Community invited to have your say on Council policies

Published on 24 April 2026

Surf Coast Shire Council is inviting community feedback on two draft policies, aimed at providing clearer guidance and aligning with current practices.

As part of Council’s regular policy review schedule, the Infrastructure Special Rates and Charges Scheme Policy and Strategic Asset Management Policy have been reviewed to ensure they remain relevant, transparent and consistent with legislative requirements.

Surf Coast Shire Councillor Joel Grist said regular policy reviews were essential to maintaining strong and contemporary decision-making framework.

“Reviewing our policies regularly helps to ensure they remain practical, transparent and aligned with how we deliver services today,” said Cr Grist.

“We encourage community members to have a look at the proposed updates and share their feedback.”

Draft Infrastructure Special Rates and Charges Scheme Policy

The Infrastructure Special Rates and Charges Scheme Policy outlines how Council may fund infrastructure projects such as footpaths, drainage or road sealing works through contributions from benefitting property owners.

Key updates include:

Streamlining the previous management procedure into clearer policy guidance.
Introducing an early assessment step for community-initiated proposals.
Improving clarity and consistency of wording.
Adding a Resident Agreement process as an alternative to the Special Charge Scheme.

The Resident Agreement option provides:

Voluntary participation versus mandatory participation.
Flexible financial contributions between property owners.
A more adaptable process not governed by the Local Government Act.

Draft Strategic Asset Management Policy

The Strategic Asset Management Policy outlines Council’s approach to managing community assets responsibly throughout their lifecycle.

It guides how Council plans, maintains, renews and eventually replaces or disposes of assets to ensure they continue to meet community needs.

The policy applies to all physical assets owned or managed by Council, such as roads, paths, bridges, community buildings, playgrounds and sporting facilities.

The updated policy improves clarity, supports better decision-making and aligns with Council’s broader asset management framework and the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020.

Together the updated policies provide a clear framework for infrastructure funding and asset management, supporting consistent and transparent decision making.

Both draft polices are now open for feedback and close on Wednesday 27 May 2026.

Find the draft Infrastructure Special Rates and Charges Scheme policy at yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Special-Charge-Scheme-Survey

Find the draft Strategic Asset Management Policy at yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/strategic-asset-management-policy-review

All feedback will be considered before Council considers adopting the two policies later this year.