Southern Grampians Shire Council

15/05/2026

🏳️‍🌈Acknowledging IDAHOBIT Day🏳️‍🌈

Council is flying the Progress Pride flag in recognition of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Sunday 17 May.

IDAHOBIT is an opportunity to acknowledge and support LGBTQIA+ people in our community and around the world, while continuing to promote respect, inclusion and connection for everyone.

Council is committed to supporting a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is valued.

15/05/2026

Council has responded to community feedback regarding the possible sale or donation of four Council-owned properties in Hamilton, with officers recommending that three of the proposed sales do not proceed.

Following a strong public response which including 59 submissions and two petitions, Council has resolved not to proceed with the proposed sale of land at:

• 11 Leahy Street
• Grosvenor Place
• 8 David Street

A decision on the Elizabeth/McPhee Streets site has been deferred to allow for further investigation and consultation. These properties are assets that Council pays to maintain, and as a result come under regular review as part of responsible governance.

Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin said the process demonstrated exactly why community consultation matters.

“This was exactly what the consultation process was intended to do; to hear from community before any final decision was made. Residents made their views clear, and those views have been heard.”

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback, attend meetings and make submissions throughout the process.

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

**Around the Towns with Council - Dunkeld**

Council is bringing local government directly to the communities it serves, with the Around the Towns with Council community Catch Up program rolling out across the Shire.

Last month, we visited Branxholme for a well-attended and successful evening. The next visit will be held in Dunkeld on Tuesday 26 May, commencing at 6:00pm at Stirling Place.

All Dunkeld community members are invited to a Neighbours Night. Join us for a light dinner, share your ideas and discuss local priorities and projects important to your township.

For upcoming town visits, head to: https://www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Our-Community/Community-Partnerships

14/05/2026

**Draft 2026/27 Council Budget Out Now**

Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the draft 2026/27 Council Budget released at Tuesday's Council Meeting.

Some of the Budget highlights include $17.245m proposed for the capital works program providing wide-ranging benefits for the community:

✅$6,744,000 for the roads program
✅$1,900,000 for the maintenance and renewal of outdoor swimming pools
✅$350,000 for work on HILACs Court One
✅$106,000 for the footpath program
✅$100,000 for required work on the spillway at Lake Hamilton
✅$100,000 for the 2026/2027 Stormwater program
✅$70,000 for the purchase of library books
✅$50,000 for playground renewal

For initiatives and community projects, roads lists, fee increases and more - visit https://engage.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/council-budget-2026-27

You can read through the draft documents, access to easy to understand FAQ, see the proposed roads schedule, and provide your feedback via our online survey.

Feedback closes 27 May with the final Budget documents to be presented at the June Council meeting.

13/05/2026

**Community Drop-In Session**

Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the revised concept designs for the Hamilton CBD Revitalisation Project. Whether you are a local business owner, a Hamilton resident, a keen shopper - and everyone in between - we would love to see you there.

Tuesday 19 May 2026
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Hamilton Cinema

Tell us what you like, what's missing, and share your thoughts on the revised designs.

We will have our project team on hand to deliver a short presentation at 4:30pm which will be repeated at 6:30pm and we welcome and and all questions you may have.

Come along and share your thoughts.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1299618051646387/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

13/05/2026

**We’re looking for feedback of proposed changes to Governance Rules**

Council meetings are where important community decisions are made and we want it to be easier for people to take part.

We’re inviting feedback on proposed updates to our Governance Rules, with changes designed to make meetings clearer, fairer and more accessible for everyone.

Proposed changes include:
- More speaking time for deputations
- Questions read aloud at meetings, even if you can’t attend
- Simpler submission deadlines
- More opportunities for community members to speak on shared issues

Feedback is now open until Thursday 28 May 2026.

View the draft online, at the Brown Street Customer Service Desk or Hamilton Library and have your say via the Engage With Us section of Council’s website or click the link below.
https://engage.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

Welcome to the 12 May 2026 meeting of the Southern Grampians Shire Council

11/05/2026

**Do You Know This Cat?**

This male was picked up on Strachan Street in Hamilton. He has not been microchipped, the owners will need to provide proof of ownership upon collection.

Responsible pet ownership starts with you, please microchip your pets so that we can reunite you faster.

If you know this cat, give us a call today on (03) 0444 5573

11/05/2026

**Feedback Sought on Lakes Edge Housing Development**

Have you shared your feedback on the Lakes Edge Housing Development Outline Development Plan?

The development will see about 300 – 320 new homes built within the residential zone, varying in land size from smaller, 300m2 lot sizes, up to lots sizes over 1,000m2. The development will be progressed over time, with building expected to be completed over four stages.

Whether your feedback is about the proposed block sizes, dwelling types, the public open space, or road connections – your thoughts are vital in shaping the useability of the development.

Feedback closes Monday 18 May 2026 so tell us what you think via our online feedback form at https://engage.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/lake-hamilton-housing-development