A seed of doubt has been planted in Maryborough Community Garden's future despite finding a new home, but not a forever home, behind Maryborough's Mill House.

During September's council meeting, Central Goldfields Shire Council voted to allow Maryborough Community Garden to move to a derelict council-owned block.

According to the motion, the community group has made clear that the disused site at the rear of 53 Burns Street, commonly known as the MKM site, was their preferred choice.

An alternative option at California Gully was explored by council but was considered "unsuitable" by the group.

The MKM site's higher visibility, better access, and more effective community partnerships with nearby organisations like Mill House were all cited as benefits of the site.

Maryborough Community Garden has been stuck in limbo since 2023 when they had to move from the rear of Mill House to the yard of one of their members.

They've been working with council in the years since to find a more permanent solution.

"It's essential that we find a new place because we're all older and we're running out of energy — we hope this is the last time we move," Maryborough Community Garden's Margaret Parsons said at the time.

However, celebrations weren't forthcoming, with a theme of uncertainty underscoring many councillor's comments.

That's because the resolution came with caveats that could see the community group moved in years to come.

Despite being offered a long-term lease of nine years, subject to planning approval, the community group could be moved on with six months notice if council decides a project of "higher community benefit" should go on the site.

It meant that councillor Ben Green, although in agreement with the overall concept, disagreed with the wording of the motion.

"Higher community benefit is a very subjective aim, it's a noble aim, but it's subjective. It's just too vague for me to agree to at this current stage," he said.

Joining him in voting against was mayor Grace La Vella, who believed the decision "may expose council to unintended consequences" despite legal advice having already been sought by council.

"It is essential that our decisions are legally sound, strategically aligned, and reflective of our duty to act in the best interests of the community as a whole," she said.

Despite their concerns, the other five councillors voted in favour, passing the motion.

Amongst them was councillor Liesbeth Long, who emphasised that the Maryborough Community Garden needed to understand the move may not be forever.

"It's a very prime piece of land that council owns and there may be better uses for that," she said.

However, Cr Long also said she'd seen community gardens in Europe that were almost "utopian" for their communities.

"Just to see these families at night tending to their veggies, it was just amazing, and I thought how wonderful would that be if a derelict piece of land at the moment be turned into something like that," she said.

That's the vision that councillor Gerard Murphy seemed to see in the site which, he said, hasn't been used in over 20 years.

"The Maryborough Community Garden will maintain the upkeep of the site and provide a garden for the whole community to be proud of," he said.

It's a level of care, councillor Geoff Bartlett said, council hasn't given the land.

"We as a council actually haven't maintained it in a spick and span manner," he said.

"It's been an eyesore for years."

Cr Murphy said the project was a chance for councillors to "make a difference".

"A councillor is elected by the community, for the community, to support the community," he said.

"If we don't do it, when do we do it? When do we do things like this for the community?"

The Pyrenees Shire Council is about to update its Economic Development Strategy and is seeking expressions of interest from business community thought leaders to help council identify priority economic development actions.

The industry representatives will form an ETF to assist in developing an industry-focused plan to unlock the potential for business growth and investment in the Pyrenees Shire.

The strategy will identify opportunities to grow the shire's economy with a focus on, but not exclusively to, the key sectors of agriculture, construction, manufacturing (wine), tourism and emerging industries.

The new Economic Development Strategy will include an action plan for priority actions to be delivered by council.

Industry leaders appointed to the ETF will share their knowledge and experience to help identify these priorities.

If you have a passion to see the Pyrenees Shire economy thrive, visit pyrenees.vic.gov.au/economictaskforce to find out more and apply.

Expressions of interest close on Monday, October 6, 2025, at midday.

A collection of St Arnaud artist Kyle Torney's pieces are on display in an exhibition called 'Pastoral and Portraits'.

The exhibition, which runs until September 29, includes a mix of narrative portraiture and works that reflect aspects of the Pyrenees landscape.

Although a mix of styles, from renaissance-inspired portraits to local produce celebrated on canvas, the works come together to paint a picture of Mr Torney's skill and diverse interests.

The 10 original works, commissioned for the Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal Project, have since been donated to councils along the Murray Basin Railway Network.

"We went through the design process and I wanted to showcase the produce that comes from the region and shed a little bit of light on the importance of farmers in our region," Mr Torney said last year.

"It's obviously really special to have this opportunity so that more people get to see it and appreciate the freight and the farmers that make it possible — it is wonderful to have my kids see it."

Pyrenees Shire Council CEO Jim Nolan said the shire was the proud recipient of three artworks.

"These stunning works wonderfully reflect our farming community and agriculture, and we are pleased to partner with the Avoca Arts and Garden Group at Gallery 127 to host the works," he said.

Although this is a view-only exhibition, the gallery's many other works, covering a diversity of colour and mediums, are available for purchase.

The gallery is open Friday to Monday from 11 am to 4 pm.

The shire's Australian Services Union (ASU) members voted in favour of low-level industrial action this month to raise community awareness.

Local residents may see council staff distributing flyers, writing on council vehicles, speaking to the media, and talking to parents at Goldfields Family Centre and the Maryborough Library.

However, the actions may escalate including potential stop works and other disruptive industrial action affecting residents.

ASU deputy branch secretary Zoe Edwards said this was dependent on council's willingness to make a "reasonable offer" after nine months of bargaining.

"In a matter of weeks we'll be escalating the industrial action if the council don't come to the table," she said.

The ASU is calling for a minimum payment of $55 per week or three percent wage increase.

The previous enterprise agreement, Ms Edwards said, saw wages increase by 1.5 percent.

"The last enterprise agreement had such appallingly low wage rates they've gone backwards in real terms when you think about the cost of living increases over that period," she said.

"The workers ... are asking for a very modest increase just to pay their bills."

The union said council claims the pay rise will cost them an additional $100,000 a year.

However, considering council budgeted over $13 million for wages and salaries in 2025/26, Ms Edwards said the increase seemed insignificant.

"That is small change in the council's budget that will make a real difference to the low paid workers who work at council," Ms Edwards said.

The ongoing bargaining continues over a year after the ASU proposed a new, multi-employer agreement covering the Central Goldfields and Ararat councils.

The agreement, backed by a majority of staff, would see them able to collectively bargain for better conditions, including wages, with the exception of the CEO.

Despite the support of staff, and Ararat council's consent, Central Goldfields Shire Council disputed the agreement at both the Fair Work Commission and Federal Court — losing both.

Now, Ms Edwards said, they've had to take protected industrial action because council have been so difficult to bargain with.

"The council have been incredibly aggressive towards its workers," she said.

"We think it's really disappointing that the council has chosen to pay its lawyers rather than pay its workers a fair wage increase."

Central Goldfields Shire CEO Peter Harriott viewed the negotiations differently.

"We have been negotiating in good faith for nine months and made a fair offer for all staff that's in line with CPI and the rate cap," he said.

"This agreement has been complicated because it's a joint agreement with Ararat, different staff groups and various unions, which is new for us and the local government sector."

However, because negotiations are now with the Fair Work Commission, he would not comment further "until the matter is resolved".

The ASU and Central Goldfields will return to the Fair Work Commission this Wednesday, September 24, for a hearing to address the outstanding issues — primarily wages.

ASU encouraged locals to contact the shire's councillors to make their voice heard.

"Community pressure matters. It's the things that council is responsive to," Ms Edwards said.

MP for Western Victoria Bev McArthur stopped in Maryborough this week, as part of a trip across the region to hear concerns about the issues affecting residents, including the potential Maryborough VicRoads closure.

Ms McArthur met with Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) and members of the community on Wednesday to discuss what currently matters most to them.

Notably, the ESVF, current drought conditions, road conditions and declining volunteer numbers have been flagged with Ms McArthur as issues across the district.

She said many of these issues are a result of the Victorian Government "cost shifting".

"I think they're particularly concerned, like all councils are, about the cost shifting that is going on, it just means there is less and less to spend on the things that are needed," she said.

A key example of this, was the future uncertainty of Maryborough VicRoads, an issue Ms McArthur put to state parliament last month.

"For years, the CGSC has successfully operated the VicRoads office in Maryborough on behalf of the state. Until July this year, VicRoads covered staff wages and on-costs and contributed to rent and overheads, but under a new funding model VicRoads will now only pay a transaction fee, well below the actual cost of running the service," Ms McArthur said.

