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

Image Blue Derby 10 Year Anniversary
06 December 2024

Celebrating 10 Years of Blue Derby

The Blue Derby Foundation in conjunction with Dorset Council will be marking a decade of growth as the Blue Derby Mountain Bike trails celebrate its 10-year anniversary on 10 - 12 April 2025. The celebration will involve those who were key in Derby’s creation and are prominent in its future.
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Legerwood Public Toilets Planned Maintenance
06 December 2024

Maintenance | Legerwood Public Toilets

The public toilets will be undergoing planned maintenance from Monday, 16 December to Friday, 20 December 2024.
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Christmas closure 2024
05 December 2024

Christmas Closure

The Dorset Council Offices will be closed from 12 noon – Tuesday, 24 December 2024 until 8.30 am – Monday, 6 January 2025. For emergencies, please contact our after-hours number on 1300 858 824.
Read more