Hamilton & Grampians Visitor Information Centre
Local Government in Southern Grampians

Strategic Planning for the future. If a Special Meeting is required the date and time of that Meeting, including the topics for discussion, is advertised so that the community has the opportunity to attend. Members of the public are most welcome to attend Southern Grampians Council ordinary meetings. There are three types of public participation at Southern Grampians Shire Council Meetings: At the Council Meeting the Mayor will state the name of the person asking each question. For example, Southern Grampians Shire holds personal information about its ratepayers (e.g. planning, valuation and property services). Southern Grampians Shire will only collect personal and health information that is necessary for its functions and activities and in doing so will use lawful and impartial means. Cr Chris sharpies has been a local of the Southern Grampians Shire for over 50 years. Volunteering connects and empowers communities and provides opportunities for residents to become energetic in their community. Southern Grampians Shire Council delivers over 70 services including waste collection services, services for families, people with disabilities and older residents. The Fire Services Levy, which replaced the previous insurance based system, is collected by local councils with Council rates, and forwarded to the State Government for funding of Victoria’s fire services. To ensure consistency and equity in the levying of rates and charges we have a rating strategy. This provides for differential rates to be levied on the capital improved values of all rate qualified land to reflect the diverse standard, range and access to municipal services available to residents and ratepayers in diverse areas of the Shire. Application must be made via an Application for Concession on Municipal Rates and Charges form. This information is then applied to individual properties throughout the municipality. Property valuations are worn as the basis for levying rates and therefore each property’s contribution to Council’s overall rate revenue is determined by its valuation. Council is committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership. Find out which dog breeds are restricted in the Southern Grampians Shire. Discounts apply for pensioners, micro chipped pets (registered earlier to 2013), obedience trained, desexed or busy dogs, dogs or cats over 10 years or animals registered with an approved feline or canine association. Southern Grampians Shire Council is committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership to gain the whole community, as well as the welfare of the pets. As a cat or dog owner, you have a responsibility to look after your cat or dog's basic welfare needs, including: Ensure that your cat or dog is healthy socialized, trained and exercised. Planning in Southern Grampians Shire includes statutory planning (planning applications and objections) and strategic planning (town plans, rezoning, etc). Our Planning Office also offers advice on town planning and planning allow applications across the Shire.