"This leaves the small council with an impossible choice, either subsidise a core state responsibility out of ratepayers pockets or be blamed for cuts to services the community relies on."

While the office remains open, its longevity is still undetermined, raising concerns about access to future licensing and vehicle services.

Ms McArthur said she has been contacted by many residents about the matter, which prompted her to raise the issue in the parliamentary sitting.

"I've been written to by numerous people about this, and this is a significant issue, because when a rural community and a town starts losing its services... then the town starts dying," she said.

"If VicRoads go, that's just another nail in the coffin for this local municipality. People are going to have to travel long distances to get the same services they were getting here in Maryborough. That's wrong.

"How much is it going to cost their ratepayers in the extra travel? If you've got a vehicle that needs re-registering, what are you going to do? How are you going to drive it to Ballarat or Bendigo, when it may not be roadworthy... I know a previous CEO seemed to endorse this proposal."

A public community information session regarding the loss or reduction of services at Maryborough VicRoads will be taking place, with the community able to ask questions and voice their concerns.

Victorian MPs and council staff have been invited to attend the meeting to answer questions and hear concerns from locals.

The meeting has been organised by local driving instructor David Hendrickson, with community members encouraged to have their say on the matter.

"This will be a public meeting that we encourage local community members to attend regarding the potential closure of our VicRoads branch," he said.

"This meeting will aim to provide updates, where people can ask questions and have them answered."

The session will take place in the theatre at Maryborough Eduction Centre on Monday, September 29 at 7 pm.

Mayor Don Henderson said there are many benefits of pet ownership for community health and wellbeing.

"This is not just about enforcement, but registration and easy identification can be a way of reuniting pets with their owners," he said.

"We know how important pets are to our residents, which is why responsible pet ownership is a priority. If not managed properly, nuisance animals can negatively impact our community, environment, and farming sector."

The new plan will outline a range of actions and initiatives to support responsible pet ownership, including pet welfare, registration, dog attacks, cat curfew, and nuisance complaints.

"We're particularly interested in your views on animal management services, concerns about dogs or cats, experiences with dog aggression or attacks, and pet registration," Cr Henderson said.

"Since the last DAMP, and in response to community feedback, we've introduced measures like a cat curfew and stronger enforcement for dog attacks."

Following the feedback period, the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025–2029 will be released for public exhibition in October 2025.

Submissions close on Friday, September 26. Community members can complete the survey online at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/DAMP or visit one of council's libraries or customer service centres.

The latest event invites residents looking for energy solutions to attend a Sustainable House Day, hosted by the Goldfields Sustainability Group, on September 21 from 11 am to 2 pm.

Two homes will be open for the event — one newly built to take advantage of sustainable energy, while the other is an older building retrofitted for greater efficiency and comfort.

The event is the latest in a collaborative project between Central Goldfields, the City of Greater Bendigo, Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Pyrenees councils aiming to provide practical skills and advice for homeowners and renters.

Goldfields Sustainability Group and Mill House Neighbourhood House are local partners supporting the shire's events.

It's that practical advice Central Goldfields Shire deputy mayor Ben Green said was the success of the program.

"Our older houses simply weren't built for the appliances and climate conditions we're experiencing today," he said.

"What our community is learning from this program is that something as simple as draught-proofing your home or adding more insulation can save you thousands of dollars in energy costs."

Cr Green encourages locals to make manageable incremental changes helping the environment through reducing consumption but also their own bottom line.

"Convenience and comfort is all about me, we don't think about others, there's sort of an obsession of comfort for ourselves," he said.

From closing or opening doors, using the heater or air conditioner more efficiently, or using more efficient appliances – there are many options for energy conscious locals.

"You don't have to adopt everything it might just be a few things that suit you," he said.

"Just make that little bit more effort."

Central Goldfields Shire councillor Liesbeth Long for two decades has been focused on sustainability.

Having lived both in the country and the city Cr Long was an early solar panel adopter having since put them on her home and shearing shed.

"Why not get it and do my bit for the environment. I've always been very conscious of us and the things we use up, it's not sustainable, that's started to come out very clearly now," she said.

"I've got two granddaughters. What are we leaving for the next generation?"

Beyond the environmental, however, Cr Long reminded locals there are opportunities to save on bills through small changes residents can make.

"Coming along to things like this you're not obligated to do anything, but it gives you information, and knowledge is power," she said.

