Weekly update - Friday 29 May 2026

Published on 29 May 2026

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MAY COUNCIL MEETING

The May Council Meeting was held earlier this week (27/05). The video recording of the meeting can be viewed online: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/councilmeetings

COUNCIL BUDGET

Our 2026-27 Budget was adopted by Council this week. The Budget implements our Financial Plan objective to "balance the books" and responsibly return the Council to the trajectory of long-term financial sustainability.

In line with the state-imposed rate cap, average general rates and municipal charges will increase by 2.75%, which is lower than inflation and doesn't cover rising costs for things like fuel, insurance and construction.

We received a record-breaking 332 written submissions and two petitions on the Draft Budget. We listened closely to your priorities and amended our final plans to maintain core community services.

  • Waste transfer stations: The Bealiba, Dunolly, and Talbot transfer stations have been funded in this Budget. To cover these ongoing operations, waste fees and charges will increase by 10% (up from the initially proposed 7% in the draft budget).
  • Community grants: A reduced allocation of $30,000 has been adopted to support local initiatives.

The Budget includes a $11.85 million capital works program, with 87% of this investment going directly into renewing and upgrading our existing local assets. Projects include:

  • Maryborough Outdoor Pool stage two
  • Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion upgrade
  • The annual road resealing and asphalting program
  • Public convenience upgrades, including automatic toilet locks and barbecue sensors
  • Aerodrome Regional Airport Program, round four.

For more information on the Council Budget 2026-2027 visit www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/budget 

HAVE YOUR SAY: DRAFT PUBLIC LIGHTING STRATEGY

Council is inviting community feedback on the Draft Public Lighting Strategy, which outlines a clearer, more consistent and financially sustainable approach to how street lighting is planned, delivered and maintained across the Shire.

Public lighting plays an important role in supporting safety, accessibility and liveability, and is also a significant ongoing cost for Council.

We want to understand how lighting affects your safety and confidence when travelling after dark, and where improvements are most needed.

The Draft Public Lighting Strategy is open for feedback until 5pm, Friday 19 June 2026.

Complete the survey at: www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/lights

KINDER REGISTRATIONS

Registrations for three‑ and four‑year‑old kindergarten will be open Monday 1 June to Friday 26 June, with one form covering all seven kindergartens across the Shire:

  • T.L. Stone Memorial Kindergarten
  • Dunolly Kindergarten
  • A.G. Leech Kindergarten
  • Goldfields Children’s Centre
  • Talbot Kindergarten
  • Californian Gully Kindergarten
  • Roseberry House Early Learning Centre.

Families are reminded that the registration process is not first‑in, best‑dressed. There is no advantage to registering early in June or late in June - all applications are processed according to the Victorian Government’s priority of access guidelines.

For more information, visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/centralenrolment

STATE ELECTION 2026

Earlier this week, the Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils (GBAC) launched its advocacy platform for the upcoming Victorian State Election.

GBAC is a partnership of six neighbouring councils — including Central Goldfields Shire — working together to push for long‑term investment in regional communities.

One of GBAC’s key messages is that local councils maintain a huge share of Victoria’s road network, yet most funding goes to state‑managed roads. This leaves rural councils carrying major responsibilities with limited resources.

With the State Election approaching in November, GBAC is calling on all parties to commit to long‑term investment that strengthens regional Victoria. These priorities reflect shared challenges across our region — from roads and transport to housing, jobs and digital access.

Central Goldfields Shire is proud to be part of this alliance, working with neighbouring councils to secure the investment our communities need.

You can learn more about GBAC and its priorities at www.gbac.org.au

NEW INDEPENDENT CHAIR APPOINTED

We are pleased to announce that Michelle McLean has been appointed as an Independent Member and Chair of Council's Audit and Risk Committee.

Michelle is the former Chief Commissioner of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), the State’s key regulator of the building and plumbing industries. She has also served as Deputy Chair of the Country Fire Authority (CFA); and she's a board member of LeavePlus, Frontier SI and East Gippsland Water.

Previously, Michelle was managing partner and CEO of independent law firm Cornwalls (previously Cornwall Stodart), and president of the Australian Legal Practice Management Association.

The Audit and Risk Committee serves as an independent advisory body to oversee and strengthen Council’s governance, risk management, and financial integrity.

CURRENT STAFF REPLACEMENTS

Ready for your next career move? Explore our current staff replacement opportunities and apply today:

  • Manager Governance and Risk
  • Immunisation Nurse

To find out more and to apply visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/careers

 

 

 

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