Greater Bendigo City Council adopted the documents on August 17, setting out a vision for the township through to 2041.
The plans aim to guide future land use, building design and public spaces, while supporting housing, investment and improvements to Elmore’s town centre.
Among the key priorities are revitalising the town centre, making it easier to walk and cycle around town, upgrading public spaces and forging stronger links to the Campaspe River.
Elmore Progress Association secretary Crystal Dankers said the adoption provided the town with a clear direction for future growth.
“For a small rural town, having a long-term plan is important to ensure Elmore remains a great place to live, work, visit and invest in,” Ms Dankers said.
The Elmore Progress Association was involved in community consultation during the development of the plans and advocated for improvements supporting residents, businesses and visitors.
“Our focus has been on practical improvements to the town centre, connectivity, community facilities and making the most of Elmore’s existing assets,” Ms Dankers said.
She said community input had been important throughout the process and welcomed changes made in response to local feedback.
“It is important that a plan of this scale reflects local knowledge and the priorities of the people who live and work in Elmore,” she said.
The association identified a vibrant town centre, support for local businesses, improved accessibility and better connections throughout the township as key priorities.
Ms Dankers also welcomed the proposed improvements to walking and cycling connections, public spaces and the Campaspe River.
“These improvements are very important,” she said.
“Better connections between the town centre, community spaces and the Campaspe River would help residents and visitors enjoy more of what Elmore has to offer.”
The Urban Design Framework focuses specifically on the town centre, providing preferred design options for commercial development and public areas.
The Structure Plan also encourages a variety of new housing options within the existing township footprint and supports investment in the commercial precinct, building on strategic work already under way by council.
However, Ms Dankers said the focus now needed to turn towards implementation.
“The important thing now will be ensuring the plan leads to practical outcomes,” she said.
“We would like to see continued consultation with the community as individual projects are developed, along with clear priorities and opportunities for implementation and funding.”
Council's next move is to seek approval from the planning minister to formally progress Planning Scheme Amendment C299gben — the mechanism that would write the Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework's recommendations into the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.
Council also adopted the Former Shire of Huntly Heritage Study, which will be folded into the same planning scheme amendment. Many of the heritage sites earmarked for protection under the study are located within Elmore.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Thomas Prince said the plans had been shaped through community consultation, research and expert advice.
“The finalised documents included several changes in response to community consultation in late 2025 and feedback from landowners, DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), state government departments and city staff,” Cr Prince said.
He also thanked the Elmore Community Reference Group for its involvement throughout the process.
Looking ahead, Ms Dankers said the Progress Association was hopeful the plan would support Elmore's growth without sacrificing the qualities that made the town special.
“By 2041, we hope to see a thriving and connected Elmore that has retained its rural character while continuing to grow and adapt,” she said.
“We would like Elmore to remain a strong community with a vibrant town centre, successful local businesses, quality public spaces and facilities, and opportunities that encourage people to live, visit and invest here.”
