Unlocking potential in Talbot

Published on 27 March 2024

At a Meeting of Central Goldfields Shire Council last night (26/03), Councillors adopted the Talbot Structure Plan and endorsed the Talbot Futures Sewerage Business Case, following two years of planning and community engagement.

Council also resolved to continue to advocate for funding from both state and federal government to obtain the funding required for delivery of affordable sewerage provision; and work on a planning scheme amendment to implement the adopted Talbot Structure Plan into the Central Goldfields Planning Scheme.

The Talbot Futures project includes two components – a town structure plan including a heritage review (overseen by Council) and investigations into providing a reticulated sewerage scheme for Talbot (overseen by Central Highlands Water).

The purpose of the Talbot Structure Plan is to provide direction around population growth, future housing demand and areas for infill and greenfield development for Talbot upon implementing a reticulated sewerage scheme for the township.

Central Goldfields Shire Paddy Ranges Ward Councillor Chris Meddows-Taylor said the Talbot Futures Project has been the most exciting development for Talbot since the gold rush.

“It’s been wonderful to see our local Talbot community work and plan with Council to ensure Talbot thrives but also retains its unique heritage and character which residents really value.

“We hosted two question and answer sessions during the project, along with lots of opportunities for the community to be involved. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed and helped inform this important work so that it is reflective of the wants and needs of our community.

“Together, thanks to the input from our community, we have not only developed a proposed vision for our future but also a realistic pathway to realise it.

“The Talbot Structure Plan provides us with direction around population growth, future housing demand and areas for infill and greenfield development for Talbot upon the implementation of a reticulated sewerage scheme for the township.

“We as a Council remain committed to our advocacy efforts to obtain the funding needed from State and Federal governments to deliver affordable sewerage provision as detailed in the business case.”

To learn more about the Talbot Futures project and to access a copy of the Talbot Structure Plan and the Talbot Futures Sewerage Scheme Business Case visit www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/talbotfutures