Plans and strategies

The Mount Alexander Shire Arts Strategy 2011-2015 was prepared following a community engagement process, a review of arts activity in the Shire and relevant policies and plans. This strategy follows the Council Plan 2009-2013 objective: “to encourage a vibrant community that promotes participation in the arts and an appreciation of our cultural heritage”.

Three broad goals of the art strategy 2011–2015 are:

• Valuing the vibrant arts and cultural sector’s contribution to the Shire
• Nurturing the sustained growth of arts and cultural industries
• Celebrating and promoting cultural activity in Mount Alexander Shire

Read or download the Arts Strategy 2011-2015

The arts strategy was revised in 2015. To view the outstanding actions read the Arts Strategy Action Plan 2015-2017.

Bendigo Regional Tourism (BRT) is a peak regional tourism body, formed in 2013, as an initiative of the City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, and Loddon Shire Councils. BRT commissioned the development of the Bendigo Region Destination Management Plan (DMP) which provides a strategic approach to growing tourism in the Bendigo Region over the next five years.

Read the Bendigo Region Destination Management Plan and Appendices.

Council adopted the 2021/2022 Budget at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 15 June 2021.

The budget outlines the resources necessary to maintain and improve infrastructure, and deliver projects and services which are valued by our community.

The $41.48 million budget includes an investment of $11.98 million in capital works to upgrade and improve vital infrastructure.

The increase in average rate revenue collected across the shire will be capped at 1.5% on last year in line with caps set by the Victorian Government. Rate changes for individual properties may be higher or lower than 1.5%, due to annual property revaluations. Kerbside bin collection charges will not increase this year.

Visit our budget page to view this year's budget, budget summary and past budgets.

Council adopted the conservation management plan for Castlemaine Botanical Gardens on 19 November 2019 at its Ordinary Meeting of Council.

The Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Conservation Management Plan was developed by John Patrick Landscape Architects with input from conservation and heritage experts at Bryce Raworth Ptd Ltd. An assessment of community values was shaped by a community survey in 2017.

Read the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Conservation Management Plan.

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens is home to the Flora and Fauna Reserve which contains numerous important ecological features and has state biological significance as a habitat to the endangered species, Eltham Copper Butterfly.

Council adopted the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Flora and Fauna Reserve Environmental Management Plan on 19 April 2022. The plan identifies and describes the values of the reserve, and formulates a ten-year action plan to guide future management.

Council developed the Living Collections Plan to guide the future protection and management of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.

The plan will ensure the long-term future of the gardens as a site of botanical, ecological and historical significance, and broaden the current role of the gardens to include an educational and scientific function, as well as a place for recreation.

Councillors noted the plan at their meeting on Tuesday 15 March 2022.

Read the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Living Collections Plan 2022.

Council developed the Tree Succession Plan to guide the future protection and management of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.

The plan will ensure the long-term future of the gardens as a site of botanical, ecological and historical significance, and broaden the current role of the gardens to include an educational and scientific function, as well as a place for recreation.

Councillors noted the plan at their meeting on Tuesday 15 March 2022.

Read the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Tree Succession Plan 2022.

Council adopted the Castlemaine Streetscape Plan and Design Standards in June 2020 to guide the development of a more attractive and functional commercial centre while working with the historical features of the picturesque 19th century town.

The high-level plan and design standards will guide Council and the community in the strategic management, maintenance and improvement of the streets and public spaces in the central district of this historically and socially significant town.

The streetscape plan will guide a number of improvements including safer street crossings, more street trees and enhancements to public spaces.

The design standards provide detail for streetscape elements such as street furniture, paving materials and crossovers. They also aim to respect the historic features of the town and improve amenity and access across the town centre.

Castlemaine Streetscape Plan and Design Standards (PDF, 12 MB)

Council adopted the Castlemaine Urban Waterways Management Plan at its Ordinary Meeting of Council on 16 October 2018.

The plan guides how Council will work with local Landcare groups to manage 70 hectares of public land around urban waterways throughout Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton. It identifies opportunities to improve walking and cycling links, enhance the experiences for visitors and improve water quality. The plan also provides a solid basis to seek financial and strategic support from other levels of government and facilitate education programs with local schools so students can learn about and interact with the waterways. The plan's vision is to work collaboratively to protect and improve the waterways’ environmental, social and cultural values whilst minimising risks.

