it open until the school holidays end in early October.
What this means for you: The council says it will consult affected residents on the safety concerns and alternative transport arrangements.
Source: Mansfield Shire Council — Council secures delay to Macs Cove bus stop closure
- Development
Greenvale Lane footbridge over Ford Creek completed
The Greenvale Lane footbridge is open, closing a gap in Mansfield township's shared path network. It was funded by the Victorian Government's Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.
What this means for you: Pedestrians and cyclists now have a dedicated crossing of Ford Creek at Greenvale Lane.
Source: Mansfield Shire Council — Completed Greenvale Lane footbridge improves safety and connectivity
- Policy
2026–27 Budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 Budget on 30 June 2026, with a 2.65% average rate rise (below the 2.75% state cap), unchanged waste charges, a $362 municipal charge and an $18.88 million capital works program.
What this means for you: Rates are payable in four instalments; the first is due 30 September.
Source: Mansfield Shire Council — Council Meeting minutes, 30 June 2026
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We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Mansfield Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.