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
The council's direction is set by the Community Vision 2036 and the Council Plan 2025–2029. Each year an Annual Action Plan and the budget set out the work for that year.
The Council Plan has four strategic objectives. 'Healthy Connected Communities': safe, resilient, inclusive communities with access to local services. 'Protected & Enhanced Natural Environment': biodiversity, energy, climate and disaster resilience, water management and the circular economy. 'Quality Infrastructure & Liveable Places': roads and drainage, paths and trails, well-planned townships and fit-for-purpose facilities. 'Prosperous Community & Vibrant Economy': local industry and producers, local business, balanced tourism and local jobs.
The 2026–27 budget, adopted on 9 June 2026, plans $46.9 million of capital works. Highlights listed in the budget include $9.2m for roads (resurfacing 39 road segments), $2.8m for drainage including landslip risk works, $2.3m for footpaths and cycleways, $10.3m for recreation and community buildings, and $12.9m for parks, open space and streetscapes, including the Yarra Valley Trail and Warburton Bike Park. The council received 31 submissions on the draft budget.
Underway now
Climate and Environment Strategy 2026–2036
Draft open for feedback (Sep 2026); community webinar 7 Oct 2026The draft strategy sets five goals: climate ready, water futures, nature positive, resilient places and resource wise. The council is taking feedback through a survey, pop-up sessions and a webinar. The consultation page we checked doesn't give a closing date.
Source: Shaping Yarra Ranges — Climate and Environment Strategy 2026–2036
2026–27 capital works program
2026–27 budget$46.9 million of capital works, including $9.2m for roads, $2.8m for drainage (including works in Dalkeith Crescent, Belgrave; Hazford Street, Healesville; Belle Vue, Lilydale; and Morrison Reserve, Mount Evelyn), and redevelopment of the Don Road Pavilion in Healesville. $10 million of the program is funded by borrowing.
Planned / committed
New aquatic and leisure facility in Lilydale
Business case in progress; sites under investigation (Sep 2026)On 8 September 2026 the council confirmed Lilydale as the preferred location and endorsed a scope for the business case: a 25-metre lap pool, a learn-to-swim area, a warm-water therapy pool, a splash park, saunas and health and fitness spaces. A 50-metre pool and Kiloran Park in Kilsyth were ruled out. The council hasn't named the Lilydale sites it is considering, citing future procurement.
Source: Yarra Ranges Council — Council confirms Lilydale as preferred aquatics and leisure site
Healesville Township Design Framework
Draft for public feedback later in 2026A framework building on the 2016 Healesville Structure Plan, covering transport and parking, streets and public spaces, and recreation and community facilities. Community placemaking workshops ran in July and August 2026; the council says the draft documents will be open for feedback later in the year.
Source: Shaping Yarra Ranges — Healesville Township Design Framework