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COMMUNITY confidence in Buloke Shire Council made a strong rebound with the results of the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey showing significant improvements across all core performance measures.
At Council's Ordinary Meeting on 15 July, Councillors noted the results of the 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey and endorsed the report for publication on Council's website.
Mayor Cr Graeme Milne thanked residents who participated in the survey, highlighting the 10-point increase in Council's overall performance score.
"The survey gives our community the opportunity to provide feedback and residents should be commended for taking part," Cr Milne said.
"An increase of 10 points is a very positive result and demonstrates progress in how Council engages with residents on important local issues."
Improvements were recorded across all core measures, with general direction increasing by 17 points and customer Service improving by 14 points.
Residents rated waste management, the appearance of public spaces and recreational facilities among the best-performing areas.
Cr Bruce Stafford welcomed the results, describing them as a strong endorsement of Council's efforts.
"Residents identified sealed and unsealed roads as the top infrastructure priority and Council recognises more work is needed in this area." Cr Stafford said.
"The survey also highlighted the helpfulness, responsiveness and professionalism of staff across Council services."
Cr Bernadette Hogan believed the results reflected growing community trust in Council's financial management.
"Community confidence in Council's management of public funds has improved by nine points this year, reflecting increased trust in how this Council invests in local infrastructure and services," Cr Hogan said.
"Council recognises the need to continue improving transparency around how shire rates are spent and we remain committed to delivering value for money, refining the budget process and making decisions that provide long-term benefits for all Buloke communities."
Council adopted Planning Scheme Amendment C47blok, which will now be submitted to the Minister for Planning for approval and gazettal. The amendment updates flood mapping and planning controls in parts of Charlton and Donald to reflect reduced flood risk following significant flood mitigation works. The changes are based on updated advice from the North Central Catchment Management Authority and adopted flood and drainage management plans.
In Charlton, seven properties in Clifton Street will have the Urban Floodway Zone removed and replaced with the Township Zone. In Donald, flood-related planning overlays will be removed from 37 properties in Camp Street and Wood Street where levee construction has reduced flood impacts.
Mayor Cr Graeme Milne said the amendment ensures planning controls accurately reflect current flood risk while supporting future development opportunities.
"Updating our planning scheme is an important step in ensuring flood risks are properly managed while recognising the benefits of significant mitigation works undertaken in Charlton and Donald," Cr Milne said.
Cr Delaney agreed the amendment delivered a positive outcome for both communities.
"It certainly makes the use of that land a lot easier for planners and people that occupy it, or may occupy it in the future. It takes out that planning overlay that would be a nuisance," Cr Delaney said.
"This planning scheme amendment is a very positive outcome for residents in Donald and Charlton, highlighting the benefits of flood mitigation works that have been completed, including the mitigation works near Clifton Street in Charlton and the construction of the mechanical levee on the western side of the Avoca River on Camp Street in Donald."
"Looking ahead, the completion of the eastern mechanical levee in Donald and new flood studies offer further opportunities to reduce planning overlays and restrictions, supporting future development, investment and growth within our townships."
Council resolved to support a growing coalition of Victorian councils advocating for greater flexibility around the State Government's proposed mandatory glass-only kerbside recycling service.
Council will formally request a review of the policy while continuing to promote existing successful glass recycling and Container Deposit Scheme initiatives across the Buloke Shire.
End release