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

2025 Barry Jarvis Education Scholarships Group Photo
09 April 2026

2026 Barry Jarvis Education Scholarships | NOW OPEN

Dorset Council are seeking applications for the Barry Jarvis Education Scholarships. These scholarships have all been named in honour of the late Mayor Barry Jarvis, who was a strong advocate of education in Dorset.
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Road Closure Repairs
07 April 2026

Road Closure | Ferny Hill Road

Motorists are advised that Ferny Hill Road will be closed from 7:00am Monday, 13 April 2026 until 5:00pm Friday, 12 June 2026 to allow for landslip repair works.
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E News
02 April 2026

Latest E-Newsletter | Out Now

The latest Council E-Newsletter is out now. Click on the button below to view online. Not a subscriber? Visit our website and sign up at the bottom of the homepage.
Read more