Read the Castlemaine Urban Waterways Management Plan 2018.

Human influence on the global climate system is responsible for global warming and the related impacts on people and ecosystems and so strong and effective global and local action on climate change is in everyone's interest.

The Mount Alexander Shire Council Climate Change Action Plan 2016-2020 outlines more than 60 actions that Council will take to radically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change vulnerability.

The action plan states Council's commitment to becoming carbon neutral in 2025. It was adopted by Council on the 14 June 2016.

Read or download the Climate Change Action Plan 2016-2020.

The Mount Alexander Shire Council Communications Strategy aims to better connect the organisation with the community in an open and transparent way.

The strategy outlines council’s approach to communicating with residents, ratepayers, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders. It includes more than 30 actions under four objectives to show how Council will continuously improve its communication, engagement and customer service over the next few years.

The strategy way adopted at an Ordinary Meeting of Council on 20 September 2018.

Mount Alexander Shire Council Communications Strategy 2018 - web view
Mount Alexander Shire Council Communications Strategy 2018 - A4 printable

The Community Engagement Framework has been developed to support the implementation of Council’s Community Engagement Policy. Council is committed to engaging with the community and ensuring clear and thorough communication through all community engagement undertakings.

Read the Community Engagement Framework.

Council engaged K2 Planning in March 2010 to undertake a review of community services and facilities in the Shire. The objectives of the review were to:

a) Develop a clear understanding of who provides what, where and to whom;
b) Determine to what extent community services and facilities meet people’s needs; and
c) Identify what roles Council may play to improve access to community services and facilities.

The final report, endorsed by Council at its meeting of 8 March 2011, highlights issues and barriers to access, ranging from gaps in service coverage to difficulties that particular groups are experiencing in knowing what is available and ways of accessing these services.

The report includes an audit of existing health and community services in the Shire. This may assist service providers and residents in providing information about what is available and how to access these services.

Council will use the report findings to engage with service providers and funding bodies to advocate for improved services across the Shire.

Click on the link to access the Review of Community Services and Facilities in Mount Alexander Shire.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 19 October 2021, Council adopted the Council Plan 2021-2025, which guides Council’s activities for the next four years.

The plan outlines Council’s objectives, strategies and performance measures across three pillars - a healthy connected and inclusive community; an environment for people and nature; and a resilient growing local economy.

Council received almost 1,000 contributions as part of the Community Vision campaign which reflects the community’s hopes, aspirations and priorities for the Mount Alexander Shire for the next 10 years. This project informed the direction of the Council Plan 2021-2025.

Read the Council Plan 2021 - 2025.

Council adopted the 2020/2021 Annual Plan at its Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 18 August 2020. Our Annual Plan details the activities we conduct to support the objectives and strategies of the four-year Council Plan.

Read the 2020/2021 Annual Plan.

The purpose of the Customer Service Strategy is to set out the organisation’s commitment to customer service excellence and outline the key actions to be taken to achieve continuous improvement in customer service performance.

The plan sets out service standards that can be expected and provides a focus for the whole organisation to improve our performance in order to meet the community’s expectations.

To view the strategy, please click on the hyperlink, Customer Service Strategy.

Council recognises that pets play an important role in the day to day lives of many people, and strives to support pet owners and promote the health and social benefits of responsible pet ownership. This is done in conjunction with making sure that our environment and lifestyle is protected from any potential negative impacts of domestic animals.

The aim of the Mount Alexander Domestic Animal Management Plan is to ensure that people and pets can live harmoniously in our community.

The Plan was developed in consultation with the community and key stakeholders and adopted by Council on 21 December 2021.

Read or download the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-2025.

The Domestic Wastewater Management Action Plan guides Council in addressing the management of domestic wastewater within the municipal district. It serves to fulfil Council's obligations with respect to Clause 32 of the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) whilst outlining the priorities and strategies Council must implement in order to minimise the impact of domestic wastewater on human health and the environment. During the development Council incorporated additional requirements under the Ministerial Guidelines – Planning permit applications in open, potable water supply catchment areas.

The plan provides a framework for sustainable development in areas where reticulated sewage services are not available. It aims to reduce unnecessary time and costs where a development proposal presents a low risk. The plan also provides for the management, monitoring of existing systems and the investigation of future wastewater management options.

