The council has voted to publicise its 2017-2021 draft council plan, with feedback welcome until May 28. 

Mayor Bruce Meyer said declining revenues of local government areas influenced the plan. 

“More than ever, local government is operating in an environment of tighter fiscal constraint,” he said.

“The search for economic investment in West Wimmera will continue, as will engagement with existing businesses and industries.”

Chief executive David Leahy said the plan centred around maintaining or improving the quality of life for residents. 

“The future of the shire is dependent on retaining population and business investment in new and existing business,” she said.

The plan states in order for the council to operate in a time of declining revenue, it must recognise opportunities for sharing of service provisions.

The council will advocate for West Wimmera Shire to be better connected to the wider region. 

It will pursue phone tower installations in small communities and advocate for NBN fixed wireless, rather than sky muster.

To counteract the council’s declining revenue, it will lobby for a fairer funding model for Home and Community Care and the Commonwealth Home Support Program that would better cover costs for small rural councils.

The council will prioritise maintenance of the West Wimmera road network and keep all infrastructure to be maintained to a safe level.

The council said to finance the renewal of all the shire’s assets, some would need to be consolidated. 

Despite a focus on declining revenues and funding sources, the plan outlines the power of the community and programs.

“The strength of West Wimmera is its people,” the plan states. “The shire had one of the highest rates of volunteerism in Victoria.”