Southern Grampians Shire Council has adopted the 2023-2033 Plan for Nature, with the plan aiming to deliver a shared vision to protect and enhance the local biodiversity and natural values across the Southern Grampians Shire.

Mayor Councillor David Robertson highlighted the importance of the shire's environmental and landscape assets, which are crucial to the local ecosystem and the shire's tourism industry.

“We are very fortunate to be surrounded by an outstanding natural environment here, with the Grampians National Park, the Glenelg and Wannon Rivers and ancient Volcanic plains attracting visitors year -round, and fertile farming land supporting a prosperous economy,” said Cr Robertson. 

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Southern Grampians Shire Council are a step closer towards commencing important CBD redevelopment works with the awarding of a contract for the detailed design of the Hamilton CBD Revitalisation Project. The successful tenderer is Group GSA (GGSA).

Council began a procurement process in August 2023 to develop rational and relevant designs and materials for the Hamilton Central Business District streetscape, open space, and canopy. 

The Hamilton CBD Revitalisation Project will focus on the CBD streetscape between Kennedy and Cox, and French and Lonsdale Streets. Assets to be considered through the redevelopment include cycle paths, footpaths, trees and landscaping, street furniture, lighting, signage, drinking fountains, bicycle storage, and recharging points, among others.  
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr David Robertson said that Council is thrilled to be able to progress work on this exciting project.  

“GGSA demonstrated their understanding of the project brief and scope, strong interest in the project and experience in similar projects, making them the perfect choice for this project,” said Cr Robertson. 

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At the November 2023 Council Meeting, Councillors voted to release the draft masterplan for engagement with the community and key users of the facility.

The Masterplan is a high-level, conceptual plan that has been developed through a public engagement process with the Hamilton Showgrounds Advisory Committee, interviews with user groups, a community survey and consultation with SGSC staff.

The Masterplan includes redevelopment of the site with some key elements providing additional parking, realigned shared facilities, and improved supporting infrastructure.

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Southern Grampians Shire Council celebrated Harmony Day on Tuesday 19 March in front of the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre. 

The event was a beautiful showcase of the increasing cultural diversity of the region and the overwhelming benefit that come along with that.

The event included new residents to the shire who performed music and showed their talents, as well as giving the 60+ strong crowd in attendance the chance to meet one another, learn about different cultures and sample delicious food from around the globe. 

Southern Grampians Shire extremely fortunate to be able to bring community together to celebrate cultural diversity.

The official opening of the rose garden at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens was held on Saturday 16 March. 

Over 200 people gathered to celebrate the new garden, and to hear the words of guest speaker Terry Freeman, Keeper of the Roses at Flemington Racecourse.

The rose garden, with paths and seating, is now complete and looking beautiful, ready for the community and visitors alike to enjoy.

Designed by ex-local Lisa Ellis, the rose garden was a joint project between Council and the Friends of the Hamilton Botanic Gardens, with both parties contributing $50,000.

The rose garden, which was identified in the 2015 Hamilton Botanic Gardens Master Plan, was first recommended in 1881 by William Guilfoyle. Mr Guilfoyle was an English landscape gardener and botanist in Victoria, acknowledged as the architect of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. He was responsible for the design of many parks and gardens in Melbourne and regional Victoria.