"You've got nothing to lose."

According to Central Goldfields Shire Council, since May there have been 90 attendees at in-person sessions across the shire and over 750 registrations for lunch and learn webinars attended across the Central Victorian region.

An EnergyWise Q&A session will be held at the Maryborough Library on October 8.

Lucinda Flynn from Going Green Solutions, a company focused on home energy efficiency and sustainability training, will answer local energy efficiency questions.

"Improving the energy efficiency of your home does not have to cost you a fortune, and many low-cost measures can save those who rent just as much," she said.

"Simple things like window coverings or only heating the rooms you are using really add up over a few months of energy billing cycles.

"It's a big help to learn what opportunities and challenges exist locally from residents who have recently undertaken energy efficiency measures in their homes."

For registration links and further information about the program, visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic. gov.au/EmPower

You can also register by calling council's Customer Service team on 5461-0610.

Video recordings of the 'lunch and learn' webinar series, plus many other helpful resources can be found at: www.cgca.org.au/resources

While vehicle lovers are fractioned into their own clubs to rally and show off their valuable cars, Maryborough District Historic Vehicle Club (MDHVC), Dunolly Historic Vehicle Club (DHVC) and Pyrenees Historic Vehicle Club (PHV) are adamant they are united by their interests and support for each other.

But this time, they share major concerns for each of their futures, after members were made aware Maryborough's VicRoads could be unable to continue since changes to their funding model earlier this year, with Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) declaring it would be unable to afford services.

Their cars are registered under the Club Permit Scheme (CPS), over 25 years old and part of a VicRoads approved club.

They must be overseen by a VicRoads centre, in return for the required logbook, cheaper registration and brown plates.

These heritage clubs are fundamental in preserving vehicles of unique engineering, design and social history, keeping alive tangible relics of Australia's automotive past.

But each of the clubs have numerous worries, from the impact of service moving online, to not being available at all.

DHV secretary Thea Hillier fears between the three clubs, there are an estimated five to six hundred people who could be impacted.

"What we are jumping up and down about, from a club perspective is we have got 500 plus members all of reasonable age, some of which don't have computers," she said.

"The arduous task of that is when you get a renewal, you have to then take it to a scrutineer in their club, who signs it off. That document then has to go to the VicRoads office here. It's paid, it's done, and everyone is happy.

"But if it closes, that means these people, who don't have skills with computers, will have to print their plate registration, still have to get it signed off, scanned, and handed in, but it won't be an instant thing, it will still mean that someone at the other end will then download it, it's all the rigmarole they may have."

MDHVC president Peter Gray fears with a loss of VicRoads services in Maryborough, the clubs will see a major collapse in future registrations.

"Clubs all around are having trouble trying to get younger members. We are, sadly, losing members due to age. I would say, a lot of them will back out of registering their cars. That will be the sad part of it. Or they will go to clubs in Ballarat," he said.

DHVC president Malcolm Hillier agrees.

"Once a club member wants to join a club, and fulfils all of the requirements, they have to get a road worthy for that vehicle. They have to bring it to a scrutineer, which I'm a scrutineer for this club, and then it has to be filled out and brought to a VicRoads office. The initial process, for a first time member, is still a lengthy in person procedure," he said.

Each club said they question if the shire is aware of the clubs' reliance on these services.

"We don't know if council understands. In recent times, I have had to explain it to one of the councillors because they weren't aware of what this scheme was about," Ms Hillier said.

They agree the clubs have a significant social element, with involvement in local community events and fundraisers where attendees share memories, knowledge and interest.

Angst has surfaced over the loss of this aspect.

"Working in aged care, I know the social aspect is a big part of what we do. A lot of my clients, I take them around to these events. As soon as they see these old cars, they come alive," Mr Gray said.

"It will be sad, we have great fun on our outings. It is great to see the old cars out there. A lot of them will sell them, I would imagine."

PHVC secretary Margaret Pilgrim agrees, witnessing the same in her club.

"We aim to encourage social activities, fellowships with other clubs and to support like minded organisations. It's the preservation of our history. That is a huge thing. If you go back into the years of Holden vs Ford, that was a huge element of Australia's history," she said.

