Community
27 February, 2026
Help shape the future
MOYNE Shire Council is calling on the community to help shape its environmental future, with the release of the Draft Environment and Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2036 for public feedback.
The draft strategy outlines council’s 10-year vision and proposed actions to protect and enhance the environment across the shire.
It focuses on key areas including biodiversity, weed management, waste and circular economy, climate resilience, sustainable land use, water security and reduction in council emissions.
The draft strategy has been developed using feedback received through Moyne Shire’s Council Plan engagement in January and February 2025.
Hundreds of residents, landholders and stakeholders were involved in providing feedback relating to the environment.
This feedback, as well as the 2025-2029 council plan, was used to shape the draft strategy.
The draft strategy has also been developed in close collaboration with the Environment and Sustainability Strategy Advisory Committee.
The committee includes eight community members and two councillors, bringing together lived experience, technical expertise and local knowledge to ensure the strategy reflects the values, concerns and aspirations of Moyne’s diverse communities.
Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said the release of the draft marks a critical step in the development of the strategy that will guide council’s environmental work for the next decade.
“It’s about the future of our landscapes, our communities, and how we manage and care for our amazingly diverse environment,” Cr Lockett said.
“From Pura Pura to Peterborough, Yarpturk to Yambuk we have one of the most environmentally diverse shires in the country.
“This strategy is about more than words on paper, it shapes how we care for our land, our landscapes, water, energy use and future resilience - things that affect every household, farm, and business.
“These documents are very much in draft format. We expect there to be major changes to the strategy based on community feedback. We invite the community to really pull it apart, to give us your ideas and feedback. Now is your chance.”
Cr Lockett said the council had received “fantastic input” so far through the council plan and the advisory committee.
“Now we need feedback from across the shire to make sure the plan reflects the real needs, priorities, and opportunities of our whole community.”
The public engagement period will run until March 22.
Residents are welcome to complete the online survey via the council Engage Moyne page, attending online meetings or make written submissions (online or in hard copy).
Drop-in sessions will be held in Port Fairy and Koroit where residents can speak directly with council staff about the draft and discuss feedback.
Listening Posts will also be held across the shire (your chance to speak directly with council staff, councillors and advisory committee members).
Residents can also take part in one-on-one conversations – simply book online to make a time to speak to a member of staff.
The draft strategy and all engagement details are available at https://engage.moyne.vic.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability-strategy
“We’re committed to transparency, inclusion and listening to the people who live, play and work here,” Cr Lockett said.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Let’s prepare for the future together.
“Community feedback at this stage will directly shape the final version of the strategy. If you care about Moyne’s environment, this is your chance to influence how we protect and care for it in the years ahead.”
For more information or to request a printed copy of the draft strategy, contact council on 1300 656 564 or at moyne@moyne.vic.gov.au
