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
Swan Hill's direction is set by its Council Plan 2025–2029, adopted in 2025 with a Community Vision. The budget quotes the council's vision: 'Built on strong foundations that embrace our rich history and natural environment, our region will be a place of progression and possibility, we are a community that is happy, healthy & harmonious - we are empowered, we are respectful and we are proud.'
The Council Plan has six strategic pillars: Growth and Development ('building a resilient local economy'); Community and Liveability; Health and Wellbeing; Environmental Sustainability; Infrastructure ('investing in roads, facilities and public spaces'); and Transparency and Effectiveness. Each year's budget lists the major initiatives under each pillar, and the council publishes quarterly performance reports against the plan.
The adopted 2026/27 budget has $64.6 million of operating expenditure and a $36.0 million capital works program, and projects an underlying operating deficit of $1.476 million. It raises average general rates by the 2.75% cap. Named works include the Karinie Street reconstruction, Swan Hill stormwater upgrades, Robinvale drainage, CBD and riverfront works and 35 rooms of worker housing, the Pental Island footbridge, the Swan Hill Showgrounds sports precinct, the Lake Boga netball courts and the FOGO rollout. The council's introduction says falling federal grants and costs rising faster than the rate cap constrain its finances.
Underway now
Karinie Street reconstruction
40% complete at 30 June 2026; forecast completion November 2026Streetscape and road reconstruction, including drainage, a shared path, footpaths and kerb and channel. The council says businesses along the street remain open during the works.
Source: Swan Hill Rural City Council — Karinie Street Reconstruction
Robinvale key workers accommodation
95% complete at 30 June 2026 (forecast completion was June 2026)New homes for key workers on an underused site at McCartney Court, Robinvale, for individuals, families and shared living. At the last update, on 30 June 2026, the council reported defect rectification and landscaping under way, with weather delaying completion by a few weeks; we haven't found a later update.
Source: Swan Hill Rural City Council — Robinvale Key Workers Accommodation
Pental Island pedestrian bridge
Behind schedule at 30 June 2026; forecast completion November 2026A replacement footbridge to Pental Island off Monash Drive, Swan Hill. The council reports the bridge has been fabricated and construction will start once state environmental and catchment permits are granted.
Source: Swan Hill Rural City Council — Pental Island Pedestrian Bridge
Planned / committed
Food and garden organics (FOGO) bin
To start before 1 July 2027A weekly 240-litre FOGO bin for food scraps and garden waste, replacing the optional garden bin; general waste bins then change to 120 litres emptied fortnightly. The council is asking residents what support they need before the rollout, and says it will supply kitchen caddies and compostable liners.
Source: Swan Hill Rural City Council — Let's Talk: FOGO Service Rollout
Swan Hill Outdoor Pool — future options
Assessment resolved 15 September 2026Councillors resolved to compare, over 30 years, a major renewal of the Monash Drive pool with a new aquatic facility elsewhere (such as a 50-metre pool with a splash pad and water slide). The council says no decision has been made to relocate the pool.
Source: Swan Hill Rural City Council — Council to investigate future options for Swan Hill Outdoor Pool