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


  • 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

2026 Barry Jarvis Education Scholarship Recipients
29 June 2026

Dorset Council Celebrates 2026 Barry Jarvis Education Scholarship Recipients

Dorset Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Barry Jarvis Education Scholarships, recognising and supporting local students, apprentices, trainees and university students as they pursue their educational and career aspirations.
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Infrastructure Updates 29 June 2026
29 June 2026

Infrastructure Update | 29 June 2026

See what the Infrastructure teams are planning to undertake each week
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Council Office External
23 June 2026

Briefing of Decisions | 22 June 2026 Council Meeting

Briefing of Decisions made at the Council Meeting held on 22 June at the Council Chambers. For further information on any of these items, please contact Acting Mayor Edwina Powell (0438 527 401) or Acting General Manager, Ms Jayne Miller (03 6352 6500).
Read more