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 2021–2031. The council says the plan was developed with input from the community, and that it guides the services, infrastructure and projects it delivers over the four years. The yearly budget funds it.
The council's vision for 2025–2029: 'We put our Pyrenees communities at the centre of all decision-making. Through our focus on wellbeing, community connections, and supporting all life stages, we aim to create vibrant, resilient, inclusive communities where visitors and residents want to live, invest and thrive.' The plan has five pillars: liveable places and connected communities; a diversified, thriving economy; preserving and enjoying the natural environment; planning and building infrastructure for current and future needs; and community-centric leadership and proactive service delivery.
The 2026–27 budget was adopted on 29 June 2026. It raises rates by the 2.75% cap, with about $28 million of operating and $7 million of capital expenditure, including road, bridge and drainage works. In the budget the Mayor says forecast inflation above 5% means the council's costs are growing faster than its revenue, and that the council will keep asking the Commonwealth for more untied grants. Ahead of the November 2026 Victorian election the council has published 12 advocacy priorities, including $5 million to design a regional water supply project, funding for roads and bridges (it says 26 bridges have load limits), and more state funding for libraries and emergency management.
- Pyrenees Shire Council — Council Plan 2025–2029 · Sep 2026
- Pyrenees Shire Council — Council Plan 2025–2029 (PDF) · 2025–2029
- Pyrenees Shire Council — Council Budget · Sep 2026
- Pyrenees Shire Council — 2026–27 Budget (PDF) · 2026–27
- Pyrenees Shire Council — 2026 Victorian Election Advocacy Priorities · Sep 2026
Underway now
Carranballac Recreation Reserve rebuild
Insurance funds confirmed September 2026The reserve's buildings were destroyed in the Streatham Yalla-Y-Poora fire on 9 January. A $1.72 million insurance payout has been confirmed. Under a council resolution of 15 June, the rebuild is led by the local community, with the council in a supporting role alongside the Committee of Management and DEECA.
Source: Pyrenees Shire Council — Insurance funds confirmed for Carranballac reserve rebuild
Permanent CEO recruitment
Started September 2026The council has engaged the executive recruitment firm Leading Roles to find a permanent Chief Executive Officer. Sally Jones remains Interim CEO until an appointment is made.
Source: Pyrenees Shire Council — Pyrenees Shire Council begins permanent CEO recruitment
Planned / committed
Beaufort Pool repairs
Before the 2026/27 pool season, which may start lateFloor repairs, a new pool liner, perimeter tiling repairs and structural crack remediation, so the pool can reopen. The council says an assessment found the Beaufort Pool in very poor structural condition, the Avoca Pool in fair to good condition and the Landsborough Pool needing minor maintenance. Longer-term decisions will go through an upcoming Community Sport, Recreation and Active Participation Strategy, and the pool management contract with Belgravia Leisure has been extended for 12 months.
Source: Pyrenees Shire Council — Beaufort Pool to receive major upgrade ahead of pool season
Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project
Seeking $5 million for detailed design and planningA proposed water supply network for a 350,000-hectare area of Pyrenees, Central Goldfields and Northern Grampians shires, which the councils say would serve up to nine towns and about 2,500 rural landholders and businesses on an opt-in basis. The councils cite a 2026 preliminary business case estimating a benefit-cost ratio of 1.47, and put the future construction cost at about $160 million. They are asking the Victorian and Commonwealth governments for the design funding.
Source: Pyrenees Shire Council — Three Councils unite to fight for region's water rights
Avoca entrance sculpture
Installation expected by the end of 2026'The Grapes of Avoca' by local artist Robbie Allen, made from reclaimed plough discs donated by local farming families, was chosen in a public vote of more than 300 people. It will stand at the intersection of the Sunraysia and Pyrenees highways and is funded through the Victorian Government's Tiny Towns Fund.
Source: Pyrenees Shire Council — Avoca Entrance Sculpture Project winner announced