Planning for the Future of Cavendish and Coleraine

Published on 18 September 2025

Southern Grampians Shire Council endorsed draft Structure Plans for Cavendish and Coleraine at last night’s Council meeting, paving the way for a new chapter in the future of these towns.

The plans provide a clear, 20-year framework to guide land use, housing, infrastructure, environmental resilience, and community development. They are a result of Council’s Small Towns Strategy and have been created in close partnership with residents, with each community’s values and aspirations at the core of the plans.

More than 100 community members attended workshops across the two townships and took part in place-based activities earlier in the year, helping to shape the Place Visions and Action Plans that underpin the draft Structure Plans.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin expressed his support for this collaborative approach.

“The priorities that emerged from our consultation show residents of these close-knit communities want to stay in their towns. They want their towns to realise their full potential and make them safe and enjoyable places to live in every chapter of life,” said Cr Heslin.

“These residents want to be able to raise their children here, safe and happy and when they get older, they want a town with an infrastructure that means they can stay right where they are.”

Some of the priorities emphasised by the communities included clear township boundaries to protect local character and landscapes, support for modest and well-located residential growth, supporting ageing residents that wished to stay in town, diverse housing options, revitalised town centres, main street improvements, strengthening walking and cycling links and the protection of local environmental assets.

There will be two more community drop-in sessions for people to view and discuss the plans, and it is recommended that residents make a special effort to have their say at these gatherings.

For Coleraine, there will be a session on Wednesday 1 October from 4.00-6.00pm at the Karingal Senior Citizens Centre and for Cavendish, there will be a session on Monday 6 October from 4.00-6.00pm in Cavendish Hall.

Embedded in the draft Structure Plans are locally driven visions for each town.

For Cavendish, this message is “A town with a big heart”. This vision is focused on community connection, celebration of Cavendish’s pastoral setting, and exploring opportunities such as a long-term Red Gum Centre to share local stories and landscape.

For Coleraine, the message is “Where time slows and life grows.” This vision is centred on revitalising Whyte Street, the main thoroughfare, celebrating heritage and First Nations stories, and creating a connected “garland of gum leaves” of walkable natural and cultural places.

“The plans are designed not only to guide Council’s planning decisions,” said Cr Heslin, “but to serve as a roadmap for residents, community groups, businesses, and investors working together to strengthen the future of both townships.”

The draft Structure Plans will be available for public exhibition during September and October, providing community the chance to review the drafted visions and share feedback before final plans are considered later in 2025.

To view the plans and have your say, please head to our website or drop into the Brown Street customer service desk.

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