4 February 2026
As we get back into a routine for the year after the summer holidays, I want to share what’s ahead for our community and why 2026 is an important one.
As we wrap up the first year of our four-year Council Plan, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and excited to keep building on that foundation. And with a Victorian Government election ahead, advocacy will be front and centre for Council.
We’ll continue to push for certainty and sustainability in funding for essential services like community development, emergency preparedness, resilience, and mental wellbeing – many of which have relied on short-term funding in the past.
We’ll also continue pushing for solutions to some of our region’s biggest challenges: affordable and resilient housing, better access to health services, education, jobs, and childcare, and stronger telecommunications and internet connectivity. Climate adaptation and economic resilience will remain priorities as we prepare for a changing future. These issues are critical to the wellbeing and prosperity of our communities, and we’ll keep working with all levels of government to deliver real outcomes.
Community engagement is another priority. Right now, we’re seeking your input on our four-year Library Services Plan, Community Climate Action Plans, Tourism and Events Strategy, and EV Charging Opportunities. These conversations matter – they help us plan for the services, facilities, and opportunities that make our towns great places to live.
We’re also still committed to improving our planning services. Our new planner sessions in Myrtleford and Mount Beauty will continue this year, giving residents easier access to advice and support. Over the past year, it's been great to see response times improving, and while there’s more work to do, we are heading in the right direction.
On the capital works front, our Action Plan includes exciting projects for 2026, such as the Bright Skate Park upgrade, as well as planning for Tawonga South public toilets, with delivery scheduled for 2026/27. We’ll also progress other important initiatives across the Shire – projects that strengthen our communities and create spaces for connection and recreation. You can read more about what’s coming up in our Council Plan and Action Plan available on our website or at your local library.
Above all, let’s make 2026 a year of kindness. Look out for one another, stay safe, and stay positive. I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow Councillors to achieve great outcomes for the Alpine Shire and keep building a community we’re proud to call home.
Warm regards,
Cr Sarah Nicholas
Alpine Shire Mayor
Alpine Shire Council is inviting community members, business owners, and anyone with an interest in the future of local tourism to get involved in the development of its new Tourism and Events Strategy.
The Dinner Plain Activation Phase 1 Project, Myrtleford Landfill Cap Construction variations, and the Alpine Shire Council Complaints Policy were on the agenda at the first Ordinary Council Meeting for 2026.
The 2026 Alpine Shire Community Awards celebrated four inspiring individuals, one reflective community event, and one community group leading the way for a sustainable future.
Alpine Shire Council is actively working towards a more sustainable resilient Alpine Shire by developing tailored Community Climate Action Plans for the four main areas of Dinner Plain, Kiewa Valley, Lower Ovens, and Upper Ovens.
The 2025 Mission Australia Youth Survey has revealed a clear picture of what life is like for young people in Alpine Shire - many feel safe, connected and positive about their community, while also navigating pressures around mental health, school stress.
Alpine Shire Council notes that the Minister for Planning approved and gazetted Amendment GC267 to the Alpine Planning Scheme on Thursday, 18 December 2025.
As part of its commitment to supporting community transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, Alpine Shire Council is expanding the current network of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers across Alpine Shire.
Community members have been reminded of the dangers of disposing of batteries and other prohibited items in their household bins after an Alpine Shire Council recycling collection truck caught on fire recently.
Alpine Shire Council invites community members across the region to contribute to the development of their four-year Library Services Plan.
Tourism and events have been identified as a key priority in our current Council Plan 2025-29; however, we understand both the value of these industries and the importance of ensuring it remains sustainable, well‑managed, and aligned with local values.
We're developing a new Tourism and Events Strategy, including a refresh of our Alpine Shire Events Strategy 2021, and we want to hear your ideas, priorities, and aspirations. 
You can have your say by:
Completing the online survey on Engage Alpine linked here: Tourism and Events Strategy
Pick up a hard‑copy of the survey at our Alpine Libraries or our Customer Service Centre at our office in Bright
Register your interest for upcoming workshops to be held across the Shire in April and May. You can register online at Tourism and Events Strategy, or via a hard-copy form available at the locations mentioned above.
We encourage all community members - whether you work in tourism or simply enjoy what the region offers - to take part and share your thoughts.
Submissions close on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
After declaring a climate emergency in 2019, we have been working towards developing ambitious and tailored Climate Action Plans that reflect the unique needs of our different areas across Alpine Shire.
What this means is that we need you to help us develop Community Climate Action Plans 
one for Dinner Plain, one for the Kiewa Valley, one for Lower Ovens, and one for Upper Ovens.
Over the next six months, we will be working with you to shape practical, community-led climate action that is specific to the needs of the different communities in our region.
There are four ways for you to contribute:
Complete our survey, either online at Community Climate Action Plans on in-person at Alpine Libraries in Bright, Mount Beauty, and Myrtleford.
Speak to a member of our team in person at a pop-up stall between February and March 2026 (head to our comments for more info 
)
Join a working group to help develop the Plan specific to your community!
