Adopted Council Plans, Strategies and Policies

Published on 18 December 2025

Adopted Documents Dec 2025.png

At the Council meeting held on Wednesday 17 December 2025, Hindmarsh Shire Council adopted several plans, strategies and policies. The adopted documents are listed below, as well as links to where they can be accessed.

Sport and Recreation Strategy 2025-2035

The Hindmarsh Shire Council Sport and Recreation Strategy 2025-2035 provides a clear long-term plan to develop and promote sport and recreation within Hindmarsh Shire with the following priorities at the centre of the actions outlined in the strategy:

  • Increase participation in Sport and Recreation
  • Improve Facilities and Open Spaces
  • Support for Clubs and Volunteers
  • Promote equity, diversity and Inclusion
  • Foster partnerships and collaboration

To view this strategy, visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/sport-and-recreation-strategy.

Youth Strategy 2025-2029

The Hindmarsh Shire Council Youth Strategy 2025-2029 provides direction, information, and identifies gaps in youth opportunities and programs for young people, their families and carers, and Council.

Its overarching objectives are to:

  • Ensure that Hindmarsh Shire Council’s processes and spaces welcome, involve and empower young people.
  • Build partnerships with community groups and organisations to expand the potential of youth services.
  • Create a community that is future-safe, ensuring young people have opportunities to live, learn, earn and contribute to their community.
  • Understand and address the systemic and structural barriers to inclusion, participation and representation.
  • Facilitate spaces and events that create opportunities for connection, expression and community.
  • Advocate for young people to be able to access the health, wellbeing and support services that they need.

To view this strategy, visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/youth-strategy.

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

The Domestic Animal Management Plan provides a framework for addressing issues such as registration, microchipping, nuisance complaints, and animal welfare, while promoting responsible pet ownership and community safety. It reflects local demographics, animal ownership trends, and specific challenges faced by the municipality, ensuring strategies are tailored to meet both legislative requirements and community expectations.

To view this plan, visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/domestic-animal-management-plan. 

Volunteers Policy and Code of Conduct

The Volunteers Policy and Code of Conduct identifies the mutual obligations and responsibilities of Hindmarsh Shire Council and Council Volunteers. The policy also aims to:

  • ensure a robust Volunteer program which augments Council’s services and programs.
  • ensure that each Council volunteer has access to the required information when choosing to volunteer with Council and throughout their period of service.
  • ensure that Volunteers are properly inducted to Council.
  • ensure that Volunteers behave in a respectful manner, act with integrity and accountability.

To read this policy, visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/policies.

Amended Youth Council Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference establish the Youth Council as an Advisory Committee and detail roles, responsibilities and functions. Amendments include:

  • Expanding the total number of members;
  • Clarifying the interview process; and
  • Formally changing the age criteria of members from 12 – 24 years to 12 – 18 years of age.

These changes have been made in accordance with outcomes from consultations with the 2024 and 2025 Youth Councillors.

The read these Terms of Reference, visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/youth-councillors.

For more information, please contact Hindmarsh Shire Council on (03) 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer

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