Council
12 February, 2026
Help shape Moyne’s environmental future
MOYNE Shire Council has called 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 ten-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 Jordan Lockett said the release of the draft marks a critical step in the development of the strategy which 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,” he 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.”
Cr Lockett said the documents are very much in draft format and major changes are expected based on the community feedback which is received.
“We invite the community to really pull it apart, to give us your ideas and feedback. Now is your chance,” he said.
“An important reminder that council works for the community, we need and want your feedback.
“We’ve had 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 from February 9 to March 22 with several ways to get involved.
This includes taking part in an online survey through council’s Engage Moyne page, attending online meetings, making written submissions or attending drop-in sessions in Port Fairy, Koroit and Mortlake.
Residents are also invited to speak directly with council staff, attending listening posts across the shire.
One on one conversations can also be had, booking online to make a time to speak with council 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, people can contact council on 1300 656 564 or at moyne@moyne.vic.gov.au.