VIC · Gippsland · Local council, made simple
Wellington Shire Council
Wellington Shire Council covers about 10,800 km² of Gippsland, from the High Country to the Gippsland Lakes and the Ninety Mile Beach, and is home to about 46,500 people in Sale, Maffra, Yarram, Heyfield, Stratford, Rosedale, Loch Sport and many smaller communities. Nine councillors, three for each of three wards, choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your bins, local roads and bridges, parks, libraries 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 rates, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average general rates within the 2.75% cap
Open →Budget & financesWellington's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,960 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyWellington's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
7 of 11 offence rates above the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour three ward councillors, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Cindy Madeley (2025–26)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Wellington votes, and the 2024 results.
Next council election: Saturday 28 October 2028 (postal)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, email, offices and hours.
Phone: 1300 366 244
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 46,551 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesRecent items from Wellington Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Waste
Free green waste disposal returns for fire season
Residents and property owners can drop off eligible green waste free at the council's waste facilities in Heyfield, Kilmany, Loch Sport, Maffra, Seaspray, Stratford and Yarram from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 15 November 2026. Loch Sport runs until 30 November and opens 9am–5pm over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
What this means for you: Timber, treated wood and stumps aren't accepted, and commercial loads pay normal fees. Dargo can't take green waste.
- Have your say
Updated flood mapping proposed across the shire (Amendment C125well)
The council has begun a planning scheme amendment to replace outdated flood maps with new modelling from the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, including future climate impacts. The council says flood overlays guide how development is designed rather than prohibit it, and existing buildings don't have to be changed.
What this means for you: Affected owners will be notified. Submissions close Monday 2 November 2026; an interactive map and FAQs are on Your Wellington Your Say.
- Waste
Annual hard waste collection, 28 September to 30 October
The 2026 kerbside hard waste collection runs over five weeks, with each week set by your normal bin day: Friday bins first (from 28 September), Monday bins last (from 26 October). E-waste is collected again this year in a separate pile.
What this means for you: Put items out by 6am on the Monday of your week, and no earlier than a week before. Questions: Dasma, 4124 3000.
- Waste
Council asks the state again to reconsider the mandatory glass bin
At its meeting on 4 August 2026, the council resolved to write again to the Minister for Environment opposing a mandatory fourth, purple-lid kerbside bin for glass. It says the Container Deposit Scheme already recovers large volumes of glass and that councils need flexibility. It first made the request in July 2025.
What this means for you: No glass bin has started; glass bottles and jars still go in the yellow recycling bin.
- Policy
Libraries stay a council-run service after review
The council endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming that library services will continue to be delivered in-house as they are now.
What this means for you: No change to library services.
- Policy
2026–27 Budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 Budget at its meeting on 16 June 2026, working within the 2.75% rate cap. It includes $54.2 million of capital works, the new FOGO service and a $5 addition to the Garbage Charge to fund free extra bins for households with medical or nappy waste.
What this means for you: Rates notices go out at the end of July; the first instalment is due 30 September.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Wellington Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.