Sustainability the focus in 2026

THE end of the year is always a time for reflection and as District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston looks back on the past 12 months, she is proud of the hard work council has put in and what that hard work as achieved.

“One of the greatest success stories for 2025 has been the way we’ve strengthened our connection with the community through a series of engagement workshops, ensuring residents have a real voice in shaping the future of our district,” Mayor Boston said.

That community connection has been at the core of everything council has done in 2025 and has seen council able to put some key initiatives in place.

“The development and implementation of the Coastal Adaptation Strategy stand out as a major achievement, positioning us to proactively manage environmental challenges and protect our stunning coastline for generations to come,” she said. “These initiatives, combined with significant infrastructure upgrades and sustainability projects, reflect our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.”

That Coastal Adaptation Strategy was certainly a key achievement for 2025, as was the introduction of the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) program.

“These initiatives are critical because they tackle two of the most pressing issues for our region; climate resilience and sustainable waste management,” Mayor Boston said. “By taking a proactive approach, we’ve not only safeguarded our natural assets but also demonstrated leadership in environmental stewardship.

“Both projects required collaboration, innovation, and strong community engagement, and they set a benchmark for how regional councils can respond to future challenges while protecting what makes our district unique.”

Of course, a council’s work is never done and the to-do list for 2026 is already taking shape.

“We will be working on the Inner Township Master Plan, along with renewing the Port MacDonnell and Coastal & River Master Plans, ensuring these projects reflect community needs and future growth,” Mayor Boston said. “At the same time, we’ll maintain a strong focus on council core business, delivering essential services efficiently and effectively.

“These priorities will help us strengthen resilience, support economic development, and enhance liveability for all residents as we continue building a sustainable future for the District Council of Grant.”