VIC · Barwon — Surf Coast · Local council, made simple
Surf Coast Shire Council
Surf Coast Shire Council serves about 40,000 people, from Torquay, Jan Juc and Anglesea along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne, and inland to Winchelsea, Moriac and Deans Marsh. Nine councillors, three for each of three wards, choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your four bins, local roads, parks 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% (state cap); urban waste charge $533 (+3.5%)
Open →Budget & financesSurf Coast's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,314 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetySurf Coast's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
All 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour three ward councillors, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Libby Stapleton (Nov 2025 – Nov 2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Surf Coast's three wards vote, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, email, office and address.
Phone: 03 5261 0600
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 40,265 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesRecent items from Surf Coast Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Annual dust suppression program on unsealed roads
The council is preparing its annual dust suppression program, which aims to reduce dust and improve the condition of unsealed roads across the shire through the drier months.
What this means for you: If you live on or use an unsealed road, you may see treatment works over the coming months.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Latest news
- Development
Council adopts planning scheme amendment for the Moriac Structure Plan
At its September meeting, Council adopted a planning scheme amendment that puts the Moriac Structure Plan into the Surf Coast Planning Scheme. It sets a settlement boundary and one future low-density development area south of Hinterland Estate. An independent Planning Panel had reviewed the amendment. The panel didn't support including land at 33 Farrer Drive in the development area, or land at 650 Cape Otway Road inside the settlement boundary.
What this means for you: Planning decisions in and around Moriac will follow the new framework for about the next 10 years.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Latest news
- Development
Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre almost 85% complete
The council says construction of the new aquatic centre in north Torquay is almost 85% complete and on track to open in early 2027. The pools and spa are tiled, and fit-out of the gym, café, sauna and steam room is under way.
What this means for you: The new centre, next to Wurdi Baierr Stadium, is expected to open in early 2027.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Latest news
- Waste
Textile recycling trial at Anglesea Transfer Station, 1 Oct – 30 Nov
From 1 October to 30 November 2026, residents can drop off clean, dry clothing, shoes, bags, bed linen, towels and fabric offcuts at Anglesea Transfer Station for recycling. Items must be loose, not bagged. Wet or mouldy items, swimwear, underwear, mattresses, curtains, rugs and toys aren't accepted, and nor are commercial quantities.
What this means for you: Worn-out textiles can go to Anglesea during the trial instead of your red landfill bin.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Latest news
- Development
Revised concept plan endorsed for Aireys Inlet Top Shops
At its September meeting in Aireys Inlet, Council endorsed a revised concept plan for the Top Shops precinct, after 144 survey responses and two rounds of consultation. The plan keeps existing car parks where possible and has smaller, flexible seating. The project doesn't yet have funding.
What this means for you: Nothing changes on the ground yet. Detailed design and approvals would follow only once funding is secured.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Latest news
- Policy
Council releases 2025–26 financial results
The council reports $68.8 million of capital works in 2025–26, above the $47.1 million budget, mainly because the aquatic centre moved ahead of schedule. It recorded an operating surplus of $31.7 million, which it says mostly reflects the timing of government grants and $8 million of assets handed over by developers. Cash and investments fell from $108.3 million to $61 million.
What this means for you: The council's annual report for 2025–26 will give the full audited statements.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Latest news
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Surf Coast Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.