One of the greatest privileges of serving as Mayor is travelling across our shire and hearing from the people who call East Gippsland home. I’m always struck by the thoughtful ideas they share about our future.
The feedback and local insights shared with us are playing a vital role in shaping Council’s 2026–27 Budget.
In recent weeks, our face-to-face budget sessions across the shire have allowed us to hear directly from residents, business owners and community groups. We’ve met with chambers of commerce, ratepayer associations, advisory committees and local stakeholders. These conversations help us understand some of the things that matter to our communities.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend a session, you can still have your say. Our online survey on the Your Say page is open year-round, making it easier than ever to share your ideas about how Council invests ratepayer funds.
For those wanting to contribute to the 2026–27 Budget specifically, please make sure you provide your feedback by midday Monday 9 March. So far, about 200 people have shared their ideas and we would welcome even more voices.
Like councils across Victoria, we are working within tight financial constraints. We must balance community expectations with legislative requirements, financial sustainability and rising service costs. That means some difficult decisions are unavoidable. However, the more insight we have from our community, the better placed we are to make informed and responsible choices.
We are also making it easier to access Council services. Our new Planning Roadshow brings statutory planning advice directly to outer rural communities, starting in Omeo and Mallacoota. Residents can speak directly with planners about permits and approvals. In addition, our new online tool, myLot, helps residents determine whether a planning permit is likely required before starting a home project.
There is much happening across East Gippsland, and Council remains focused on delivering services, maintaining infrastructure and supporting our communities. It’s been great to welcome visitors to our region at various events over recent weeks, and as a Paynesville local I’m really looking forward to the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Maritime Festival this weekend.
If not Paynesville, maybe I’ll see you at Hooked on Lakes or one of the many other March long weekend events.
– Cr Jodie Ashworth
