Community feedback shapes Future Federation plans
Published on 03 June 2026
Federation Council has considered community feedback from its 'This is Future Federation 26-27' public exhibition at the May Council meeting.
The consultation ran from 17 March to 20 April 2026 to gather feedback on the Draft 2026/27 Operational Plan, Annual Budget, and Long-Term Financial Plan.
Council reached residents through face-to-face sessions, online forms, and 6,400 mailed information flyers. In total, Council engaged with 74 residents at drop-in sessions, hosted 48 people at councillor conversations, received 14 written submissions, and collected over 100 poll responses. Key feedback themes included:
- Infrastructure: Strong demand for fixing potholes, updating roads, and expanding footpaths, street lighting, and gutters. (Continue to focus on the basics)
- Tourism & Economy: Requests for quick action on the Ball Park Caravan Park Corowa and more support for local businesses and tourism and events.
- Flood Management: Concerns about local stormwater systems and finishing the levee works in Urana.
- Finances: Calls from ratepayers for Council to find further operational savings and focus strictly on core services.
At its meeting on 19 May, in consideration of specific funding requests, Council voted not to fund Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism (YMT) the request of $25,000 annually for three years, and not to pursue funding a business case to investigate a council demerger. Council considers these decisions keep Council financially responsible and ensure fair service delivery across the region. Council also noted 23 internal operational adjustments to keep projects aligned with available budgets.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook thanked the community for getting involved.
“Council is incredibly grateful to every community member who took the time to meet with us at our local bakeries, drop into our offices, or hop online to share their views,” Mayor Cook said.
“Your feedback provides us with an invaluable roadmap. Hearing firsthand that our residents want us to focus firmly on the core pillars of local government - our roads, rates, rubbish, and vital infrastructure gives us a clear mandate as we further consider the final plans.”
Councillors will use the full engagement report to make final adjustments. The final documents are scheduled for formal adoption at the June 2026 Council meeting. The complete engagement report is available
here(PDF, 8MB) for viewing.