Download the Domestic Wastewater Management Action Plan 2018 - 2022.

Council has recently adopted the Economic Development Strategy 2013-2017.

The strategy’s vision is as follows:

“Mount Alexander will be one of regional Victoria’s most attractive places to live, work, and visit with sustainable growth and investment in a local economy increasingly structured around innovative, highly skilled, and service oriented businesses”.

This vision is to be realised through the following six objectives, under which forty one specific strategies have been formed to implement the Strategy.

Objective 1: Ensure that Council’s planning and policies support economic development.
Objective 2: Promote collaboration and innovation.
Objective 3: Provide targeted learning, skill development and business support.
Objective 4: Ensure that resources and infrastructure support business growth and innovation.
Objective 5: Improve factors that impact on liveability.
Objective 6: Promote Mount Alexander as a desirable place to live or visit.

To view the Economic Development Strategy 2013-2017 click here.

To view the Mount Alexander Shire Economic Profile 2013, which accompanies the profile, click here.

The Electric Line Clearance Management Plan outlines Mount Alexander Shire Council’s compliance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020 (Vic).

It outlines the management responsibilities, procedures and practices to be adopted and observed in managing vegetation in the vicinity of electric lines and to minimise danger of electric lines causing fire or electrocution.

The plan is specific to Council-managed vegetation in the vicinity of powerlines that may encroach on the minimum clearance space of the powerlines, as prescribed in the Electricity Safety Act 1998 and the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020 (Vic) within the Declared area of Castlemaine. It excludes Council managed trees outside the Declared area of Castlemaine, or privately owned trees interfering with overhead powerlines. Pruning of these trees is the responsibility of Powercor.

The plan has been prepared in accordance with the Electricity Safety Act 1998 and with Regulation 9 – Preparation of Management Plan, Part 2 of the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020 (Vic).

Read or download Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2023-2024

Council adopted the Mount Alexander Shire Council Environment Strategy 2015-2025 at the Ordinary Meeting on 28 July 2015.

The strategy sets out Council’s long-terms goals and strategic approach to environmental stewardship over the next ten years, under eight priority areas. Eight priority areas for action fall under the overarching themes of partnerships, positions and programs to guide Council’s work in environment and sustainability.

They include partnering with the community and external organisations, reducing resource consumption and improving resource recovery, protecting natural environmental assets, integrating Council’s response to climate change, leading by example and incorporating environmental and sustainable considerations into decision making.

The Environment Strategy will be reviewed every four years, and strategic actions implemented as part of the strategy will be reported in the Annual Plan each year. Council will also undertake further consultation with the community when developing action plans in priority areas, and to develop the monitoring and evaluation plan for the strategy.

Council adopted its Financial Plan 2022-2032 at its Meeting on Tuesday 21 June 2022.

The Financial Plan seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Maintain the existing range and level of services
• Targeted investment to address Council's Declaration of a Climate Emergency
• Maintain a strong cash position, ensuring Council remains financially sustainable in the long-term
• Achieve underlying operating statement surpluses in the majority of years
• Maintain debt levels below prudential guidelines
• Continue to pursue recurrent grant funding for strategic capital funds from the state and federal governments
• Maintain appropriate levels of investment in renewal capital to reduce the escalating risk and maintenance of ageing infrastructure. Asset renewal projects will be prioritised over expenditure on new assets

Read or download the Financial Plan 2022-2032.

North Central Catchment Management Authority has developed the Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton Flood Management Plan, in partnership with Mount Alexander Shire Council.

The development of the plan was guided by a steering committee comprising representatives from various statutory agencies and the community. Feedback and input from the community has influenced the recommendations in the plan.

The plan was adopted by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on 10 November 2015.

Read more about the Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton Flood Management Plan 2015.

Council adopted a Gaming Policy Framework at its 14 December 2010 meeting. The purpose of the frame and policy is to guide decision-making on applications for electronic gaming machines and venues in the Shire. The Gaming Policy Framework identifies areas within the Shire that may be more vulnerable to gambling problems, based on socio-economic and demographic indicators.

Click on the link to view the Mount Alexander Shire Gaming Policy Framework

In 2020, the Victorian Government enacted the Gender Equality Act 2020, the first of its kind in Australia. The Act was created out of a response to the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence.

