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

Scottsdale Recreation Ground Tree Maintenance Image
29 January 2025

Proposed Tree Maintenance | Scottsdale Recreation Ground

Dorset Council will be undertaking maintenance to the 4 large trees within the Scottsdale Recreation Ground adjacent to the dog park.
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Crowd Post Ceremony
24 January 2025

2025 Dorset Australia Day Awards

On Thursday, 23 January 2025, Council held their annual awards reception to celebrate those within our community who have made a significant contribution to Dorset at the Scottsdale Mechanics Hall.
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Commissioner + Senior Management Team - December 2024 Council Meeting
22 January 2025

Dorset Board of Inquiry Report Released | Commissioner Appointment Concludes

The appointment of Commissioner Wardlaw, which began on August 2, 2023, following the Minister for Local Government's decision to establish a Board of Inquiry into aspects of Dorset Council and suspend all councillors during the inquiry, has come to an end today with the issuance of directions by the Minister and the reinstatement of the Councillors.
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