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September Council Meeting Wrap 2026

September Meeting Wrap 2026

September Meeting Wrap - Aquatic Strategy Adopted Following Community Feedback

Publish date: 28 September 2026

BULOKE Shire Council has adopted its new Aquatic Strategy, setting a 10-year direction for the management and operation of the Shire’s seven outdoor swimming pools.

At its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 16 September, Council adopted the Strategy following an extensive community consultation process which attracted 46 submissions, with seven submitters also presenting directly to Council. Community feedback showed strong support for the continued operation of Buloke’s pools and highlighted their importance for water safety, health and wellbeing, recreation and community connection.

Several changes were made to the Strategy following consultation, including a five-day-per-week service across the full swimming season for Berriwillock and Watchem, clarification around temperature thresholds for scheduled activities, and further consideration of membership options and opportunities for trained volunteers and community partners to support aquatic activities.

Cr Hogan said the feedback received demonstrated how important local pools are to communities across the Shire.
"The feedback demonstrated that there was really strong support for continuing the operation of Buloke Shire Aquatic Facilities across the Shire and highlighted the significant role that the swimming pools play, within the community, establishing water safety, health and wellbeing, social connection, recreation and community liveability.
The intention of the Aquatic Strategy was never to close the pools. It was to recognise the challenges in maintaining them... we need to look at a strategic approach to ensure that the pools remain open and well used, so we can continue to keep them in a manner in which we can use them.
The volume of submissions shows that there was a really big value to the wider community and it would be great if the wider community would continue to show their support by making sure they utilise the pools as much as they can." Cr Hogan said.

Council also approved the establishment of new Roads Advisory and Buildings Advisory Groups, creating a formal opportunity for residents, user groups and industry representatives to contribute to infrastructure priorities and Council’s advocacy efforts. An Expression of Interest process will now be undertaken to seek community representatives for both groups.

Cr Stafford said roads and community buildings were among Council’s largest assets and some of the issues most frequently raised by residents.
“Roads and community buildings are among Council’s largest assets and among the issues that residents most often contact Councillors about. These groups will better help us understand local priorities and emerging challenges across the Shire. A united and evidence-based community voice will strengthen Council's case when advocating for State and Federal funding for road, bridges, community facilities and other critical infrastructure.” Cr Stafford said.

Council endorsed the Draft Asset Plan 2026–2036 and Draft Financial Plan 2026–2036 for public exhibition. The Asset Plan sets out how Council proposes to manage more than $531 million in roads, buildings, open space and drainage assets, with a focus on maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure while managing a significant long-term renewal funding gap.

Both draft plans will be open for community submissions from 18 September to 19 October 2026, with a public submissions hearing scheduled for 26 October before the plans return to Council for consideration in November.

Council also adopted its 2025–26 Annual Financial Statements and Performance Statement in principle, ahead of final audit sign-off by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office Council’s Annual Report and audited statements are scheduled to be presented in October.

Council endorsed Buloke Shire’s support for the Rural Councils Victoria advocacy campaign, including calls for greater investment in rural roads, community infrastructure, housing, emergency preparedness, economic development and the long-term financial sustainability of rural councils. The campaign includes a call for a dedicated $1 billion Rural and Regional Victoria Productivity and Growth Fund.

Cr Getley said rural councils continued to face significant challenges in meeting growing infrastructure and service demands.
"Our communities are growing and our infrastructure needs to increase; we need a long-term commitment to invest that will help rural Victoria thrive. Rural areas power the Victorian economy, but many communities continue to face significant challenges including deteriorating roads, housing shortages and ageing infrastructure.
Local councils we're at the frontline of delivering services and infrastructure that communities rely on every day, but we can't do it alone... This fund would support the projects that matter most to our communities, creating jobs, improving liveability and helping to attract and retain residents, workers and families.” Cr Getley said.

#Ends

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