The Royal Commission had found that a driver of family violence and all forms of violence against women was gender inequality. The Victorian Government’s commitment to gender equality and to ending family violence and violence against women is embodied in the enactment of this legislation.

Read or download the Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2021-2025.

Learning from the previous Plan, this Greenhouse Action Plan aims to provide strategic guidance and specific actions to assist Council to comprehensively quantify and manage its greenhouse emission profile resulting from the operations and services it delivers to the community.

Focusing primarily on managing its own emissions, the Plan will assess which approaches provide the best financial and environmental outcomes in regard to mitigating and managing its greenhouse emissions exposure across the organisation.

Click on hyperlink to access the Greenhouse Action Plan

Council has prepared a strategy to guide its actions in relation to heritage over the next four years. This strategy provides a road map for building on the achievements of the past to enhance the broadest interpretation of heritage and build pride and activity across our organisation and community. It calls on both the Council and the community to play significant roles working collaboratively in a planned and efficient manner to achieve great things. Local government is able to do a great deal in protecting heritage, however it is in working in partnership with the community that there is even more scope, and this document provides strategies and actions for the community as well as Council.

Click on the link to access the Heritage Strategy and Appendices.

Council worked closely with Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare and McKenzies Hill Action and Landcare Group to produce an Environmental Management Plan for Honeycomb Bushland Reserve, a 17-hectare reserve at Campbells Creek.

The five-year plan aims to protect and preserve the natural, cultural and recreational values of the reserve and provide a space for the community.

The Honeycomb Bushland Reserve Environmental Management Plan 2016 was adopted by Council on the 14 June 2016.

Council has a Memorandum of Understanding to manage the reserve with both Landcare groups.

Mount Alexander Shire Council recently adopted an Interim Disability Action Plan (iDAP) 2015–2017. The Plan outlines Council's commitment to actions that will improve access for people with disabilities to Council services, facilities and information.

The Disability Action Plan is structured under four objectives, which are to:

1. Reduce barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing goods, services and facilities
2. Reduce barriers faced by people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment
3. Promote inclusion and participation in the community of people with disabilities
4. Achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practices that discriminate against people with disabilities

The four objectives above are part of the Victorian Disability Act (2006) and provide the framework for Disability Action Plans.

Download a word version of the Interim Disability Action Plan.

Download a PDF version of the Interim Disability Action Plan.

Let's Play - Investing In Play 2014-2024 offers planning principles and standards to guide the ongoing provision of play spaces across the shire.

The strategy provides a framework for determining the location of play spaces, the type of play elements and environments considered, along with renewing and upgrading play spaces.

Investing in Play 2014-2024 was formally adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 22 July 2014.

In the 2009-13 Council Plan, the Strengthening our Community section states that -

“It is Council’s goal is to provide an attractive environment where people have access to the facilities they need to engage in a range of recreational, cultural and social interests” and that “it is Council’s desire to provide services that attract and retain families and encourage young people to stay in the Shire, as well as services that support the ageing population and enable them to participate in community activities.”

With both these visions in mind the Investing in Sport: A strategic plan for Council’s investment in sport document was released recently. Council adopted The Strategic Plan For Councils Future Investment In Sport at its Ordinary Meeting of 14 December 2010.

The Plan identifies key issues and drivers of change that Council must consider when planning and developing sport and recreation facilities in the future. The Plan outlines changes and planning for the development of sport and recreation facilities in the Shire. In years gone by Council has had a limited capacity to invest in community sporting infrastructure and this is changing with improved financial management and planning.

Council can now plan for a significant new investment in sport and recreation infrastructure to promote increased participation in healthy physical activity through the development of better facilities that meet the needs of all users.

Select the hyperlink to view Investing in Sport

Reserve Master Plans

Master Plans have been developed in consultation with the reserve Committees of Management and users for the major Recreation Reserves. Please select the following link to view the Mount Alexander Reserves Masterplan

In February 2012 Council adopted a study into the social and economic impacts of the varying water levels in Lake Cairn Curran. This study provides an insight on the effects of drought and flood on communties and businesses close to the Lake and contains an Implementation Plan designed to mitigate those effects in future extreme weather events.

Lake Cairn Curran Impact Study

Six municipalities in the Loddon Campaspe corridor – Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Campaspe, Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Central Goldfields – have developed the Loddon Campaspe Integrated Transport Strategy which identifies ten priority transport projects needed to drive progress in the region.

