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.

Community

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


  • 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%;
  • New small businesses are eligible for a 50% rate remission during their first 12 months of operation.
New Business Investment Assistance Policy

Latest News

Final Council Meeting Image October 2026
20 October 2026

Council Meeting Briefing of Decisions | 19 October 2026

Briefing of Decisions made at the Council Meeting held on 19 October at the Council Chambers. For further information on any of these items, please contact Mayor Rhys Beattie (0409 921 683) or Acting General Manager, Ms Jayne Miller (03 6352 6500).
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Final Council Meeting Image October 2026
19 October 2026

Dorset Council closes Board of Inquiry response and looks to future

Dorset Council has formally closed its response to the Board of Inquiry, marking the end of a significant period in Council’s recent history and a shift in focus towards the future.
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Ron Rice
16 October 2026

Vale | Former Councillor Ronald “Ron” Rice

We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Councillor Ron Rice.
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