July 2025 Council Meeting wrap up
Last updated on 25 July 2025
Some of the key items considered and endorsed at the July 2025 Council Meeting.
Out for community consultation
Integrated Strategic Planning documents
Informed by earlier community and stakeholder consultation throughout 2025, Council endorsed the release of several key strategic documents for consultation, including the Draft Shaping the Ranges 2025-2035 (which integrates our Community Vision, Council Plan, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, and the Disability Action Plan), the Draft Asset Plan 2025-2035, and the Draft Financial Plan 2025-2035. These key documents outline Council’s future priorities and service delivery frameworks. Submissions will be invited from 24 July to 20 August.
Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 - 2029
Informed by earlier community consultation throughout April 2025, the draft plan outlines how Council plans to manage dogs and cats across the shire from 2026-2029. The plan proposes activities including introducing a 24-hour cat containment requirement, investigation into the introduction of mandatory cat desexing, strategic planning for dogs and people in open space and ongoing education on responsible pet ownership. Submissions will be invited from 1 to 31 August.
Updates to Council's dog off-leash areas and prohibited areas (for dogs and cats)
Council’s Dog and Cat Control Order 2019 – including Schedule 1 (dog-off leash areas) and Schedule 2 (prohibited areas for dogs and cats) was made by Council under sections 25 and 26(2) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. Informed by earlier community consultation throughout July-August 2024, the proposed changes include updates to dog off-leash areas and prohibited areas (for dogs and cats), whilst aiming to improve safety, protecting our environmental areas, and balance the use of shared open spaces. Submissions will be invited from 1 to 31 August.
Kyneton Airfield hangar site leases
Council has endorsed its intention to proceed with community consultation regarding the renewal of hangar site leases at the Kyneton Airfield. Under the proposed arrangements, each hangar owner will be offered a new lease designed to provide security and clarity for both Council and the leaseholders, with input being sought on the key terms and intention to proceed. Submissions will be invited from 24 July to 21 August, with a Submitters Delegated Committee Meeting to be held on 3 September, to hear from submitters if required.
Draft Woodend Racecourse Reserve Master Plan
Informed by earlier community consultation on issues and opportunities throughout August-September 2024, this plan proposes improvements to sport and recreational facilities to meet the needs of a growing community, enhancements to the site's heritage value and ongoing protection of the grasslands. The draft master plan can be viewed, and feedback welcomed from 1 September 2025.
Mayor Dom Bonanno encouraged the community to find out more about these consultations and provide considered feedback, particularly on the key strategic Council documents that will guide Council's aspirations and strategic direction over the coming years.
“There are many important policies and plans that help drive the important work that we do as Council, but this trio of Integrated Strategic Planning documents are at the very core,” he said.
“Each proposal has already been informed by some form of earlier consultation, demonstrating our commitment to considered and genuine community engagement, but we would really appreciate any further feedback to ensure we can make well-informed decisions in consideration of our community.”
To participate in these consultations, visit Your Say
Other key items considered by Council
Council noted the results of the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey, and agreed to receive a report back in March 2026 regarding opportunities to further enhance Council’s service delivery outcomes. The survey provides community feedback on Council services and performance.
Council endorsed recommendations for the allocation of Community Funding Scheme (CFS) 2025-26 grants, and Small Project grants supporting a range of local groups and initiatives across the shire. Following assessment, 17 projects were recommended for funding totalling $125,620.73.
Council endorsed funding and in-kind support through the 2025-26 Events & Festivals Grants Program and the 2026 Anzac Day Commemorative Services Support Fund, enabling local organisations to deliver events and commemorations.
Following assessment of Events & Festivals applications, 10 events were recommended for funding – and 3 triennial funding commitments noted – totalling $75,000, in addition to 27 events receiving in-kind support totalling at least $11,510.
For Anzac Day 2026 events, 4 events were recommended for funding totalling $14,910.10. It was also endorsed that Council would reopen the Fund for additional applications for a 10-day period.
Council responded to a petition regarding speed limits on Cabbage Tree Lane in Gisborne South, received at the June 2025 Council Meeting. While a speed limit change is not proposed at this stage for Cabbage Tree Lane, Council will continue to monitor conditions and will liaise with the Department of Transport and Planning on proposed speed limit changes to other nearby roads, including:
- to increase the speed limit along McGeorge Road in Gisborne, between Couangalt Road and Brooking Road, to 80km/h from 60km/h; and
- to reduce the speed limit along Weigall Road in Gisborne to 80km/h from 100km/h.
Informed by earlier community consultation, Council endorsed the Road Management Plan 2025-2029, outlining responsibilities and standards for the maintenance of local roads. It will guide Council’s approach to road inspections, repair, and asset management over the next four years.
A Notice of Motion was endorsed relating to the development of a draft Artificial Intelligence Policy that sets clear direction for the safe, effective and innovative use of AI; while a separate Notice of Motion was endorsed to explore the establishment of an ‘Innovation Committee’ that will look at new and innovative ways of delivering services to the community.
Further information on this Council Meeting, including minutes and a meeting recording, can be found at Council Meetings