"We have lost that, but the CPS program has enabled vehicles that have been sitting in a shed for 50 years, maybe 100 years, to be restored, preserved, shown and enjoyed. If the CPS was abolished, they would go back into the shed and would never be seen again.

"While they are out and actually motoring around, the social aspect, the wellbeing and camaraderie between clubs is there. This club visits that club and they are welcome. They go to the pub or put on a barbecue, that social interaction is massive. That is an offshoot of it."

Last Thursday, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett wrote directly to CGSC CEO Peter Harriot expressing serious concerns for local residents.

"I understand that VicRoads has proposed to transition the Maryborough agency to a different funding model, which every other agency in the state has been operating under since 2022, and that council is currently reviewing this model," she said.

"I understand that the Maryborough agency currently returns a profit to council. Whilst I appreciate council's desire to maintain this revenue stream, I would also urge you to consider the implications of council not providing these services to our community.

"This decision rests entirely with council, neither VicRoads nor the Victorian Government can force council to continue providing this service if it chooses not to."

Ms Haylett has urged the shire to engage in further discussions with VicRoads to find a solution that can see the agency retained.

At its August meeting, councillor Megan Phelan put forward a motion to refuse to grant a planning permit on the following grounds:

• It is inconsistent with the Municipal Planning Strategy as the proposed location within a small rural town cannot provide access to support services

• It is inconsistent with the Planning Policy Framework to have housing in an area with limited access to jobs, transport and services

• The application has not considered its significant social effects in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987

Pyrenees Shire mayor Tanya Kehoe said council wanted to provide the best way forward for its Avoca community and vulnerable populations who deserve better access to social service support systems, job opportunities and long-term housing.

"We acknowledge there has been significant interest in this planning application," she said.

"Council met with submitters to this proposal and other interested parties on Monday, August 11 in Avoca to discuss this application.

"However, it must be made clear council is limited in its ability to decide on this application by the Pyrenees Planning Scheme, which does not provide for planning decisions such as these to be determined by the social issues raised by some of the objectors."

The permit applicant can appeal council's decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The Australian Services Union (ASU) and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation met with Central Goldfields and Ararat Rural City councils late last month to further discuss a multi-employer agreement covering both councils, which would be a first for the sector.

Ararat has a wage offer of four percent, 3.5 percent, 3.5 percent or a flat dollar increase of $55 in the first year, $50 thereafter.

According to the ASU however, the Central Goldfields have dug their heels in at three percent per year with no flat dollar increase, after staff received a below sector average increase of 1.5 percent in their last enterprise agreement.

The ASU have also claimed Central Goldfields have reneged on previously agreed items such as addressing sick leave inequities and improving the entitlement for childcare educators in their first year of work.

Local council staff met last week to consider protected industrial action in a push to increase the full-time wage of council's lowest paid workers, which currently sits at an average $65,000 per year.

"Workers at Central Goldfields Shire have voted to take part in multi-employer bargaining, and they deserve respect from council management in their fight for better wages and conditions," ASU secretary Tash Wark said.

"For council to step back from previously agreed conditions is a betrayal of their employees, and the fact workers are considering industrial action for the first time in memory speaks volumes to the sense of disillusion and anger at Central Goldfields Shire.

"It is a vindictive and retrograde effort by the council's management."

While declining to comment broadly on the issue, Central Goldfields Shire Council CEO Peter Harriott said enterprise agreement negotiations are continuing.

"We've got a position on a range of matters and this disagreement is typical of enterprise agreement negotiations — we're working our way through it," he said.

"These negotiations are complicated because it's a joint agreement with Ararat, Central Goldfields, staff groups and various unions which is new to us and new to the industry.

"Yes, we've got some differences, but I'm sure in time — and I'd prefer that be sooner rather than later — we'll resolve these matters and move on.

"I think there needs to be some understanding that there are differences between municipalities — we here in Central Goldfields are taking a deliberate stance to put the place back into a financially sustainable environment."

A multi-employer agreement was proposed by the ASU well over 12 months ago, with the Central Goldfields Shire Council contesting the agreement before a full bench of the Fair Work Commission.

Later, the matter was also heard in the Federal Court — with both rejecting council's arguments that an enterprise agreement was contrary to the public interest, dismissing the appeal.

The Draft Council Plan 2025-2029 provides a strategic roadmap for the current council's term in local government.

