Deliberative engagement has just wrapped up for the Council Plan 2025-29, and the longer-term Asset and Finance Plans, following nine public pop up sessions, community survey and three community summit meetings.

So far, a total of 1091 people, people from across Yarra Ranges have actively participated and provided feedback. All of the feedback received, and recommendations from the panel, will inform the development of the 2025-29 Council Plan and the longer-term Asset and Finance Plans.

Between 17 July and 17 August, Council's representative community panel, made up of 35 independently-selected community members, met three times to explore feedback received during community engagement and debate Council's priorities and challenges. The group deliberated on complex challenges including Asset Management, Road Maintenance, Revenue, Climate Change, Tourism and Council decision making and communication.

While results are still being analysed, there are clear community priorities emerging, including: Community involvement in decision making and council transparency; Tourism management; Climate change; Emergency management and Service and infrastructure provision/maintenance.

A summary of panel recommendations have been presented to Council, and will be published online along with the broader engagement findings, following the results of the 2024 Council Elections.

The goal of these plans is to advance the Yarra Ranges towards the future outlined in the Community Vision.

We expect to have a draft document open for engagement and feedback in early-2025.