What is the Council Plan?

The Council Plan is the foundation for everything we do. It’s our four-year roadmap for shaping the future of Benalla Rural City. This plan identifies key priorities across areas like community wellbeing, liveability, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and strong leadership.

At its heart, the Council Plan aims to ensure our community remains a vibrant and inclusive place where everyone can thrive. It guides decision-making, drives resource allocation, and steers development projects that directly impact the lives of residents. From creating safe and accessible spaces to fostering economic opportunities and advancing sustainability initiatives, the Council Plan is our commitment to you—our community.

Your input matters

A community-driven plan is the key to success. The Council Plan 2021-2025 was shaped by your voices and focused on the goals that matter most to you. Now, as we review the progress and prepare for the next chapter, your feedback is more important than ever. By participating in our survey, you can help ensure the Council’s work continues to reflect the aspirations and needs of the people who live, work, and grow in Benalla Rural City.

What we’ve achieved together

The Council Plan 2021-2025 was structured around key themes that reflect our shared vision for Benalla Rural City. These themes guide our actions and priorities, ensuring our efforts align with the values and aspirations of the community. The themes are Community, Liveability, Economy, Environment, and Leadership.

  • Community
    • Delivered Teen Mental Health First Aid training to support youth wellbeing.
    • Provided $129,332 in funding for community groups and initiatives across 2021/22 and 2022/23.
    • Appointed Aging Well Officer to help deliver actions from the Age Friendly Benalla Strategy.
    • Established the Benalla and District Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG).
  • Liveability
    • Created a new off-leash dog park for residents and their pets.
    • Progressed the redevelopment of the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre.
    • Enhanced the Lake Benalla Walking Track with LED lighting for improved safety.
  • Economy
    • Developed the Benalla Rural City Local Development Strategy to guide urban growth.
    • Delivered $482,000 in community projects through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
    • Introduced Outdoor Activation Fund initiatives like dining pods and rural picnic seating.
  • Environment
    • Advanced the Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre Transfer Station development.
    • Reviewed and updated the Climate and Environment Strategy and Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
    • Installed an EV Charging Station at Denny Street Carpark to promote clean energy use.
  • Leadership
    • Completed the Visitor Information Centre Redevelopment to boost tourism.
    • Revitalised the Benalla Town Hall, preserving a valuable community space.
    • Developed a Reconciliation Action Plan to foster cultural understanding and unity.

Help shape Benalla Rural City’s future

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we know there’s always room to improve. Your insights are invaluable in helping us understand what worked, what could be enhanced, and where we should focus our efforts moving forward.

Take 10 minutes to share your thoughts by participating in our community survey. Your feedback will help shape the future of Benalla Rural City and ensure that the voices of our community members remain at the heart of everything we do.