- Agenda attachments May 4, 2026 (75.82 MB)
For more information and appendices for each item, view the Council Meeting Agenda.
The below summary is unconfirmed until the Minutes of the Meeting are accepted by Council.
1. Opening Prayer & Original Custodians Statement
2. Apologies
None.
3. Confirmation of Minutes
Council supported the recommendation that the Minutes of the Scheduled Meeting of Council held on 7 April 2026 be confirmed. (7-0)
4. Declaration by Councillors and Officers of any Conflict of Interest in any Item on the Agenda
None.
5. Mayoral Presentation
6. Public Question Time
7.1. Draft Budget 2026-2027
In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020 (sections 94 and 96), Warrnambool City Council has prepared the Draft Budget for the 2026–2027 financial year, including the allocation of resources over the next four years. This Budget aligns with the vision and objectives outlined in the Council Plan, supporting the goal of making “Warrnambool a thriving regional leader, rich in opportunities and committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive lifestyle.”
The draft budget has been developed in line with best practice principles, adhering to the Local Government (Planning & Reporting) Regulations 2020. It includes:
• Financial Statements.
• Services and initiatives data.
• Rating and borrowings data.
• Proposed fees and charges for 2026-27.
Following Council approval, a public notice regarding the draft Budget will be made available online and through local media. The draft document will be accessible electronically and in hardcopy at the Warrnambool Civic Centre. Submissions and feedback on the draft document will be received until 5pm, Friday 15 May 2026.
Residents can submit their feedback through a dedicated Your Say Warrnambool portal on the Council website or in writing.
Those who wish to present their views in person need to indicate this in their written submission and will be invited to attend a Hearings Council Meeting on 25 May 2026.
The final Budget for 2026-27 is scheduled to be presented for Council adoption at the Scheduled Council Meeting to be held on Monday 1 June 2026.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
That Council:
1. Place the draft Budget 2026-2027 on exhibition until 5pm, Friday 15 May 2026 and invite submissions from the public.
2. Gives public notice of its intention to adopt the Budget at the 1 June 2026 Scheduled Council Meeting, subject to any changes.
3. Will hear requests to be heard on submissions received about the draft Budget at a Hearings Meeting from 5pm, Monday 25 May 2026 (if required).
7.2. Draft Annual Action Plan 2026-2027
Council is required under Section 90 of the Local Government Act (2020), to prepare and approve a Council Plan by 31 October following a general election. The four-year Council Plan is the feature document in Council’s suite of strategic planning documents and is formulated to guide the work of Council over the next four years.
The Council Plan is accompanied by a series of Annual Action Plans to cover the four-year life of the plan. A draft Annual Action Plan for 2026-2027 has been prepared and includes a total of 104 actions. The draft Annual Action Plan is developed to deliver the objectives of the Council Plan with resources allocated via the Council Budget.
A community engagement process to inform the development of the 2026-2027 Budget and the Council Plan’s Annual Action Plan 2026-2027 was conducted over November and December 2025. The engagement comprised two main components: an online/print survey and a series of listening posts at different locations within the municipality.
The online survey generated 29 responses while the listening posts - held in Dennington, West Warrnambool, Liebig Street, Woodford and Allansford - recorded 69 suggestions. The online survey asked respondents to consider and prioritise the 12 budget principles and guides provided by the Finance Unit.
The top three leading principles identified by respondents were:
• Asset management – prioritise asset renewal over new investment ensuring that our infrastructure is well maintained.
• Rethink existing services to identify savings, efficiency, value to the community and ensure continued relevance.
• Rates – keeping rate increases within the rate cap.
Council is in a position to consider releasing the draft Annual Action Plan for public exhibition and community feedback.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council place the draft Annual Action Plan 2026-2027 on exhibition until 5pm, Friday 15 May 2026 and invite submissions from the public.
7.3. Borrowings Policy 2026
Council’s borrowing activities are governed primarily by the Local Government Act 2020, which provides the legal authority to borrow and requires that all borrowings be approved through the annual or revised budget and managed in accordance with principles of financial sustainability, transparency, and intergenerational equity.
The previous Borrowing Strategy has been reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with the Local Government Act 2020. The key underlying borrowing principles remain broadly unchanged. The revised policy will be presented to the Audit and Risk Committee for review.
The policy will also be made available for community consultation through public exhibition alongside the annual budget, annual action plan and related reporting documents, providing an opportunity for community feedback.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council place the draft Borrowing Policy on exhibition until 5pm, Friday 15 May 2026 and invite submissions from the public.
