VIC · Bellarine Peninsula (Barwon) · Local council, made simple
Borough of Queenscliffe
Victoria's smallest council by both population and area — about 3,300 residents on 8.6 km², covering Queenscliff and part of Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula. Created in 1863, it is the state's only borough. Five councillors are elected by the whole Borough, and they choose the Mayor each year. The council runs the local services you use every week — bins, local roads, parks, 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.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things Borough of Queenscliffe wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Closes in 14 days
Draft Coastal and Marine Management Plan
Have your say →
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 rate cap: 2.75% (Victoria-wide)
Open →Budget & financesThe council's standard financial measures, each next to the Victorian median.
11 LGPRF measures shown with the Victorian median (2024–25)
Open →Crime & safetyOffences recorded in the Borough 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 Donnie Grigau (since Nov 2025)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how the Borough votes, and the 2024 result.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (03) 5258 1377
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 3,317 (2025)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesRecent items from Borough of Queenscliffe's public channels, in plain language.
- Have your say
Draft Coastal and Marine Management Plan on exhibition
The Borough released its draft Coastal and Marine Management Plan, which sets the strategic direction for the marine and coastal Crown land it manages. It updates a draft exhibited in 2024 that was not adopted.
What this means for you: You can give feedback through the council's Let's Talk project page until 4:30pm on Monday 12 October 2026.
Source: Borough of Queenscliffe — Coastal Marine and Management Plan (CMMP) on Exhibition
- Have your say
Climate Emergency Response Plan five-year review begins
The council's Climate Emergency Response Plan, adopted in May 2021, is being reviewed to develop a place-based Climate Strategy, with expressions of interest open for two community roundtable sessions.
What this means for you: Residents can register interest in the roundtables and follow the review on the council's project page.
- Policy
Council reviews its aged care services
The council is reviewing whether to continue providing entry-level in-home aged care support (Commonwealth Home Support Program) or transition clients to other providers, with a decision expected in late 2026.
What this means for you: The council says there are no immediate changes to services. Questions go to its Community Services Coordinator on 5258 4132.
- Policy
2026–27 Budget adopted
The council unanimously adopted its 2026–27 Budget and Financial Plan at the June Ordinary Meeting. Total rates rise by the 2.75% state cap and the council remains debt-free.
What this means for you: The 2.75% applies to total rates income, not necessarily to your bill. The residential waste charge rises $48 to $548. First rates instalment is due 30 September 2026.
Source: Borough of Queenscliffe — 2026–2027 Council Budget Adopted
- Waste
Borough joins 'Let's Be Clear on Glass' campaign
The Borough joined more than 30 Victorian councils calling on the Victorian Government to pause the rollout of a fourth household glass bin and expand the Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles instead.
What this means for you: Glass still goes in your yellow recycling bin. The council invited residents to complete a short survey on how glass recycling should work.
- Council meeting
Cr Donnie Grigau elected Mayor, Cr Di Rule Deputy Mayor
At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 26 November 2025, Cr Donnie Grigau was elected Mayor for a one-year term and Cr Di Rule Deputy Mayor. Councillors were also assigned the five Council Plan themes as portfolios.
What this means for you: Victorian mayors are elected by the councillors, not by voters. The Mayor's one-year term runs from November 2025.
Source: Borough of Queenscliffe — New Mayor and Deputy Mayor Elected
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Borough of Queenscliffeshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.