Weekly update - Friday 25 July 2025

Published on 25 July 2025

Download PDF of news for Friday 25 July >(PDF, 2MB)

COUNCIL MEETINGS

The July Council Meeting was held earlier this week (23/07).

The video recording of the meeting can be viewed online at: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/councilmeetings

PRESERVING OUR GRANDSTAND

Thank you to the user groups and the many community members who took the time to provide valuable feedback on the draft Princes Park Grandstand concept designs.

The designs are important – we need them to seek funding from the Federal and State government to preserve the facility and bring it up to contemporary standards.

Based on community feedback, the following changes have been made:

• Separate storage areas have been provided for the AFL club, Netball club, Cricket club, and annual events.
• A community gathering room (including a bar) has been included adjacent to the home team’s changing room.
• A publicly accessible, DDA-compliant toilet with shower has been incorporated near the event storage area.
• A separate meeting room has been included, which will be bookable by user groups.
• The internal corridor has been removed to simplify the layout.

We will now meet with the Grandstand user groups to review the updated designs and once finalised our advocacy efforts can commence.

FLOOD PLANNING

To enhance community safety and resilience, we’re proposing a Planning Scheme Amendment to the State Government.

This will update guidelines so that land use and development includes the latest flood studies, modelling and changing climate conditions.

The amendment seeks to introduce or amend overlays for more than 5600 properties across our Shire, to ensure current and future property owners are provided with accurate information when considering development.

Flood overlay mapping for the townships of Carisbrook and Dunolly have already been implemented as part of amendment C31 in 2021.

Following consent from the Victorian Minister for Planning, the draft Planning Scheme Amendment c44gol will be released for public consultation.

For further information visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/FloodPlan

CARISBROOK FLOOD

The Carisbrook Flood Study Advisory Reference Group appointed by Council earlier this year is hosting a Community Session on Monday 11 August from 2pm to 6:30pm at the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve, 8 McNeil Street.

We are seeking input from the community about the 2022 flood – particularly photos, videos, personal observations, and any known issues with the drainage network in Carisbrook for the new study.

This project will update the flood modelling originally completed in 2013. As part of the current study, the models will be recalibrated using data from the 2011, 2016, and 2022 flood events.

The current study will also apply climate change considerations, mitigation modelling, flood risk and emergency management.

There will be further Community Sessions at each stage of the study, with the project expected to deliver its final report in September 2026.

For further information visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/CariStudy

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

We’d like to thank residents who participated in our 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey.

Results were similar to last year, with notable recognition of the efforts of our parks, waste management and customer service.

While ratings have improved for our sealed local roads compared to the last three annual surveys, state roads remain a particular concern with Ballarat-Maryborough Road the most cited.

We will continue to advocate for improvements to state roads in our Shire.

To view the results visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/Survey2025

RURAL LIVING ZONES

We’re inviting community feedback on the draft Urban Residential Land Opportunity Study (URLO) - a review of our rural living zones to identify new housing potential for our growing population.

The Study is important for us to understand which areas have significant constraints, versus others more suitable for higher density living around Maryborough and Carisbrook by allowing smaller rural lot development.

This document is coupled with our Draft Land Use Framework Plan, looking closely at higher density urban infill and broader industrial land uses across our Shire.

Feedback from the community is invited for both documents from this Monday 28 July and is open until Tuesday 26 August. Visit:

www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/landuseframeworkplan

JOIN THE CLUB

Not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to list their contact details on our new online Community Directory.

Over the coming months, as more and more contact details are added, the directory will make it easy for residents and visitors to engage with our many groups, clubs, services, associations and facilities in our Shire.

Adding a listing is free and will support your group to announce upcoming events, and become visible on the internet.

Plus, it’s easy to get started using our step-by-step guide.

For further information visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/Directory

BEALIBA PROJECT COMPLETED

Work on the restoration of the Annis & George Bills Horse Trough in Bealiba have been completed with the attachment of its distinctive dog bowl and landscaping.

The trough now appears in its original, unpainted pristine condition following meticulous repair by a heritage specialist. The world-famous troughs are sought out by tourists and this restoration project is expected to boost visitation to Bealiba and its surrounding area.

The trough was moved from the corner of Main and Grant streets to the corner of Main and Cochrane streets early this year.

The restoration was funded by the Victorian Government's Tiny Towns Grants Program in partnership with Council.

For further info about the significance of these troughs, visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bills_horse_troughs

ROAD GRADING CALLOUT

Our Roads and Works crew are encouraging additional community advice while working through their regular grading schedule.

Ideal conditions are allowing increased capacity, with Freehold Lane, Bald Hill and Donovans roads completed this week.

For the next two weeks the crew will continue in the Moolort area. Please let us know of any roads needing attention in those surrounds by visiting:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/Report-A-Problem

DUNOLLY FACILITIES

The public toilets at the Rene Fox Memorial Gardens and the Dunolly Town Hall will close next Tuesday for sewerage work.

The repair is expected to take a few days. Alternate facilities are available in the Gordon Gardens Recreation Reserve.