The strategy, adopted by Council on the 24 May 2016, considers transport drivers and issues for the region, and endorses a strong and unified approach to seek project funding and support.

The strategy was developed by the six councils in partnership with Vic Roads, Public Transport Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Regional Development Victoria and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. Partner municipalities are currently considering adoption of the strategy.

Read or download the Loddon Campaspe Integrated Transport Strategy.

Council undertook a retail review of the Maldon central business district to identify opportunities for Council, local businesses and residents to work together to improve retail in the town.

Click here to view the strategy.

Council adopted the Maldon Streetscape Plan and Design Standards in December 2018 to guide the management and improvement of the historic town of Maldon.

The plans aim to enhance the character and function of the 19th century town with a focus on the central areas in Main and High streets. It provides a strategic approach to improving pedestrian connections, safety and access, street tree plantings and public spaces, and includes design standards for plantings, street furniture, paving materials, crossovers and bins.

The plan is part of the Maldon Streetscape Restoration Project, a partnership between State Government, Council and the Maldon community.

• Maldon Streetscape Plan and Design Standards (PDF, 3.8MB)
• Maldon Streetscape Plan and Design Standards Appendix (PDF, 2.1MB)

Council adopted the Mount Alexander Early Years Plan 2018-2021 at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 18 December 2018.

The plan is a Council initiated plan, developed in partnership with the local community and early years service providers to guide the provision of Early Years programs, services and partnership activities in the shire.

It aims to support the needs of families and children from 0 – 8 years with the vision of creating an innovative and connected community that works together to support children to reach their full potential.

A steering group, comprising local community members, service providers, community organisations and government representatives, meets regularly to oversee the delivery of the plan and ensure its ongoing relevance.

Read the Mount Alexander Early Years Plan 2018 - 2021.

In 2012 Mount Alexander Shire Council contracted the Swinburne Institute for Social Research to develop a Discussion Paper with the aim of providing (i) an overview of housing needs in the Shire, (ii) an analysis of Council roles and functions in relation to housing and (iii) identification of options for Council to seek increased supply of social and affordable housing in the Shire.

Council adopted the Mount Alexander Middle Years Plan 2020-2023 at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 18 August 2020.

The plan is a Council initiated plan, developed in partnership with the local community and middle years service providers to guide the provision of Middle Years programs, services and partnership activities in the shire.

It aims to support the needs of families and children from 8 - 12 years with the vision of creating an innovative and connected community that works together to support children to reach their full potential.

A steering group, comprising local community members, service providers, community organisations and government representatives, meets regularly to oversee the delivery of the plan and ensure its ongoing relevance.

Read the Mount Alexander Middle Years Plan 2020 - 2023.

Mount Alexander Shire Council acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung as the traditional owners of the lands and waters of the Mount Alexander Shire. We also recognise all other Indigenous people of the Shire. We acknowledge the vital role that the traditional owners, the local Jaara people, played as custodians of the region.

We acknowledge the Recognition and Settlement Agreement including the Land Use Activity Agreement registered in October 2013 between the Dja Dja Wurrung People and the State Government, affecting all Crown land in the Shire. We acknowledge that European colonisation caused disruption and grief to the indigenous population. This includes the alienation from their traditional lands and their cultural practices. We acknowledge the destructive impact of the removal of children from their families and culture.

We acknowledge the need to support reconciliation between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people in the Shire.

On 10 June 2014 Council resolved to adopt the Commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples of the Shire Statement.

The Mount Alexander Shire Community Profile presents an overview of how many people live in the Shire, how the population is distributed across different age groups and how that is projected to change. The profile also provides an indication of the opportunities residents have to engage in the economic and social life of the community.

To view the profile click here.

Each municipality must have a Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) that includes representatives of the council, response agencies (such as Victoria Police, CFA), recovery agencies (such as the Department of Health and Human Services), and local community groups involved in emergency management issues.

The Mount Alexander MEMPC in partnership with the Northern Victorian Integrated MEMPC has developed an Integrated Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) for the Mount Alexander, Loddon, Central Goldfields, City of Greater Bendigo and Campaspe municipalities.

The Integrated MEMP allows all five councils to endorse the same plan (excluding appendices), outlining the strategies for how we will prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Read the Northern Victorian Integrated Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 was endorsed by Council in October 2021.