The officer's report presented in the August council meeting said the plan was informed by community and staff engagement, including a community panel process, formal input from the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA), and a preliminary assessment on how policies, pro-grams or services may impact people of different genders.

It is also the first council plan to incorporate council's Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan putting the community's health and wellbeing "at its core", the report read.

The 10 year Draft Financial Plan and Draft Asset Plan, which are reviewed each year, are also available for feedback.

Councillor Gerard Murphy said it was important the community gave feedback on the draft plans, particularly in-person, to help tweak them to the community's needs.

"Coming here and giving feedback personally, sometimes it might be hard, but to us the councillors it's very important," he said.

"We get your emotions, we get what you're really saying, not just what's in the letter."

It's a sentiment which was echoed by councillor Jake Meyer.

"The more feedback we get from the community the better this is for us," he said.

"I'd like to see many ... give us feedback so we can tweak the things we need to tweak and we can all move forward as a community."

Residents can view the documents and provide feedback by visiting www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au or email mail@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au

They are also available to view at the Customer Service Centre at 22 Nolan Street and the Maryborough Library.

Feedback is invited until 5 pm, Sunday, September 21.

Any person who provides written feedback on the draft council plan may be heard by council on Wednesday, October 1.

A final draft, informed by all feedback, will be considered at the

During the August council meeting residents may have noticed all councillors were able to speak on the draft plans through to the VicRoads petition — but this wasn't always the case.

Previously only a handful of councillors could speak to a motion, even if others wanted to, which councillor Gerard Murphy challenged in an argument with mayor Grace La Vella in the June meeting.

Last month's council meeting was the first time this disagreement seems to have been publically resolved in the months since.

Central Goldfields Shire CEO Peter Harriott said the argument was due to an "anomaly" later identified in an ongoing review of all council's major strategic documents.

"In the review we have found that there are some anomalies within the governance rules that just need to be corrected and readopted," he said.

"I've got no problems saying that because ... the sooner you find them the better you are because you can make some corrections and get it back to best practice standard as soon as possible. That helps everybody."

The anomaly that's previously restricted councillors ability to speak was the procedure for moving any motion or amendment.

Section 27.5 of the governance rules says: if no councillor indicates opposition and the mover has no desire to speak to it, the [council meeting's] chair may declare the motion or amendment carried without discussion.

"That was the mayor's interpretation in June and in some ways that was correct because there was no opposition to the motion. Now this is not an unusual clause in governance rules and it's there to promote efficiency in the meeting," he said.

However, the anomaly is a contradictory next clause, with 27.6 saying a councillor can address the meeting if they "desire to speak" to a motion.

"I can understand the confusion or the different interpretation that was applied in the June meeting and both the mayor and the councillor were correct because they both had abilities under the governance rules," he said.

Cr La Vella, as the meeting's chair, ultimately had final say.

"I have no problems with the governance surrounding that section of the meeting and the way that was run but it needs to be improved and clarified for future meetings," he said.

"They should be more black and white in their direction ... that doesn't always happen."

Mr Harriott expects new governance rules, which he said will be up-to-standard and best practice, to be considered by council in the next six months.

"There's degrees of urgency for changing things. What I've identified in the governance rules at this stage are not requiring immediate change but that gives us time to give it more of a comprehensive review and not just deal with issues one at a time."

The comprehensive survey asks a wide range of questions including satisfaction with collection frequency and reliability, transfer station use, how full bins are on collection days, recycling information needs and a new Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service.

Pyrenees Shire CEO Jim Nolan said waste and recycling collection is one of council's most valued services, and it is important to ensure it is meeting the community's needs.

"Our latest Community Satisfaction Survey highlighted that waste services is a very high priority for our residents," Mr Nolan said.

"With the upcoming introduction of FOGO, and an increasing need to reduce our waste to landfill, we want to review our service and make sure it is operating as efficiently as possible.

"I would encourage residents to fill out the survey so we can provide the best and most cost-effective waste and recycling service."

By July 2027, council must provide a four-bin kerbside collection system, adding an extra FOGO bin to the current landfill, recycling and glass bins under Victorian Government regulations.

Food organics include fruits, vegetables, food scraps, bones, meat, dairy products, grains, breads, pasta and rice. Garden organics consist of garden clippings, dried leaves, weed and grass.