7.4. Investment Policy 2026
Council is required to invest funds in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020, ensuring investments are managed prudently.
The policy has been reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with the Local Government Act 2020. The key underlying investment principles remain broadly unchanged. The revised policy will be presented to the Audit and Risk Committee for review.
The policy will also be made available for community consultation through public exhibition alongside the annual budget, action plan and related reporting documents, providing an opportunity for community feedback.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0)
That Council place the draft Investment Policy on exhibition until 5pm, Friday 15 May 2026 and invite submissions from the public.
7.5. Annual Action Plan 2025-2026 Status Update Q3
This report reflects the progress and achievements of a broad range of actions outlined in the Annual Action Plan for the 2025–2026 financial year.
These actions provide a snapshot of the wide-ranging works, services and projects delivered by the organisation for the benefit of the community.
The actions support the strategies undertaken by Council to achieve its 2025–2029 vision: “We are a thriving regional leader, rich in opportunities and committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive lifestyle.”
The 5 key objectives that support this vision are:
- City Futures
Activating a vibrant, liveable and safe city through enhancing outcomes for all. - City Infrastructure
Renewal and maintenance of Council’s infrastructure while balancing the needs of our growing city through sound asset management. - City Sustainability
Caring for our natural environment by promoting energy efficiency, best practice circular economy and embracing new technology. - City Wellbeing
Working to enable everyone at every stage of life to participate in welcoming and inclusive environments which foster learning, connection, health and wellbeing. - City Leadership
We will advocate for our community and region, operate efficiently, maintain sound governance, care for our team, and embrace a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the Annual Action Plan 2025 – 2026: January – March (Quarter 3) be received.
7.6. Reconciliation Strategy & Action Plan 2026-2030
The Reconciliation Strategy & Action Plan outlines Council’s commitment to develop constructive relationships with Warrnambool’s Indigenous community and outlines key actions to develop relationships, respect and opportunities.
The draft plan was provided to Council in late December by Mifsud Consulting after consultation and engagement with Council officers and local Traditional Owner groups. This plan was a was presented to Council and feedback received on several of the actions in the plan. The revised plan was reviewed by Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative, who have both endorsed it.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
That Council adopt the Warrnambool City Council Reconciliation Strategy & Action Plan 2026-2030.
7.7. Revenue & Rating Plan 2025-2029
Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2020 requires a Council to prepare and adopt a Revenue and Rating Plan by the 30 June after a general election for a period of at least the next 4 financial years. The Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029 was adopted by Council on 2 June 2025.
The purpose of the Revenue and Rating Plan is to determine the most appropriate revenue and rating approach for the Warrnambool City Council which, in conjunction with other income sources will provide the strategic basis for adequate financing of the objectives outlined in the in the Council Plan and that is consistent with the legislation relating to the State Governments “Fair Go Rates System” introduced in 2016 which included rate capping.
The Revenue and Rating Plan has been reviewed and will be available for community consideration for a period of two weeks and the Council welcomes any submissions the community may make in relation to the rating and revenue plan.
The Revenue and Rating Plan remain significantly the same and seeks to provide consistency and certainty as to Councils rating framework. The revised plan provides adequate reference to the current legislative framework, including changes that reflect the recently gazetted Ministerial Guidelines for Rates and Charges.
Following the consideration of submissions, it is proposed that the plan be presented to Council for adoption together with the proposed budget at the Scheduled Council Meeting on 1 June 2026.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That Council place the draft Revenue & Rating Plan 2025-2029 on exhibition until 5pm, Friday 15 May 2026 and invite submissions from the public.
7.8. Proposal To Sell Land – 81-85 Timor Street, Warrnambool
Council owns land at 81–85 Timor Street, currently leased to the Warrnambool Bowls Club for $52 per year until 2043. The Bowls Club has offered $500,000 plus GST to purchase the land, to be paid in three instalments over two years. The proposed sale is subject to a 15-year restriction on title limiting use to community bowling and public recreation purposes, which also sets the fair market value at $500,000 — consistent with an independently obtained valuation.
Council has complied with all legislative requirements under the Local Government Act 2020, including public notice, community engagement, and a current valuation. Community consultation returned an exceptionally high level of support, with 52 of 55 submissions in favour. This report seeks a Council resolution to proceed with the sale on the terms outlined.
Council supported the following recommendations (7-0):
That Council:
- Notes the outcome of the community engagement process undertaken in accordance with section 114 of the Local Government Act 2020 and the Community Engagement Policy in respect of the proposal to sell the land known as 81-85 Timor Street, Warrnambool.