Pin your ideas on the virtual map we've created on Engage Alpine to highlight your location-based concerns, suggestions, and ideas.
We want to hear from everyone who lives, works, or spends time in Alpine - no matter your age, background, or knowledge of climate change.
Ready to help create a sustainable, resilient Alpine Shire? 
Head to Engage Alpine now to learn more:
Our engagement for our Community Climate Action Plans will close on Sunday, 28 June 2026.
We are proud to be contributing to the national transition towards renewable energies in the transport sector by expanding our public electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Alpine Shire.
To do so, we're asking for your help.
While it is easy to create a network based on commercial interest, we want to ensure that our network reflects the ways that we - as residents who drive - use our carparks and parking bays across our towns.
We've put together a map with our existing Council-owned carparks and parking bays, and we're asking you to help us identify suitable sites for new public EV chargers.
Our aim is to ensure that all sites are accessible, minimise visual impact, and support fair parking and charger turnover.
Find out more and have your say by visiting Community Electric Vehicle Charging Opportunities
Your window to provide feedback will close on Friday, 6 February 2026.
We're developing our four-year Library Services Plan and we want to know what you want to see in our libraries across Bright, Mount Beauty, and Myrtleford.
Your feedback will help guide how we design programs, collections, and spaces to better serve our community.
You can have your say in-person at any of our three Alpine Libraries or online by visiting Libraries Hub | Community and Business Hubs
The survey will close on Sunday, 8 February 2026.
Each month, community members can book a 15-minute one-on-one chat with Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, and Council CEO, Will Jeremy.
The next sessions are happening:
Friday, 13 February
9am - 10am
Bright Committee Room, Council Office
It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, or discuss a topic that matters to you.
Spots are limited, so make sure you book early to secure your time.
Bookings are open online now at One-on-Ones with the Mayor and CEO.
Our Move and Groove Playgroup is a safe and exciting environment for parents and carers of babies aged 0-18 months.
Together with our qualified facilitators, you can sing songs and read nursery rhymes that will have your baby moving and grooving along.
Move and Groove Playgroup is held in both Bright and Myrtleford on a weekly basis and is free to attend:
Bright | 10am on Mondays at The Pavilion, Pioneer Park
Myrtleford | 10am on Fridays at Myrtleford Library
For more information, contact our Maternal and Child Health team by ringing 0417 957 627 or emailing mch@alpineshire.vic.gov.au
Our School Crossing Supervisors play a vital role in helping children get to and from school safely, but they can’t do it alone. Motorists also have an important part to play in keeping school zones safe for everyone.
A few reminders as the school year begins:
Slow down to the signed speed limit – in most of our school zones, this is 40km/h
Stay alert and watch for all pedestrians (some of them are pretty little!) and remember not to stop too close to the crossing
Stop completely at the stop line - no creeping forward
Wait until the entire crossing is clear, including the School Crossing Supervisor, before driving through
Follow the directions of the School Crossing Supervisor at all times
Do not park your car within 20 metres before or 10 metres after a school crossing point
We hope all students across the Alpine Shire - especially our brand‑new Preps - had a fantastic first week of school for 2026!
We want to be clear about the short-term upgrades to the Skate Park and how they fit into our long-term plans for the future of skating in our region.
Thanks to our partnership with the Bright community skate group, we have developed a good understanding of what's needed right now - and what we should focus on in the future.
Thanks to this partnership and, importantly, a successful grant application from Sport and Recreation Victoria, we’re able to deliver immediate upgrades to the existing skate park while we continue to plan for a larger, purpose-built facility.
But, like with all major projects, this needs funding.
So, we're fixing the important things now so that users can continue to ride safely while we apply for grants that will allow us to make Bright Skate Park a place that reflects what we want skating to look like in Alpine Shire.
A huge thank-you to the community skate group for their input and fundraising efforts, and to Sport and Recreation Victoria for funding these improvements.
We’re excited to deliver these upgrades for our community.
Project signage has been installed at the site, with works scheduled to begin in mid-February. Until then, the skate park will remain open for use.
What's included in the upgrade?
A new concrete ramp to replace the old steel one - safer, quieter, and more user-friendly
Lowered existing skate rails, making them easier to access and safer to learn on
Repairs to rough surfaces and cracks to create a smoother, safer riding area
Improved drainage and erosion controls to help stop dirt and debris coming onto the skate space and creating hazards
Both girls are approximately two years old and are both incredibly affectionate and charming in nature.
We prefer for these sisters to be kept together, so if you have space in your heart (and your home!) for these two charismatic cats, now's the time to get in touch!
Organise a meet and greet with our Local Laws team by emailing info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or calling (03) 5755 0555.
We extend our sincere thank you to the foster family who have taken them in over the past two months. If you are interested in learning more about fostering, please contact our Local Laws team.
Please note that both cats will need to be desexed before they can be rehomed. All applications will be assessed for suitability.
Please remember that a new pet is not for now, but forever.
No holds will be taken over the phone or on social media.
Alpine Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live, and play. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