One option under consideration for a four-bin kerbside collection service is:

• Landfill — 240 litre bins collected every three weeks (changed from weekly 120 litre bins in Avoca and Beaufort and fortnightly 240 litre bins in other areas)

• Recycling — 240 litre bins collected fortnightly (no change)

• Glass — 120 litre bins collected every eight weeks (changed from four weeks)

• FOGO — 240 litre bins collected fortnightly (new service which includes changing the four-weekly green waste collections in Avoca and Beaufort)

This four-bin kerbside system option will limit an increase on the yearly waste and recycling charge included on council's rate notices.

This is opposed to a $150-$200 first year increase to only add the FOGO bins.

Other factors considered in a four-bin kerbside system — highlighted by data collected from bin collection trucks and kerbside bin audits on the current service — include:

• On average, around 30-40 percent of a landfill bin is FOGO material

• On average, landfill bins are only 65 percent full

• Only 25 percent of glass bins are put out for collection on their collection days

• On average, glass bins are below 30 percent full

• The Container Deposit Scheme has greatly reduced glass containers in the glass bin

• The average household has a contamination rate of 23 percent in its recycling

"This data shows us that we can make some effective changes to our waste collection, and we want our community to help us work out the best possible way to provide this valuable service," Mr Nolan said.

The survey can be conducted at pyrenees.vic.gov.au/Residents/Engage, with any residents who fill out the survey to go in the running for six $50 gift vouchers.

At the August council meeting, councillors unanimously voted in favour of the motion to advocate to VicRoads and the State Government to retain services in Maryborough.

Uncertainty has emerged over VicRoad's agency in Maryborough being able to continue since changes to their funding model in July.

VicRoads previously reimbursed council for all costs of operation, but has since used a transaction-based model, CGSC fears this will significantly reduce the revenue it receives.

Following much community outcry, an online petition was put to the shire for consideration.

The petition contained 1397 signatures when put to council, but has since amassed over 2000.

An organised gathering was also held outside Maryborough Town Hall prior to the meeting on Wednesday night with locals continuing to gather signatures.

Many other community members attended the meeting with various concerns.

Local real estate agent David Graham said people notice Mary-borough is a small town that "has got everything" but won't if VicRoads is lost.

"I see it as an essential service for the community. I can see the flow on effect. People were coming into Maryborough to use the service and then do shopping and other things," he said.

"As a real estate agent, I see both sides of it. It is essential for the people who live here and a town of this size. It is not just about people who get their licences, it is bigger than that."

An overflowing gallery attended the meeting spanning multiple generations, often applauding councillor's stances as they voiced their concerns on the matter.

Councillor Gerard Murphy said now council has been handed the petition, it can be furthered as part of the shire's advocacy.

"I understand the petition has now over 2000 names. As councillor, I will do all in my power to keep a VicRoads office here as it is now," he said.

"We can take that to the State Government, take it to VicRoads, and advocate.

"It is a big deal for the Central Goldfields Shire's community to find this funding."

Councillor Geoff Bartlett acknow-ledged the privatisation deal in 2022.

"As we know, this issue is causing much angst in this community, and the community rightfully deserve to know what has brought this on from VicRoads, their owners, the private consortium made up of Aware Super, the Australian Retirement Trust and Macquarie Asset Management," he said.

"We as a community need to join together, and fight this as much as we can."

Maryborough has the only VicRoads office of its type in the state, representing a partnership between the council and VicRoads.

Maryborough VicRoads down-graded the status of its office last year from a Rural Customer Service Centre to an agency. No other VicRoads agency in the state provides driver licence testing or full vehicle inspections.

The funding model intends to bring Maryborough VicRoads inline with the rest of Victoria.

Changing to the fee-for-transaction model is estimated to cost council a significant amount in staff wages, rent and overheads.

Councillor Jake Meyer expressed concerns for members of the community who use these services, including younger members of the community yet to learn to drive.

"The kids are going to lose where they learn to drive. Our kids are going to lose an asset. If we lose this now... it is going to be so hard to get this back in our shire," he said.

"This doesn't just affect us. This is going to affect other's lives. Driving schools, our kids, our lives, our future, even the police force. Where are they supposed to hand their number plates in? Bendigo or Ballarat? You will have to drive even further with a defected car to go and get it checked."