The MPHWP sets out what Council will do to protect, promote and improve community health and wellbeing in the Shire over the next four years, in partnership with government and health and community service organisations.

Based on the eleven focus areas from the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023 and community feedback, the MPHWP identifies four main priority areas:

1. Tackling climate change and its impact on health
2. Increasing healthy eating
3. Increasing active living
4. Reducing tobacco-related harm

Visit the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 page.

Download the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025.

The Project Priorities document outlines key projects that are central to the future growth and prosperity of Mount Alexander Shire and which need a partnership approach to deliver.

Council has been advocating effectively for many years on issues and projects of importance to our community. The community consultation process that underpinned preparation of the Council Plan in 2013 confirmed several key projects that will contribute to the liveability and prosperity of our Shire.

click on the hyperlink to access the document Project Priorities 2013-2017.

The Newstead Levee Investigation provides information on land tenure, levee construction and level of protection, and also makes recommendations for maintenance, repair and upgrade works. The report provides Council with the necessary information to consider future funding applications and Council budget allocations for 2016/2017 financial year. The independent investigation was undertaken by consulting firm GHD Australia.

Read the Newstead Levee Investigation Report.

The Public Open Space Strategy has been developed to guide the planning, development and preservation of public open space across the shire over the next 15 years. It was formally adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 24 May 2016.

Guiding principles include open access, connectivity to towns, diversity, sustainability, community participation, healthy communities and protection of flora, fauna and culturally significant sites. The strategy recommends 20 actions in the areas of policy, planning and management and the provision of public space, as well as recommendations for site specific locations.

The strategy was developed following a review of related plans and strategies, an analysis of current and future population and usage trends, and engagement with key stakeholders and the community.

Click here to read or download the Public Open Space Strategy.

This document provides a strategy for the future rating of properties in the Mount Alexander Shire. It considers issues in the current rating system, options available under existing legislation, and considers how to achieve a fair and equitable outcome for all ratepayers.

The impact for ratepayers will be determined based on their land use and valuation. Changes implemented in this review of the strategy include the gradual reduction of the farm rate from 100% to 80%, and the eventual phasing out of the land management rate, as well as changing the definition of the commercial rate to include residential properties that are used predominantly for the purposes of short-term rental accommodation.

The strategy was adopted at the 21 December 2021 Council meeting.

Read or download the Mount Alexander Shire Rating Strategy 2022-2027.

Council adopted the Mount Alexander Shire Council Reconciliation Plan 2020 - 2023 at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 16 June 2020. The Reconciliation Plan presents a framework to implement actions that will enable Council to continue to promote understanding and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within the shire. It was developed the plan in consultation with members of the local First Nations community.

The plan is currently in the undesigned version. It will be designed in partnership with a local Indigenous artist.

Read or download the Mount Alexander Shire Council Reconciliation Plan 2020 - 2023.

The plan has Appendix 1 - Table - Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Agreement actions and Appendix 2 - Glossary of Terms

Council adopted the Mount Alexander Refugee Welcome Zone Action Plan 2018 – 2021 at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 26 June 2018.

The plan identifies 17 actions, to be delivered in partnership with local service providers and community groups, to develop a welcoming, supportive and socially inclusive community.

It was developed in partnership with Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine and Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services.

Mount Alexander Refugee Welcome Zone Action Plan

Resourcing Recreation is a strategic framework to help guide decision making on investment on sport and recreation facilities in the shire into the future. The framework includes nine weighted investment principles under the three focus areas of community, governance and facility.

The principles will be applied when Council makes decisions on planning, managing or developing sports and recreation facilities, determining funding and advocacy priorities and partnerships, and working with communities and volunteers to build capacity.

Council adopted the framework on 12 June 2019 at an Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Read the Resourcing Recreation framework.

The Revenue and Rating Plan establishes the revenue-raising framework within which Council proposes to work. The purpose of the Revenue and Rating Plan is to determine the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach for Mount Alexander Shire Council that, in conjunction with other income sources, will adequately finance the objectives in the Council Plan, as well as ongoing operational works and services, and capital projects.

Read the Revenue and Rating Plan 2021-2025.

Council adopted the Road Management Plan on 16 October 2018 at its Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Read the current Road Management Plan.

