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

Councillor Edwina Powell
06 May 2025

Deputy Mayor Appointed | Councillor Powell

At a Special Meeting of Council held this morning, Councillor Edwina Powell was elected as Dorset Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the current term, being until the end of 2026. Councillor Powell acted in this role earlier in the year while the By-Elections were being undertaken, and we congratulate her on being elected by her peers.
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Vale John Martin
03 May 2025

Vale I Former General Manager - John Martin

It is with sadness that we learn of the passing of our friend and former General Manager, John Martin.
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2025 Elected Council
15 April 2025

Council Meeting | Briefing of Decisions - 14 April 2025

For further information on any of these items, please contact Mayor Rhys Beattie (0409 921 683) or General Manager, Mr John Marik (03 6352 6500).
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