Council Plan On Track

Published on 06 October 2023

Council received and endorsed the progress report for the Council Plan 2021-2025 at the latest Council meeting, with councillors pleased to see the progress made against the Plan’s strategic objectives over the last year.

The Mansfield Shire Council Plan 2021–2025 is the key strategic document used to guide Council’s decision making over the four-year term and articulates the role Council will play in leading, supporting and advocating for the best possible outcomes for Mansfield Shire.

The Council Plan is focused around three themes: Connected and Healthy Community, Vibrant Liveability, and A Trusted, Effective and Efficient Council. Within each of these themes, the Plan identifies strategic objectives and specific initiatives that Council will focus on to achieve its vision for the community.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said this progress report highlights how much work has been done in this period.

“It’s great to see the organisation is on track with the majority of the strategic directives within the Plan,” he said.

“Of particular note are the highlighted elements that have been delivered to date.”

Some of these highlights include:

Connected and Healthy Community

  • Continued successful collaboration with Mansfield District Hospital on the Respond program and delivery of the fresh food drive and soup for schools programs in 2022-23.
  • Commencement of the Jump Start program in collaboration with Supported Playgroup, a popular initiative enjoyed by many local families.
  • Award of ongoing funding, and commencement of the Social Inclusion Action Group project to address isolation and improve mental health.
  • Continuation of the work of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Integrated Family Services in Family Violence prevention.
  • Completion of a new playground by the Merton community in collaboration with Council

Vibrant Liveability

  • Completion of projects to enhance liveability such as upgrading streetscapes and recreational open spaces across the Shire, including Bonnie Doon BBQ and shelter, Installation of shade sails at Botanic Park, purchase of the Police Paddock in Jamieson and completion of the Goughs Bay picnic shelter.
  • The Mansfield Library refurbishment project was completed and officially opened, with new opening hours implemented in response to community feedback.
  • Delivery and support to key events such as the Mansfield Pottery Festival, Horsepower in the High Country, Stock Dog Spectacular and inaugural Mansfield Readers and Writers' Festival.
  • Delivery of prioritised road, drainage, and footpath upgrades across the Shire.

A Trusted, Effective and Efficient Council

  • Advocacy for the community at all levels of government has continued, resulting in successful project submissions such as: $10 million IMPACT Route road upgrade funding, VicHealth Local Government Partnership, pioneering Council for Social Inclusion Action Groups with ongoing funding and $1.5 million for the Goughs Bay Boat Club Redevelopment.
  • Planning System funding of $888,000 for implementation of new on-line system as part of a collaborative digital project with three neighbouring Councils.
  • Funding of $350,000 to establish an Infrastructure Plan to support the growth of Mansfield Township and enable collection of development contributions.
  • Completion of HVAR (Heavy Vehicle Alternate Route) Stage 1 and commencement of HVAR Stage 2 works.

The full progress report can be viewed on the Mansfield Shire Council website by visiting the September Council Meeting Agenda at mansfield.vic.gov.au/AgendaCouncilMeeting   

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