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 incorporates the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan and the Disability Action Plan — under the Community Vision 2041, and is funded through the annual Budget and a ten-year Long-Term Financial Plan. The council says annual action plans are developed each year to deliver the Council Plan. The Community Vision reads: 'In 2041, Southern Grampians is a growing, inclusive and connected community, working together to foster an active, innovative and sustainable future.'
The Council Plan 2025–2029 is built around five pillars, each with a strategic objective, developed from the Community Vision, the health and wellbeing plan and community engagement.
The 2026–27 Budget, adopted on 9 June 2026, raises general rates by the 2.75% state cap and funds a $17.5 million capital works program, with more than $13 million for renewing and upgrading existing assets and $6.74 million for roads. It includes $3.2 million towards the Hamilton CBD revitalisation and $2.5 million for detailed design of the new Hamilton Gallery (funded through the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program), plus community-prioritised projects such as Mitchell Park athletics renewal, a masterplan for Wannon Falls Scenic Reserve and a $250,000 public toilet renewal in Cavendish added after consultation. The accompanying Long-Term Financial Plan forecasts all debt repaid by 2036. The council received 23 community submissions and 11 councillor submissions in its first budget consultation round.
- Southern Grampians Shire Council — Council Plan 2025–2029 (PDF) · Sep 2026
- Southern Grampians Shire Council — Public Documents (Community Vision 2041, Council Plan, budgets) · Sep 2026
- Southern Grampians Shire Council — Budget Balances Major Investment with Long Term Financial Sustainability (news, 12 Jun 2026) · 12 Jun 2026
- Southern Grampians Shire Council — Budget 2026–2027 (PDF) · 2026–27
Underway now
Hamilton Organics Processing Facility
Production expected late 2026An in-vessel composting facility at the Hamilton Transfer Station, delivered by Gaia Envirotech, to turn household FOGO and organic material from the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange into compost. The council says it will initially process more than 5,000 tonnes a year, with EPA approval to grow to about 15,000 tonnes, and describes a seven-year service agreement worth up to $6,551,169 (ex GST).
Source: Southern Grampians Shire Council — Organics Processing Facility
Hamilton CBD Streetscape Revitalisation
Amended concept designs adopted June 2026; detailed design under wayUpgrades to Hamilton's central streets between Kennedy and Cox, and French and Lonsdale streets — public spaces, trees and landscaping, public art, signage and parking — to be built in three work packages over several years. The 2026–27 Budget includes $3.2 million towards the project.
Source: Southern Grampians Shire Council — Hamilton CBD Streetscape Revitalisation
Planned / committed
New Hamilton Library, Community Hub and Civic Square
Design stage; site demolition at 90–92 Lonsdale Street scheduled from 27 January 2026A two-storey hub bringing together a new Hamilton Library and digital hub, council offices and other government services, with a civic square. The council gives a total cost of $34 million: it has dedicated $17 million and is seeking $17 million in government funding for construction. Design is funded through a $5 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program grant (October 2024).
New Hamilton Gallery
Detailed design funded in the 2026–27 BudgetA new gallery for the Shire's art collection at 107 Brown Street, Hamilton, from concept designs by Angelo Candalepas and Associates. The 2026–27 Budget allocates $2.5 million for detailed design.
Source: Southern Grampians Shire Council — New Hamilton Gallery
Recently delivered
Raised pedestrian crossings in Hamilton (Safe Local Roads and Streets Program)
January–June 2026Seven raised priority crossings and a raised intersection in Hamilton, at MacPherson, George, Alexandra Parade, French, Kennedy, Shakespeare and Tyers streets and King Street/Bree Road, funded from a $2 million Victorian Government allocation with a $110,000 council contribution.
Source: Southern Grampians Shire Council — Safe Local Roads Program