Plans, policies, strategies and corporate documents

The purpose of this policy is to improve the effectiveness of Swan Hill Rural City Council’s (Council) communication and engagement with the community.

Council is committed to protecting its assets and resources from any attempt, either by members of the public, contractors, agents, intermediaries or its own employees from dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deceit, bias or dishonest conduct.

The objectives of this Policy are to:

• protect public resources, including information and property,
• protect the integrity, security and reputation of Council, and
• maintain a high level of service to the community consistent with good governance.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Staff Code of Conduct and Councillor Code of Conduct.

This policy sets out Council’s guidelines for the investment of surplus funds.

The purpose of this Policy is to ensure an equitable and consistent approach to leases and licenses which encourages high utilisation rates, diversity of use and supports organisations occupying Council facilities to be sustainable.

Lease and Licence Policy(PDF, 232KB)

The Revenue and Rating Plan establishes the revenue raising framework within which the Council proposes to work.

Fees and charges schedule are assessed annually as part of Council's Budget. This document contains the full list of fees and charges of a statutory and non-statutory nature which will be charged in respect to various goods and services provided during the financial year.

Fees and charges schedule 2025/26(PDF, 973KB)

Our public lease register contains information about the property agreements we have in place for community and commercial tenants occupying Council owned or managed land.

Public lease register (August 2025)(PDF, 30KB)

Housing Strategy

The population study revealed an estimated population of between 7000 in November and 8800 in March each year – far more accurate than the ABS estimate of 3359. Banking information was key to this. Consultants also looked at Lower Murray Water data, and spoke to 13 local service providers. For example, supermarket data showed a grocery spend much higher than you would expect for a town of 3359. This is a critical piece of work. We will use it as we look for a better deal for Robinvale, for health, education, housing, and all kinds of other services. It will also be made available to all Robinvale service providers to seek better outcomes too.

The housing strategy delved a bit deeper into the current situation and possible solutions. It confirmed something we all know – there is no magic bullet to fix the housing problems in Robinvale. But, the document has provided five clear strategies to ease the pressure.

Robinvale Housing Strategy - Final Report(PDF, 16MB)
Robinvale Housing Strategy - Highlights(PDF, 2MB)
Robinvale Population Determination: Briefing Paper(PDF, 2MB)

Census of Population and Housing

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Robinvale Euston Workforce Network, local government, and the wider community have partnered to improve the accuracy of the Census count in Robinvale, Euston and surrounding areas, which have long faced significant undercounts. Through community engagement and research, this collaboration has amplified local voices, identified barriers and enablers to Census participation, and built the foundation for a tailored approach that shares why the Census matters.

Community Voice Report - 2026 Census of Population and Housing(PDF, 1MB)

Our Onsite Wastewater Management Plan has been developed to enable Council to effectively manage the disposal and treatment of Onsite Domestic Wastewater Management Systems (septic tanks) within the municipality, minimise the public health and environmental risks associated with these systems, and provide guidance for future development and installations.

Onsite Wastewater Management Plan(PDF, 1MB)

This policy aims to ensure a consistent approach to the administration of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012.