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
South Gippsland's direction is set by the Shaping South Gippsland Community Vision 2040, developed by a Vision Community Panel in 2021–22, and by the Council Plan 2025–2029, which sets out what the council elected in 2024 will focus on during its term. Each year's budget funds the plan's actions.
The Council Plan has three themes: Leading with Integrity (good governance and financial sustainability — asset reviews, transparent decision-making, advocacy and maintaining roads, buildings and trails); Developing a Sustainable Future (environment, growth and economy — the planning scheme, township identity and heritage, agricultural land, waste, the Great Southern Rail Trail, weeds and native wildlife); and Empowering Communities (healthy, connected and inclusive — volunteers, open space, transport connections, community plans and a relationship with the Traditional Custodians). The Community Vision's five priorities are a healthy, connected and engaged community; sustainability and climate change; shaping our future; the natural environment and cultural heritage; and a destination to live, visit and enjoy.
The 2026–27 budget, presented to the council meeting of 17 June 2026 and announced as adopted on 19 June, has an operating spend of $79.9 million and a $24.26 million capital works program, most of it renewal of existing roads, bridges and buildings. It keeps the average rate rise at the 2.75% cap. Named priorities include the FOGO kerbside service, the Safer Local Roads and Streets Program at seven locations, the first stage of the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (planning around Barry Beach and Port Anthony for offshore wind, with Wellington Shire), a new Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy and an aquatic options paper. The council says some ideas from its pre-budget consultation were deferred because of rising costs.
Underway now
Future of the shire's swimming pools
Consultation open until 6 December 2026The council runs six pools (five outdoor, one indoor). Its Aquatics Options Paper estimates about $78 million over 15 years to operate, maintain and renew them, of which about $41 million for full renewal is not in its Long-Term Financial Plan. It says no decisions have been made and that options it is considering include reducing the number of pools.
Source: South Gippsland Shire Council — Swimming Pool Future
Heritage Precincts Project
Stage 2 consultation from September 2026Identifying and protecting the historic character of four areas: Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and the Radovick Street precinct in Korumburra. Residents of those towns are invited to take part.
Source: South Gippsland Shire Council — Heritage Precincts Project - Round 2
Planned / committed
Safer Local Roads and Streets Program
2026–27Road-safety works at seven locations across the shire, with $1.80 million in the 2026–27 capital works program ($1.40 million from grants).
Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program
First stage from 2026–27A $4.7 million Australian Government-funded program, delivered with Wellington Shire Council, to guide land use and infrastructure planning around Barry Beach and Port Anthony ahead of offshore wind investment.
Source: South Gippsland Shire Council — Budget 2026/27 (Message from the Mayor)
Recently delivered
Food and garden organics (FOGO) kerbside service
Started 1 July 2026Households on the kerbside service now put food scraps in a weekly FOGO bin, with general waste collected fortnightly. Each property received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners. The council says the change is required by Victorian Government legislation.
Source: South Gippsland Shire Council — Kerbside Collection Service
Korumburra multipurpose synthetic training facility
Opened 10 July 2026A fenced, lit synthetic training facility at the Korumburra Recreation Reserve for cricket and soccer, with cricket lanes, retractable netting and an open space of 36 by 15 metres. Funded by the Victorian Government, the clubs, Cricket Victoria and the council.
Source: South Gippsland Shire Council — Openings in South Gippsland (media release)