In the first half of 2021 Council will be engaging with the community on a new four-year Council Plan.

The Council Plan is a key strategic document which describes Council's strategic objectives and the actions that will be undertaken to achieve those objectives.

The Council Plan is a requirement of the Local Government Act (2020) and the Act states that the Plan must be developed in consultation with the community.

The Council Plan is guided by Warrnambool's long term community plan or "vision", Warrnambool 2040.

The Council Plan must include the following:

 (a) the strategic direction of the Council;

(b) strategic objectives for achieving the strategic direction;

(c) strategies for achieving the objectives for a period of at least the next 4 financial years;

(d) strategic indicators for monitoring the achievement of the objectives;

(e) a description of the Council's initiatives and priorities for services, infrastructure and amenity;

(f) any other matters prescribed by the regulations.

So far Council has heard from the community via a series of listening posts and an online survey. On March 17 a group of interested residents will take part in deliberative engagement workshops to help inform the Council Plan.

In May there will be another opportunity for the community to have a say on the Council Plan when a draft plan is released for public comment.