VIC · Hume region — Wallan, Kilmore & Seymour · Local council, made simple
Mitchell Shire Council
A fast-growing shire on the Hume corridor, home to about 58,000 people (ABS, June 2025). It takes in Beveridge, Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford, Seymour, Puckapunyal and the surrounding farmland and bush. The council runs your bins, local roads, 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, the new public waste charge, and when it's due.
2026–27: average general rate +2.75% (state cap); new $132 Public Waste Charge
Open →Budget & financesMitchell's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,947 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyMitchell's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
9 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillors, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr John Dougall (2nd term, 2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Mitchell's wards vote, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, counter hours and addresses.
Phone: 03 5734 6200 (all hours)
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 58,459 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesRecent items from Mitchell Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
We check Mitchell Shire Council's website every day, but we can't read it. It refuses requests from our collector, so anything below was recorded by hand and may be out of date. This says nothing about what the council has published — these are the pages we watch:
- Have your say
Have your say: fresh food options in growing neighbourhoods
As part of the VicHealth-funded Nourishing Neighbourhoods Partnership, the council is surveying residents about how they get food now and what food outlets and fresh food options they would like to see as new neighbourhoods develop, such as local produce, food hubs, co-operatives or market gardens. The council says the study won't set mandatory requirements. The survey closes on 19 October 2026.
What this means for you: Complete the online survey on Engaging Mitchell by 19 October 2026.
Source: Engaging Mitchell
- Development
New footpath and pedestrian crossings on Bishop Street, Seymour
A missing link of footpath and new pedestrian crossings will be built on Bishop Street, Seymour, with works starting on 12 October 2026.
What this means for you: Expect works on Bishop Street from 12 October.
Source: Mitchell Shire Council — News
- Waste
Detox your Home: free household chemical drop-off
A free Detox your Home collection event is coming to Mitchell Shire, where residents can safely dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals.
What this means for you: Check the council's news item for the date, place and accepted items.
Source: Mitchell Shire Council — News
- Development
Wallan road closures and traffic changes, 14 September to 5 October
The council advised motorists, bus passengers, pedestrians and cyclists to plan for road closures and traffic changes in Wallan from Monday 14 September to Monday 5 October 2026.
What this means for you: Allow extra time for trips through Wallan until 5 October.
Source: Mitchell Shire Council — News
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted: rates +2.75%, new Public Waste Charge
The council adopted its 2026–27 budget on 18 May 2026. The average general rate and municipal charge rise by 2.75%, in line with the state cap; total waste income rises 11.0%, with a new $132 Public Waste Charge on all rateable properties and a lower kerbside charge. The budget funds $61.8 million of capital works and $10.26 million of new borrowing.
What this means for you: Your 2026–27 rates notice reflects these changes. See the Rates & fees page.
- Election
Cr John Dougall re-elected Mayor; Cr Timothy Hanson Deputy Mayor
The councillors re-elected Cr John Dougall (North Ward) as Mayor for a second consecutive term, with Cr Timothy Hanson (Central Ward) as Deputy Mayor, taking over from Cr Bob Cornish.
What this means for you: The councillors choose the Mayor each year; the next vote is expected in November 2026.
Source: Mitchell Shire Council — News
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Mitchell Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.