The Council Plan is the strategic document that guides the council’s delivery of projects and services in our community for the next four years.

It outlines objectives, strategies, and actions for the council to address the community's goals and aspirations, informed by the broader long-term planning efforts such as the Wodonga 2050 Community Vision.

While the Council Plan focuses on the council’s roles and responsibilities, it also recognises its role as an advocate and partner. The document will also consider the resources available for the implementation of the strategic objectives.

The council has an important role to play in improving the health and wellbeing of people living in the community.

As a council, we acknowledge that it is inherent in everything that we do and that health and wellbeing factors have a significant impact on people’s quality of life.

As well as speaking with members of the community, key community organisations and stakeholders in developing this plan, we will also consider the ten health priorities set out in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2023-2027, which are:

• Improving sexual and reproductive health;

• Reducing harm from tobacco and e-cigarette use;

• Improving mental wellbeing;

• Increasing healthy eating;

• Increasing active living;

• Reducing harm from alcohol and drug use;

• Tackling climate change and its impacts on health;

• Preventing all forms of violence;

• Improving oral health; and,

• Strengthening public health emergency preparedness.

The Asset Plan is a 10-year plan that communicates the importance and magnitude of the infrastructure assets for which council is the custodian.

It sets out:

• the quantity, condition and value of the assets

• our strategic objectives

• long-term financial planning, and

• an implementation action plan.

The Asset Plan will demonstrate:

• How our assets support the achievement of our City Vision and Council Plan

• Various challenges and opportunities for our assets and what the city plans to do about these

• How we will manage and our assets now and into the future

Our municipality is supported by both infrastructure and natural assets, both of which support our city's vibrancy and the delivery of effective services.

Council-managed infrastructure assets include:

• Local roads

• Footpaths

• Storm water drainage

• Playgrounds

• Public lighting

• Libraries

• Community buildings

• Recreation centres

Council managed natural assets include:

• Natural bushland reserves

• Open space and parks

Council manages these assets by planning for new assets, asset inspections and maintenance, replacement, renewal, upgrades or expansions, and disposal when no longer required.

The Annual Budget and Financial Plan are essential components of local government financial management for councils in Victoria.

Here's an overview of what they are and why they are important:

Annual Budget

The Annual Budget outlines the council's planned income and expenditure for the next financial year and the subsequent three financial years.

It includes details on:

• Revenue: Sources such as rates, grants, fees and charges.

• Expenditure: Operational costs (e.g., employee wages, service delivery, maintenance) and capital works projects (e.g., infrastructure, community facilities).

• Services and Projects: The programs, services, and infrastructure that the council will provide.

• Rates and Charges: Information on how much residents will pay in council rates and other charges.

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan is a longer-term document, spanning at least 10 years, and provides a strategic overview of the council's financial goals and strategies.

It includes:

• Forecasts: Revenue, expenses, and financial position projections

• Prioritisation: Long-term funding for significant projects and initiatives

• Sustainability: Strategies to ensure the council remains financially viable over the long term

Why are these documents needed?

1. Victorian councils are mandated by the Local Government Act 2020 to prepare and adopt an Annual Budget in accordance with Section 94 and a Financial Plan under Section 91.

The Revenue and Rating Plan is essential for ensuring Victorian councils generate and manage revenue in a way that is sustainable, transparent, and aligned with community priorities. It supports sound financial management while meeting the requirements of the Local Government Act. Councils are required by the Local Government Act 2020 (Section 93) to prepare and adopt a Revenue and Rating Plan, ensuring consistency and fairness in revenue collection.