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
Surf Coast's direction is set by the Community Vision and the Council Plan 2025–2029, which includes the council's Health and Wellbeing Plan. The plan is carried out through yearly action plans and the annual budget. The 2026–27 budget is the first built around the new plan.
The Council Plan has five themes: assets and infrastructure; climate and environmental leadership; community wellbeing; a high-performing council; and sustainable communities. The council publishes a yearly action plan and half-year and end-of-year progress reports. The Year 1 end-of-year report was published in August 2026. A 10-year Financial Plan and a 10-year Asset Plan sit alongside the Council Plan. The community helped shape the plan through the 'Our Focus Our Future' engagement, including a community panel.
The 2026–27 budget raises average rates by the 2.75% cap and plans $43.01 million of capital works, led by completion of the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Torquay at the end of 2026. It includes up to $6 million of borrowing in December 2026 for that project and $20.1 million for asset renewal. The budget describes a growing gap between costs and rate-capped revenue.
Underway now
Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Torquay
Almost 85% complete (Sep 2026); on track to open in early 2027A new aquatic centre in north Torquay, linked to the existing Wurdi Baierr Stadium. It will have a 25-metre pool, a warm-water pool, a learn-to-swim pool, a splash park, a spa, sauna and steam room, a gym and allied health suites. The Victorian Government, the Australian Government and the council are funding it together; the council's largest project to date. The council says it will run without on-site fossil fuels, with 490 kW of solar panels on the roof.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Aquatic centre 85% complete, designed with sustainability in mind
Textile recycling trial at Anglesea Transfer Station
1 October to 30 November 2026A two-month trial of drop-off recycling for clean, dry clothing and household textiles. Items go to Textile Recyclers Group for sorting, reuse or recycling. Cotton t-shirts go separately to Deakin University's Institute for Frontier Materials. The council says the trial will show whether an ongoing service is worthwhile.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Give your old textiles a new life in Anglesea recycling trial
Planned / committed
Aireys Inlet Top Shops precinct
Revised concept plan endorsed Sep 2026; not yet fundedA plan to improve the layout of the top shops area on the Great Ocean Road, with better pedestrian safety and access, landscaping and stormwater management. The council revised the concept after two rounds of consultation raised concerns about lost parking and the size of a proposed gathering space. It says funding could come from grants, a Special Charge Scheme, the council's budget or a mix. Detailed design and approvals would follow.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — A key step for Aireys Inlet top shops precinct
Closure of Anglesea Landfill
Closure projected around 2030The landfill, open since 1974, is filling its final cell and can't be extended on the current site. The council projects closure around 2030, depending on waste volumes. It will then rehabilitate the site and monitor it under EPA requirements. The Anglesea Transfer Station and Resale Shed will stay open.
Recently delivered
Moriac Structure Plan
Planning scheme amendment adopted Sep 2026Council adopted a planning scheme amendment putting the Moriac Structure Plan into the Surf Coast Planning Scheme, after an independent Planning Panel recommended it. It sets a settlement boundary for the town and designates one area, south of Hinterland Estate, for future low-density development. The council says the framework will guide land-use decisions in Moriac for the next 10 years.
Source: Surf Coast Shire — Structure Plan implementation to protect Moriac's rural character