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, adopted in September 2025, which supports the Murrindindi Shire 2035 Community Vision. Each year an Annual Priority Action Plan lists the actions for that year, and the budget funds them. The 2026–27 plan and budget were adopted on 17 June 2026.
The 2035 Community Vision reads: 'Together, we are a vibrant rural community where everyone feels welcome and valued, young people see a future, every person is supported and empowered, and diversity is genuinely embraced. Our heritage and landscapes are celebrated, and our economy is thriving. We cherish all that makes this Shire unique.' The Council Plan has three strategic directions: 'A thriving and prosperous shire' (population growth and land use planning; economic development, local jobs and skills; a healthy natural environment), 'Healthy, inclusive and resilient communities' (health and active living; community resilience and disaster preparedness; social connection and inclusion) and 'Trusted leadership and sustainable services' (sustainable infrastructure and financial management; efficient services; transparent governance and engagement).
The 2026–27 budget, adopted on 17 June 2026, is described by the council as a 'stabilisation and transition' budget after the January 2026 bushfires. It raises average rates by the 2.75% cap and sets a $15.7 million capital works program, smaller than 2025–26. The Mayor's introduction lists completing the Eildon Key Worker Accommodation Project, upgrading the Kinglake Memorial Reserve oval, a new mobile library and customer service vehicle, and the Urban Tree Strategy. The Chief Executive's statement says the council entered this period with a long-term structural funding gap estimated at about $80 million over ten years, and that its Financial Sustainability Roadmap, paused during the fire response, will resume as recovery stabilises.
- Murrindindi Shire Council — Council Plans · Sep 2026
- Murrindindi Shire Council — Council Plan 2025–2029 (PDF) · 2025–2029
- Murrindindi Shire Council — Annual Priority Action Plan 2026/27 (PDF) · 2026–27
- Murrindindi Shire Council — Murrindindi Shire Community Vision · Sep 2026
- Murrindindi Shire Council — Annual Budget 2026/27 (PDF) · 2026–27
Underway now
January 2026 bushfire recovery and the Municipal Fire Recovery Plan
Recovery plan to a special council meeting on 30 September 2026After the January 2026 fires (Longwood), the council runs Fire Recovery Hubs in Alexandra and Yea and publishes support information for residents, farmers, businesses and non-resident ratepayers. After consulting on a draft Murrindindi Municipal Recovery Plan, it is considering the plan at a special meeting in Buxton on 30 September 2026. The 2026–27 budget includes $550,000, fully grant-funded, to support fire-affected communities.
Source: Murrindindi Shire Council — January 2026 Fire (Longwood)
Great Victorian Rail Trail repairs
Sections closed until further noticeThe trail is closed between Merton and the Cheviot Tunnel and between Cathkin and Spring Creek Road, Fawcett, after the January fires and storms in February and June. Almost 500 tonnes of damaged trees have been removed, but embankments, the surface and culverts still need assessment and 15 bridges are impassable. The council says it is seeking state and federal funding and that no funding pathway is confirmed yet.
Source: Murrindindi Shire Council — Rail Trail Recovery Continues on Closed Sections
Kinglake Memorial Reserve oval upgrade
2026–27$1.4 million to redevelop the playing surface and drainage of the Kinglake Memorial Reserve oval, 54% grant-funded, listed in the 2026–27 budget and as an action to complete in the 2026–27 Priority Action Plan.
Source: Murrindindi Shire Council — Annual Budget 2026/27, Budget Highlights
Eildon Key Worker Accommodation Project
Due to be completed in 2026–27$1 million in the 2026–27 budget to complete the project, which is grant-funded with borrowings approved in 2025–26. It is one of the housing and growth projects for which the council won a 2026 MAVlab Innovation Award in September 2026, alongside the Yea Structure Plan and the Alexandra East Development Plan.
Source: Murrindindi Shire Council — Annual Budget 2026/27, Budget Highlights
Planned / committed
Alexandra East Development Plan and Yea Structure Plan
Actions for 2026–27The 2026–27 Priority Action Plan commits to completing and adopting the federally funded Alexandra East Development Plan, with detailed planning for up to 680 housing lots, and to preparing, exhibiting and seeking approval to add the Yea Structure Plan to the Murrindindi Planning Scheme.
Source: Murrindindi Shire Council — Annual Priority Action Plan 2026/27 (actions 1.1 and 1.2)