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
Wellington's direction is set by its Community Vision 2041 and the Council Plan 2025–29, with a Financial Plan, an Asset Plan and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan ('Live Well in Wellington'). The council publishes progress on these plans on its Future Wellington website.
The council's stated vision is 'Connected, inclusive communities, a thriving economy, a resilient environment, and a sustainable future.' The Council Plan 2025–29 has four themes, each with its own strategic objectives: Healthy Connected Communities; Dynamic and Diverse Economy; Infrastructure, Spaces and Places; and Natural Environment.
The 2026–27 Budget, adopted at the council meeting of 16 June 2026, works within the 2.75% rate cap and funds $54.2 million of capital works ($13.95m from grants and external contributions). Roads and drainage are the largest item ($22.1m for resealing and re-sheeting, $6.5m for bridges and drainage). It also funds an extra landfill cell at Kilmany, early works on a planned Resource Recovery Facility at Maffra, the new FOGO kerbside service, and a $4.9 million Renewable Energy Land and Infrastructure project, mostly grant-funded. The council says rising fuel prices are expected to add about $1 million to its operating costs.
- Wellington Shire Council — Council Plan 2025–29 (PDF) · 2025–29
- Wellington Shire Council — Council Plan (page; Community Vision 2041, Future Wellington) · Sep 2026
- Future Wellington — plans and progress · Sep 2026
- Wellington Shire Council — 2026/27 Council Budget (PDF; vision, strategic objectives, capital works) · 2026–27
- Wellington Shire Council — Council Budget does more with less in 2026-27 (17 Jun 2026) · Jun 2026
Underway now
Renewable Energy Land and Infrastructure Plan (RELIP), with South Gippsland
Project lead appointed August 2026A joint planning project with South Gippsland Shire, supported by $4.7 million from the Australian Government's Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, to plan the housing, worker accommodation, industrial land, roads and services needed if renewable energy investment brings growth. It looks at areas around Barry Beach and Port Anthony, Sale, Wurruk, West Sale, Yarram, Foster and Leongatha.
Source: Wellington Shire Council — Wellington and South Gippsland launch renewable energy transition plan
West Sale Airport Master Plan
Draft on public exhibition until 5 August 2026; final plan to followA new 20-year master plan for West Sale Airport, replacing one last comprehensively updated in the mid-1990s. The airport supports defence pilot training, aeromedical services, general aviation and the ANZAC Week Airshow.
Source: Wellington Shire Council — Community feedback invited on West Sale Airport Draft Master Plan
Planned / committed
Road safety upgrades in Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield
Works to start before Christmas 2026; all projects expected by mid-2027$2 million from the Victorian Government's Safe Local Roads and Streets Program for five projects, including a roundabout and pedestrian crossings at Boisdale and McLean Streets in Maffra, a roundabout in Stratford, intersection works at Dawson Street and Guthridge Parade in Sale, a raised crossing near the Gippsland Centre in Sale, and lower speed limits at selected locations.
Source: Wellington Shire Council — Council secures $2 million for safer local roads and streets
The Wedge Performing Arts Centre redevelopment, Sale
Announced December 2025; improvements planned through 2026New spaces for local artists, expanded and more accessible toilets, and back-of-stage technical upgrades, with an estimated budget of $3.4 million including $1.5 million from the John Leslie Foundation and a $91,000 local donation. A community project steering group is to guide the work.
Source: Wellington Shire Council — The spotlight shines on The Wedge redevelopment
Recently delivered
Food and garden organics (FOGO) kerbside service
Weekly collection since the week of 6 July 2026Every serviced property received a 240-litre green-lid FOGO bin, a kitchen caddy and compostable liners in May and June 2026. FOGO is collected weekly and general rubbish moved to fortnightly. After community feedback, the council added a free extra general rubbish bin for eligible households with medical or nappy waste. Wellington, Baw Baw and South Gippsland started FOGO together; the organics are composted by Pinegro Products in Morwell.