Introduction
Campaspe Shire Council is a local government authority in northern Victoria, Australia, responsible for delivering community services, maintaining public infrastructure and supporting the social, environmental and economic development of the Campaspe region.
History and Background
Campaspe Shire encompasses Echuca and several regional communities, including Kyabram, Rochester, Rushworth, Tongala, Stanhope, Lockington and Colbinabbin. The municipality includes rural communities, agricultural areas, townships and environmentally significant river landscapes.
The municipality is located on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta peoples. Campaspe Shire Council recognises their continuing connection to land, water and community and acknowledges the important role of First Nations culture in the region.
The Council operates within Victoria’s local government framework and has developed its responsibilities to include infrastructure management, community development, environmental sustainability, public health, emergency management, recreation and business support.
Mission and Purpose
Campaspe Shire Council works to create connected, inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities. Its purpose is reflected in the services, facilities, programs and infrastructure it delivers throughout the municipality.
Its key areas of responsibility include:
- Maintaining local roads, footpaths, drains and community infrastructure.
- Supporting children, families, young people, older residents and people with disabilities.
- Managing waste, recycling and environmental initiatives.
- Delivering public health, animal management and emergency management services.
- Supporting local businesses, tourism and regional economic development.
- Providing libraries, recreation facilities, public spaces and community programs.
- Encouraging community participation in Council planning and decision-making.
Governance and Structure
Campaspe Shire Council is governed by elected councillors who represent the interests of residents and participate in strategic planning, policy development and major Council decisions.
The administrative organisation is led by the Chief Executive Officer. According to the Council’s published structure, its operations are divided into four divisions, each managed by a director. These divisions and the Office of the Chief Executive Officer coordinate service delivery and implement Council decisions.
Council meetings provide a formal forum for considering policies, budgets, planning matters and community issues. Live and recorded Council meeting webcasts are available to improve public access and transparency.
Community members can also participate through consultations, submissions, public meetings and engagement activities associated with Council projects and strategies.
Funding and Grants
Campaspe Shire Council finances its operations through municipal rates and charges, government grants, service fees and other income approved through its annual budget.
Some of this funding is used to maintain infrastructure and deliver essential services, while specific grant programs provide financial assistance to community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profit organisations and eligible businesses.
Community Grants
Campaspe Shire Council’s Community Grants program supports not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that improve community life and contribute to vibrant, inclusive and connected communities.
Previously published program information indicated that eligible projects could include community activities, exhibitions, performances and local initiatives. In a 2024 funding round, organisations could apply for grants of up to $4,000.
Applications are generally assessed according to their community benefits, alignment with Council priorities, project feasibility and potential contribution to the quality of life within Campaspe Shire.
Community Equipment Grants
The Community Equipment Grants program helps community groups and sporting clubs purchase equipment required to deliver local activities and services.
Eligible applicants may include incorporated not-for-profit organisations and community groups based in Campaspe Shire. Organisations outside the municipality may be considered when they have a local partnership and their proposed activities primarily benefit Campaspe residents.
Schools may be eligible where they are working with a local community group, have the necessary approval and can demonstrate benefits extending beyond the school community.
Published funding information identifies a maximum grant of $2,000, with one application permitted per organisation during a financial year. Applications are accepted every second month in July, September, November, January, March and May.
Priority may be given to equipment supporting:
- Inclusive and diverse community activities.
- Community events and public art.
- Social connection and lifelong learning.
- Sport, recreation and active lifestyles.
- Community health, wellbeing and safety.
- Local culture, history and heritage.
Successful applicants must use the funding for its approved purpose and complete the required grant reporting and acquittal process.
Business Assistance Grants
Campaspe Shire Council has previously delivered Business Assistance Grants to encourage business establishment, diversification and expansion within the municipality.
In a published 2022 round, maximum funding amounts included $3,000 for new or start-up businesses, $5,000 for small businesses, $10,000 for medium businesses and $15,000 for large businesses.
The Council’s current business support information states that applications are closed and that future funding opportunities will be advertised when available. The grant categories and amounts from previous rounds should therefore be treated as historical information.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Place-Based Planning
Campaspe Shire Council has used place-based planning since 2017 to understand the aspirations, priorities and long-term needs of individual communities.
The process allows residents, community organisations and Council representatives to develop shared visions for their towns. It recognises that different communities have distinct needs and that local knowledge should inform planning and investment decisions.
The Council also adopted Township Facility Planning in 2020. This process helps determine which community facilities should be renewed, upgraded, repurposed or retired.
Place-based and facility planning has involved communities such as Colbinabbin, Kyabram, Lockington, Rochester, Rushworth, Stanhope and Tongala. Further details are available through the Council’s Place-Based Planning and Township Facility Planning program.
Environmental Sustainability and Waste Education
Campaspe Shire Council delivers waste education and environmental programs designed to reduce landfill, prevent contamination and improve resource recovery.
Its Waste in Campaspe—Know, Educate, Do initiative, known as WickED, provides residents with information about waste prevention, recycling, food waste, garden waste and responsible disposal.
The program encourages people to avoid unnecessary waste, use recycling and organic waste services correctly and reduce litter within their communities.
The Council’s Give a Scrap initiative focuses on food and garden organic waste. Collected organic materials can be processed into compost rather than being sent to landfill. Information and educational resources are available through the Council’s waste education page.
Road and Community Infrastructure
Maintaining roads, bridges, footpaths, drainage systems and public facilities is a major Council responsibility.
The Council examines road crash data, investigates safety concerns and applies for Victorian and Australian government infrastructure funding. Its road safety activities can include intersection improvements, road widening, speed reviews and upgrades at identified accident locations.
An example is the Axedale–Toolleen Road Widening and Safety Enhancement project, which received full funding through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Youth and Community Development
The Campaspe Youth Services Network brings together local professionals and organisations that work with young people.
The network supports collaboration, information sharing, partnership development and coordinated responses to youth needs. It also helps participants identify funding opportunities, exchange resources and promote the contribution of young people to the community.
The network meets quarterly and contributes to stronger relationships between youth services operating across the municipality.
Volunteering Programs
Volunteers contribute to a range of Campaspe Shire Council services, including community transport and library outreach activities.
These opportunities support residents who may need assistance accessing services while helping volunteers build relationships and contribute to community wellbeing. Council volunteering programs strengthen local participation and complement the work of employed staff.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Campaspe Shire Council’s grants and community programs have supported local infrastructure, recreation, cultural activities, small businesses and community organisations.
Examples from a 2022 grants round included:
- Echuca Village Tennis Club received $4,000 towards restoring a synthetic grass tennis court.
- Rushworth and District Concert Band received $2,236 to digitise printed sheet music.
- Clubhouse Flowers received $1,500 for refrigeration equipment.
- Pinto Pantry received $3,000 for social media marketing activities.
These examples demonstrate how relatively small grants can improve sporting facilities, protect cultural resources, assist local enterprises and strengthen community participation.
Place-based planning has also created structured opportunities for residents to identify priorities for their towns. Waste education programs encourage sustainable household practices, while road projects improve transport safety and regional connectivity.
The Council’s overall impact extends beyond direct grants. Its roads, libraries, recreation facilities, waste services, youth networks, public health activities and community programs support the everyday wellbeing and long-term resilience of Campaspe communities.
Conclusion
Campaspe Shire Council plays a central role in local government, community development and regional service delivery in northern Victoria. Through infrastructure investment, environmental programs, community consultation, business support and grant funding, the Council works to strengthen the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the municipality.
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