We have nine shire councils in our region. We deal with them regularly through various interactions at different levels across the business. Councils were invited to meet with us as well as complete a survey. Members of our Executive Leadership Team carried out interviews with eight councils and received feedback on a range of shared challenges that they face. This feedback was summarised and provided to the Community Panel.Having infrastructure available to support growth demands. Council resources have been prioritised to support the community through the impacts of COVID-19.

  • 70% agreed we deliver the right mix of services at the right level.

  • Councils would like more opportunities to work collaboratively on issues.

  • Councils can see that we have financial limitations on how much we currently contribute to livability.

  • There is more we can do together to improve community health and wellbeing and address climate change.

  • 94% said the relationship with Coliban Water was good to very good.

  • Councils recognise debt and regulated pricing limit our contributions to the community.

Intergenerational debt

Councils recognise the significant challenges in funding capital works in order to meet the growing needs of the region. They would like to collaborate more across our capital works programs and look for funding opportunities for the region together.

Community contributions

It is important to work together to ensure the priority green spaces are available for the community to enjoy. Joint initiatives like drinking fountains and 'Water Sensitive Bendigo' improve liveability.

Protecting against drought

Councils are a valuable stakeholder for the development of our Urban Water Strategy and integrated water management plans. They look to prioritise sustainable water practices that secure the water supply. This also benefits the environment and assets they provide and maintain for the community.

Supporting customers experiencing vulnerability

Councils have been looking to collaborate with us to understand how to maximise the benefits and reach of their own support programs. They are using our program and experience to help develop and refine their own.

  • Some of the relationship has been transactional previously and appreciate that Coliban is now getting the opportunity to provide input.

  • Coliban is a key partner and we work across a number of important initiatives together, including the Water Sensitive Bendigo partnership

  • It’s fantastic that we can engage confidently with the executive team to manage issues or identify future partnership opportunities.

  • We know each other well and have made good progress in matching key people within both of our organisations.

    This is opening up very good discussions about strategic planning, project planning and delivery, growth expectations, joint advocacy.

  • At times I feel Coliban Water is unfairly judged by the community for environmental performance.