Building better, smarter, together - Have your say on Cardinia Shire’s draft Asset Plan

The draft Asset Plan outlines Council’s strategic approach to managing over $2.7 billion in infrastructure assets including:

• 847km of sealed local roads
• 822km of unsealed local and rural roads
• More than 900km of footpath and shared use paths
• Over 295 bridges
• Over 300 community buildings including halls, libraries, child and family centres
• Over 1,000 km of stormwater pipes and 37,000 drainage pits
• More than 130 playgrounds
• More than 150 tennis and netball courts and over 40 sporting grounds
• Street furniture

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik is encouraging the community to have their say on the draft Asset Plan to help inform its direction and overall implementation over the next decade.

“Cardinia Shire is growing rapidly, and our infrastructure must grow with it. With our population expected to reach over 160,000 people by 2035, this Asset Plan outlines how we plan to manage our infrastructure to meet the needs of our community now and into the future.”

“As a growth area, the shire faces the dual challenge of expanding infrastructure while renewing ageing assets. Balancing these priorities is complex, especially as Council often relies on developer contributions and external government support to fund new community infrastructure.” Mayor Kowarzik said.

The draft Asset Plan has utilised technology and data to help prioritise maintenance, renewal, and upgrade scheduling, as well as identify the shire’s infrastructure and funding gaps to help guide Council’s future advocacy efforts.

“We’re taking a strategic approach and are working to embed financial sustainability into every decision we make. That’s why this draft plan has used condition reporting, modelling and forecasting to determine where our money is best invested over the next 10 years, to ensure that we’re delivering reliable, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure for the community,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

Aligning with the Council Plan 2025–2029, Community Vision 2040, and the long-term financial plan, the draft plan has been developed through a deliberative engagement process and has been shaped by initial feedback provided by community panel members and volunteers as part of the wider Council Plan consultation process.

Community consultation is now open and will close on Tuesday 9 September 2025 at 5pm. Council will then review the community feedback before finalising the plan for consideration at the October 2025 Council meeting. 

“We want to hear from you to understand how we can better manage and upgrade our local infrastructure. Your feedback will help shape the work we do over the next decade, so this is your chance to have your say.” Mayor Kowarzik said.

To review Council’s proposed Asset Plan and to provide feedback, visit Council’s Creating Cardinia website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay