Living in Dorset

Dorset Council provides community services based on the principles of quality, equity, value and responsiveness.

Visiting Dorset

Dorset has a unique blend of wilderness, wildlife, stunning scenery, mining heritage, secluded beaches and world class golf courses.

Contact us

  • Phone (03) 6352 6500
  • Fax (03) 6352 6509
  •  After Hours: 1300 858 824

Business community in Dorset

Dorset Council is focused on providing support to potential investors to facilitate sustainable developments large and small.

Contact us

  • Phone (03) 6352 6500
  • Fax (03) 6352 6509
  • After Hours 1300 858 824
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Dorset's Vision

"an inclusive, thriving and connected community"

Council’s Strategic Plan will assist in driving future prosperity in the Dorset region. The Strategic Plan simply and easily defines what Council will be doing over the 2023 – 2032 term and why these initiatives are important to the municipality. The Strategic Plan centres on four key pillars, including improving the liveability of the community, stimulating economic growth, improving service delivery and reducing Council’s environmental footprint.

Strategic Plan 2023 - 2032


  • Council's rates, fees and charges provide value to the community and are some of the lowest in regional Australia
  • all Council buildings are free of charge to Dorset community groups
  • all recreational facilities are free of charge to Dorset sporting groups
  • entry to Council swimming pools is free of charge

  • Planning approval fees for development of eligible new small businesses and existing larger businesses are discounted by 50%;
  • Renewal of annual food business registration fees are waived for permanent residents; and
  • New small businesses are eligible for a 50% rate remission during their first 12 months of operation.
New Business Investment Assistance Policy

Latest News

Council Office External
26 July 2024

Dorset Board of Inquiry Report | Update

The Commissioner, at a Closed Session Special Meeting of Council on 25 July 2024, considered the Board of Inquiry Report provided to Council by the Minister for Local Government on 4 July 2024.
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SWTS green waste hardstand
25 July 2024

COMMUNITY UPDATE: Waste Transfer Stations Operating Hours Review

Council Officers recently undertook a review of operating hours of Council's Waste Transfer Stations, located at Scottsdale, Branxholm and Gladstone. This review took into consideration a number of factors including consistency of operating hours, work health and safety requirements, demand for service and community feedback.
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Photo 2 5 2024 1 35 08 PM
25 July 2024

Ringarooma Cypress Memorial Tree Avenue | Update

Dorset Council has recently engaged with several interested community members who, after initial consultation made contact with Council with concerns regarding the proposed maintenance of the Avenue. Council is committed to careful and considered management of the trees and how to preserve the avenue’s significance for future generations.
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