What happened at the January 2026 Council Meeting

At its January meeting Council:

  • received a list of documents sealed by the Chief Executive Officer under delegation during 2025;

  • authorised the CEO, in accordance with Meeting Procedures Local Law No.3 2016, to use the Common Seal for various general classes of activities or transactions;

  • received the Corporate Strategic Risk Profile Report for the six months to 31 December 2025;

  • provided in-principle support to the Renewable Energy Zone orders for the South West REZ and the Central Highlands REZ, subject to changes;

  • Resolved to write to the Minister for Energy and Resources re-iterating ongoing concern and opposition to the siting of renewable energy infrastructure outside of a designated REZ;

  • objected to the Mumblin Wind Farm Planning Permit Application PA2503700 in accordance with matters raised in this report and authorised the CEO to make a submission to the Minister for Planning;

  • noted the Emergency Management Response and Recovery January 2026 Fires report and endorsed the actions implemented by the organisation in the response and relief phases of the events;

  • endorsed the draft framework for the development of the Disaster Recovery Plan for the January 2026 Fires;

  • endorsed the submission of funding applications with the State and Federal Governments and philanthropic organisations for relief and recovery programs as they arise;

  • resolved to write to

    • the Premier and relevant Ministers to advocate for immediate reduction or removal of regulatory red tape to enable on farm remediation and recovery works to occur, for housing for displaced residents and workers to be provided and for funding directly to fire-affected residents and businesses; and
    • to the Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Local Government advocating for additional funding support for fire-affected landowners including 100% rate relief for the 2025-2026 financial year; and
  • recorded a vote of thanks to the emergency services personnel, community volunteers and workers who have worked tirelessly in the response, relief and recovery in both the Skipton-Streatham and Otways fires;

  • authorised lodgement of Tiny Towns Round Three funding application for Timboon Precinct Plan Phase 1 Implementation; and

  • approved the waiver request for planning and building permit fees for the proposed Lunch at the Farm event, part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, to a total of $2,285.90.

 

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