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
Warrnambool's direction is set by its long-term community vision, Warrnambool 2040, and the Council Plan 2025–2029, whose vision is for Warrnambool to be 'a thriving regional leader, rich in opportunities and committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive lifestyle'. Each year the plan is carried out through the budget and an Annual Action Plan, and the council reports on it in its annual report.
The Council Plan has five strategic objectives. 'City Wellbeing': welcoming, inclusive places that foster learning, connection, health and wellbeing at every stage of life. 'City Sustainability': caring for the natural environment through energy efficiency, the circular economy and new technology. 'City Futures': a vibrant, liveable and safe city. 'City Infrastructure': renewing and maintaining infrastructure while balancing the needs of a growing city. 'City Leadership': advocacy, efficient operations, sound governance and embracing technological change.
The Draft Budget 2026–27 puts $13.47 million into renewing existing assets, $3 million more than the year before, including $600,000 for the Archie Graham Community Centre, Lighthouse Theatre, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and the council's two holiday parks, and an extra $1 million for drainage. New projects include $400,000 for key worker housing. The council plans to borrow $6.275 million for road projects opening up growth areas, and parking fees don't rise.
- Warrnambool City Council — Draft Budget 2026–27 (PDF on Your Say Warrnambool): Mayor and CEO's introduction; section 1.3 Strategic objectives · 2026–27
- Your Say Warrnambool — Draft Budget and Annual Action Plan 2026–2027 (adopted 1 June 2026) · Sep 2026
- Warrnambool City Council — Council Plan, Budget and Annual Report · Sep 2026
Underway now
Growth-area roads: Wollaston Road, Shannon Road and Station Street
$6.275 million of borrowing planned in 2026–27Road projects the council says open up its major residential growth areas. The budget plans $3.275 million of new borrowing for Station Street and Shannon Road and $3 million for Wollaston Road, carried forward from 2025–26, alongside strategic development reserves.
Source: Warrnambool City Council — Draft Budget 2026–27, section 4.2.3 Borrowings
Warrnambool Futures Land Use Strategy (2040 and beyond)
Draft consultation closed 7 July 2026; adoption planned later in 2026A city-wide strategy for where housing, commercial and industrial development can go over the next 20–25 years, organised into eleven land-use precincts.
Source: Your Say Warrnambool — Warrnambool Futures Land Use Strategy
Planned / committed
Bushfield-Woodford Strategic Framework Plan
Final draft on consultation 25 August – 27 September 2026; council adoption planned November 2026A long-term plan to guide land use, development and growth in Bushfield and Woodford for up to 20 years, followed by a planning scheme amendment.
Source: Your Say Warrnambool — Bushfield-Woodford Strategic Framework Plan, Final Draft
Allansford Transport and Access Strategy
Draft on consultation until 27 September 202613 recommendations on traffic, walking and cycling in Allansford, including the Garabaldi Lane / Princes Highway intersection, Ziegler Parade and the school precinct, with the scheduled closure of the Ziegler Parade Bridge in mind. Six need external funding the council will advocate for.
Source: Your Say Warrnambool — Draft Allansford Transport and Access Strategy
New kerbside collection contract
Contract due in 2026The council surveyed residents in October–November 2025 on possible service changes before negotiating its next kerbside waste contract, including collection times, an annual hard waste pick-up, weekly FOGO in spring and larger landfill bins, and what they would pay for them.