Striving for a prosperous future

Published on 25 March 2026

Central Goldfields Shire Council has released its 2026 Advocacy package(PDF, 3MB), seeking State Government support for projects and services that will enhance the area’s liveability and prosperity.

Mayor Ben Green said Government investment was needed to repair deteriorating heritage assets, improve transport connections and stimulate growth.

“We’re a small shire facing financial challenges caused by low revenue growth, rate capping and cost shifting by the State Government,” he said.

“We’re custodians of important historic buildings like the outdoor pool, Princes Park Grandstand and the Town Hall.

“The Government should fund these works to ensure fairness and equity.

“There’s $100 billion being spent on ‘Big Build’ projects, mostly in Melbourne, and we’d like a proportionate share of this to fund infrastructure upgrades in Central Goldfields.”

Cr Green said local governments in Australia collect a small slice of total tax revenue, around 3.6%, with the Commonwealth collecting the vast majority (around 79-80%) and states collecting about 17%.

“Central Goldfields Shire is one of the most disadvantaged communities in Victoria, and we believe that policy makers have a responsibility to ensure equity,” he said.

“An example is that we have only two trains a day, despite many people needing to go to Ballarat for work, study and appointments.

“We’ve had more than 200 responses in just over a week to a survey calling for more trains, especially around commuter times.”

The Council launched its Advocacy campaign at Princes Park, where $8 million is being sought to upgrade the heritage-listed grandstand.

Maryborough Football Netball Club president Glen Bardsley said Princes Park has long been the heart of the community and the club's home for 153 years.

“Over this time, it has played a central role not only for the MFNC but for all local sports,” he said.

“It is one of the most visually impressive facilities of its kind, and its historical significance makes it a valuable asset, not just for Maryborough, but for the region.

“However, the facility is now in urgent need of investment to ensure it can be preserved and maintained for all user groups and future generations.”

Cr Green said the Council has begun presenting its Advocacy proposals to Government Ministers and the Opposition.

“We’ll be talking to political parties and local candidates in the lead-up to this year’s State Election, and we hope they’ll support our vision for Central Goldfields to be inspiring, thriving and prosperous,” he said.

The Advocacy document can be found online at www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/advocacy