Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted the Strategic Asset Management Policy and Infrastructure Special Rates and Charges Scheme Policy, with community feedback helping to shape both documents.
The policies were reviewed as part of Council’s regular policy review schedule to ensure they remain relevant, transparent and consistent with legislative requirements.
Community engagement for both policies was open from 22 April to 27 May 2026, with feedback helping to shape the final policies adopted by Council.
Councillor Mike Bodsworth thanked everyone who took the time to provide feedback during the consultation period.
“Community input is an important part of developing Council policies and helps ensure they reflect the needs and expectations of our community,” he said.
“These updated policies provide greater clarity and support consistent, transparent decision-making.”
Strategic Asset Management Policy
This Strategic Asset Management Policy outlines Council’s approach to managing community assets responsibly throughout their life-cycle.
It guides how Council plans, maintains, renews and eventually replaces or disposes of assets to ensure they continue to meet community needs.
Changes made to the policy following community engagement included a stronger emphasis on accessibility and universal design across all renewal works.
Infrastructure Special Rates and Charges Scheme Policy
The Infrastructure Special Rates and Charges Scheme Policy outlines how Council may fund infrastructure projects such as footpaths, drainage or road sealing works through contributions from benefitting property owners.
Community feedback showed strong support for the policy’s principles and led to updates to the Resident Agreement, along with inclusions of additional definitions to improve clarity.
The review simplified governance responsibilities, strengthened implementation guidance, reduced procedural risk and incorporated lessons learned from previous schemes.
Cr Bodsworth said regular policy reviews were an important part of good governance.
“Reviewing our policies ensures they remain relevant, effective and aligned with current legislation, while allowing the community to have a say before they are adopted,” he said.
“Good policies help us manage community assets responsibly and provide a clear, transparent framework for delivering infrastructure that benefits our community.”
Both policies have undergone an independent legal review to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020.