- Authorise the sale of 81-85 Timor Street, Warrnambool, being the land contained in Certificate of Title Volume 10112 Folio 119 and shown as Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision PS323096H (Property) by private treaty to the Warrnambool Bowls Club Inc. (Adjoining Owner).
- The Price to be $500,000 plus GST, with the price being paid by the Adjoining Owner to Council, as follows:
a. $300,000 upon signing the contract of sale (Day of Sale);
b. $125,000 on the date that is 1 year after the Day of Sale;
c. $125,000 on the date that is 2 years after the Day of Sale;
d. or earlier by agreement. - The Property is sold on the basis that the use of the Property will be limited to use as a bowling green and/or public recreation for a period of 15 years from the Day of Sale (Restriction).
- The settlement of the Contract of Sale will be conditional on:
a. the Adjoining Owner entering into a section 173 agreement under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to record the Restriction on the title to the Property (S173 Agreement), and requiring the S173 Agreement to be recorded on title immediately after settlement.
7.9. PP2025-0187 - 46 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool
The application seeks approval for the construction of 15 modular accommodation units and associated works, including the removal of five non-native trees, within the Shipwreck Bay Caravan Park at 46 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool. The development includes internal access roads, parking, and landscaping improvements.
The proposal triggers permits under the Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO1 – Coastal Environs) and Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO1 – Coastal Hinterlands). Key planning considerations include site layout, building design, environmental impacts, and consistency with coastal and landscape objectives.
The development area avoids primary dune, with vegetation removal limited to five trees including 4 Norfolk Island Pine however it is highlighted that they are not located within the Pertobe Road Avenue which are subject to a heritage overlay.
Public notice received eight objections concerning design coherence, parking, tree removal, and investigating alternative sites.
Council officers recommend issuing a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit, subject to conditions including final endorsed plans, landscaping, tree protection, stormwater management, flood mitigation and construction management.
Cr Benter moved an alternative motion, to the effect that the original motion be supported, with the addition that six Norfolk Island Pines be retained, rather than two as was stated in the conditions of the original motion.
Council supported the alternative motion (5-2)
That Council having caused notice of Planning Application No. PP2025-0187 to be given under Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 having considered all the matters required of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 decides to determine to Issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit for the application under the provisions of the Warrnambool Planning Scheme in respect of the land known and described as 46 Pertobe Rd WARRNAMBOOL VIC 3280 ALLOT Lot 11 SEC 4A CA PSH WAN TSH WARR, for the Buildings and Works (construction of up to 15 accommodation units) and removal of vegetation in accordance with the endorsed plans, subject to the following conditions.
7.10. State Of The Assets
The State of the Assets Report provides a point in time assessment of Council’s assets. These assets are categorised into six (6) asset classes which are roads, bridges, drainage, footpaths, buildings and open space.
This State of the Assets Report provides high level reporting detailing information on inventory, value, condition and renewal investment requirements over a 10-year period, if Council are to maintain current service levels across each of the asset classes.
This report is provided to Council for their information.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the State of the Assets Report be received.
7.11. Cycling Reference Group Minutes - 25 March 2026
This report relates to the Cycling Reference Group meeting, held Wednesday 25 March 2026, with a range of items discussed.
Key items from the meeting include discussion on the endorsed work plan, Council strategy tie-in and the review of upcoming capital projects.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the record of the Cycling Reference Group meeting held on Wednesday 25 March 2026, be received.
7.12. Informal Meetings Of Council Reports
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with copies of Informal Meetings of Council (previously known as “Assembly of Councillor Records”) as previously required under section 80A(2) of the Local Government Act 1989.
The record of the following Informal Meetings of Council are enclosed:
- Monday 13 April 2026 – refer Attachment 1
- Monday 20 April 2026 – refer Attachment 2
- Monday 27 April 2026 – refer Attachment 3
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the records of the Informal Meetings of Council held on 13, 20 and 27 April 2026, be received.
7.13. Mayoral & Chief Executive Officer Council Activities - Summary Report
This report summarises Mayoral and Chief Executive Officer Council activities since the last Ordinary Meeting which particularly relate to key social, economic and environmental issues of direct relevance to the Warrnambool community.
Council supported the following recommendation (7-0):
That the Mayoral & Chief Executive Officer Council Activities Summary Report be received.
8. Notice of Motion
9. General Business
10. Urgent Business
11. Close Of Meeting