A copy of the Road Management Plan is also available at the Civic Centre, 27 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine.

The Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality is Council’s emissions reduction plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our own operations. This includes our vehicle fleet, buildings, street lighting, procurement, waste management and more. Actions will lead to meeting our target of zero net emissions by 2025 and will entail investment in offsetting activities that “net out” those emissions that cannot be reduced. Actions are prioritised according to a cost-benefit analysis to ensure that Council invests in actions with the best returns while maintaining its services and a sustainable long term budget.

Council adopted the Roadmap at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 18 August 2020.

Read the Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality.

Read the 2022 Progress Report on the Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality.

Roadsides are an important habitat for many species of flora and fauna, many of them threatened. Recognising this, Council has renewed its commitment to protecting and enhancing its many roadsides by developing a Roadside Conservation Management Plan.

This five year Plan brings together new ideas, concepts and available data to make informed management decisions and provide consistent and clear advice to the community.

The objectives of Council's Roadside Conservation Management Plan are:

- Improve conservation values and connectedness of roadsides to bushlands and adjacent farms
- Reduce fuel for fire and increase bushfire preparedness on roadsides
- Reduce feral animals and control the spread of existing weeds and avoid the outbreak of new weed species on roadsides

To view the Roadside Conservation Management Plan click here.

Council noted the landscape management plan for Rotunda Park in Newstead at its Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 20 June 2017.

The Rotunda Park Landscape Management Plan was developed with landscape architects following extensive community consultation. The plan proposes simple improvements to complement the park’s existing features, acknowledge and protect its environmental and heritage values and improve the user experience.

Read the Rotunda Park Landscape Management Plan.

The broad objective of a Rural Land Study is to balance the zones available in the Victorian Planning Provisions to the needs of the key rural land uses: agriculture, biodiversity, tourism, natural resource use; recreation and cultural heritage, whilst allowing for flexibility and innovation, reducing future land use conflicts and avoiding fragmentation of land used for farming across the whole Shire.

The Rural Land Study has now being finalised and was adopted by Council on 11 February 2014. To view the adopted Rural Land Study click here.

In August 2010, Councillors endorsed the Sustainable Water Use Plan. This plan will guide Council's role in sustainable water use within Mount Alexander Shire. Click on the hyperlink to access the Sustainable Water Use Plan

Tarrangower Tomorrow is the 2021 community plan for the Tarrangower Ward of Mount Alexander Shire, which comprises Maldon and surrounding areas.

The plan consists of a list of actions nominated by the community to improve the Tarrangower area.

Read the Tarrangower Tomorrow Community Plan 2021.

Council adopted the Victory Park Conservation Management Plan at its Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 18 July 2017.

The Conservation Management Plan outlines the heritage values and significance of Victory Park, which is one of the shire's most significant and popular parks. The plan provides guidance on how to conserve and protect the important community asset.

Community consultation provided Council with a good understanding of the characteristics of the park that users valued. The plan addresses trees, landscape, infrastructure, monuments, memorials and more.

Read the Conservation Management Plan for Victory Park.

At its Ordinary Meeting of 13 April 2010 Council adopted the 2010-2020 Walking and Cycling Strategy. This long term plan will guide Council's role in supporting walking and cycling activity across the Shire. Click on the hyperlink to access the Walking and Cycling Strategy.

At its Ordinary Meeting of 12 October 2010 Council adopted the 2010-2015 Waste Management Strategy. This long term plan will guide Council's role in sustainable waste management across the Shire.

Click on the hyperlink to access the 2010-2015 Waste Management Strategy.

The Youth Engagement Action Plan outlines key actions for Council to continue
to improve its engagement with young people within Mount Alexander Shire.

It demonstrates Council’s commitment to actively involve young people in planning and
decision making and aims to reinforce the objectives of the Youth Engagement Charter.

Download the Youth Engagement Action Plan (PDF)

The Mount Alexander Shire Youth Engagement Charter aims to guide Council when engaging young people within decision making processes.

The document has been written by young people within the Shire who have identified key terms to consider when engaging with young people within community consultations.

There are 11 guiding statements written by young people within the document which are matched with 11 commitment statements developed in a collaborative workshop between Council staff and young people.

The statements sit under the following themes:

* Listen
* Facilitate
* Consider
* Engage

Download the Youth Engagement Charter.