VIC · Gippsland · Local council, made simple
South Gippsland Shire Council
South Gippsland Shire Council is the council for Leongatha, Korumburra, Mirboo North, Foster and the farming, coastal and hill towns between the Strzelecki Ranges and Wilsons Promontory — home to about 31,000 people. Nine councillors, three for each of three wards, choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks, pools 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, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average rates +2.75% (the state cap); standard kerbside waste charge $428.20
Open →Budget & financesSouth Gippsland's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,282 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetySouth Gippsland's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
9 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour three ward councillors, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Nathan Hersey (2025–2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how South Gippsland's wards vote, and the 2024 results.
Next council election: Saturday 28 October 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, email, office and hours.
Phone: (03) 5662 9200
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 31,109 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesRecent items from South Gippsland Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Have your say
Have your say on the future of the shire's swimming pools
The council has published an Aquatics Options Paper on its six pools, citing ageing facilities, changing visitation, rising operating costs and the cost of renewal. It says no decisions have been made; options under consideration include reducing the number of pools.
What this means for you: Feedback closes on Sunday 6 December 2026, through the council's online survey.
- Have your say
Heritage Precincts Project: second round of consultation
The council invites residents of Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to take part in stage 2 of the South Gippsland Heritage Precincts project, which aims to identify and protect the historic character of those areas.
What this means for you: The project page explains how to take part.
- Development
Unfinished 2025–26 projects carried into the new year
The council endorsed carrying forward funding for projects including the Nyora public toilet renewal, the Korumburra tennis clubrooms, the Port Welshpool accessible pontoon and the Bridge Street, Korumburra reconstruction. It says it delivered 93% of its original $21.7 million 2025–26 capital works program.
What this means for you: Works on the listed projects continue in 2026–27.
- Policy
Council to sell surplus land in Foster
After a public consultation that drew no submissions, the council will sell land at 4–6 Power Street and part of 5 Simpson Street, Foster, on the open market, for no less than an independent valuation.
What this means for you: The council says the sale is part of making its property portfolio financially sustainable.
- Policy
2026–27 budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 budget: average rates up by the 2.75% cap, a $24.26 million capital works program, and new kerbside waste charges for the FOGO service (standard service $428.20). It says some community ideas were deferred because of rising costs.
What this means for you: For instalment plans, the first 2026–27 payment is due by 30 September.
- Waste
Council opposes the state's compulsory glass bin
At its May meeting the council resolved to ask the Victorian Government to reconsider requiring a separate kerbside glass bin, and to seek more flexibility, such as glass drop-off points, and an extension or removal of the 1 July 2027 deadline.
What this means for you: For now, glass bottles and jars go in the recycling bin or to a transfer station.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from South Gippsland Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.