Local driving instructor and petition organiser David Hendrick-son acknowledged council showing support.

"We had a gathering to show support to the shire. Tonight's meeting proved they were doing the right thing. It was heart and soul," he said.

Mr Harriott commenced the role in July this year, after previously serving as the CEO for Wattle Range Council, followed by Greater Shepparton City Council.

What drew you to the Central Goldfields Shire?

In my long career in local government, mostly it has been rural and regional. Central Victoria is 'me'. Born and bred in Bendigo, I know the area.

This job came up and I thought 'yep, that has got some nice things about it'. It's appealing in a personal challenge point of view, because councils are rated in relation to their annual customer satisfaction survey results. We need to turn our's around.

All councils are financially constrained at the moment, that is a major challenge. I am interested to come here and try and sort that out.

The challenges are what interest me coming into the role.

What experience in local government do you hope to bring to this role?

I ensure that wherever I have gone, I have values of leadership, integrity, respect, innovation and team work. If we put all of those together, generally the performance of the organisation is pretty good. I bring some experience from unique projects I have worked on, whether that was the Shepparton Art Museum, or sewering the town of Beachport in South Australia. We have got a long term project in Talbot where people would like to see a sewer, and I have actually sewered a town that size.

In Shepparton, I launched the concept of the Commonwealth Games. It didn't eventuate, but it did see the largest investment into regional Victoria laid into a single project ever. A $2 billion investment still flowed through into regional Victoria. Redirecting priority from metropolitan Melbourne to regional Victoria, I thought that was a successful project, although the games didn't take place.

Local government is a tough gig. Being the CEO is exceptionally tough, but rewarding, I wouldn't do it unless I loved it. Great strategies have been implemented like zero emissions, zero waste, social justice, gender equity and work with First Nations people. It is that sort of experience and knowledge that I can bring.

How will you engage with the community to ensure their voices are heard?

In a very simple way, going out and speaking to these people face to face. I have been walking the streets, visiting small towns, going to the shops, introducing myself and having a chat. I walked into the first day of the new fish and chip shop in Dunolly, which was fantastic with an open fire burning. I stood next to a fellow warming himself against the fire and he had some issues that he wanted me to deal with. That is the sort of approach I've got, I walk around, and talk to people.

The Carisbrook flood situation is ongoing. I have met many people who have had strong opinions in relation to what should be done. We are talking and listening to them, looking at their records, photos, stories, knowledge, and we will take that on board as much as we can. I've done flood studies for many years. Shepparton is the fourth most flood prone city in Australia. Before that, I worked in Kerang, surrounded by a levee. I know flooding very well.

We are having these conversations, but it's a different type of conversation that we have had in the past.

There is a rumour you're the CEO who doesn't have a door on your office, why is that?

It goes to the values of openness, integrity and transparency. We should shine light on everything. Local government is the topic of conversation at barbecues and all around the place. It is often criticised because we are inside these buildings and have meetings behind closed doors.

We do have legislation that we need to follow. If we have a confidential matter we need to discuss, it will go into a closed session in a council meeting, we will use the appropriate resolution to do that. If we have got briefings, we are entitled to have confidential discussions and have information kept confidential. That is normal business.

But generally speaking, we should be open and transparent. It doesn't matter what the topic is, whether it is the levee, aerodrome, whatever, we can just have an open conversation about it. If we disagree, we disagree. But we will be respectful. The door being off allows anybody to walk through at anytime and have a conversation, and expect that when we are, someone else is going to hear it, so you can either tailor what you want to say to me, based on that or you can just be open and honest.

What projects in the Central Goldfields Shire are you most excited about?

We have the pool, that is to be said. It is exciting but challenging. It has got the heritage challenges and it is close to flood prone areas. But we will work our way through that.

I would like to get The Nest going again, we need to do work in that area. That was providing a great service.

I am excited to get some improvements in the education space. We have got very good secondary schools, but I think there is an opportunity for a presence of university and TAFE, I know it's been spoken about in the past, but I am about to engage with various university and TAFE providers to see what the opportunities can be.

To have a velocity train here approaching the most magnificent station in Victoria, that is exciting to see. We have got the best practicing trains, but the level of service is not sufficient, we need to increase that.

The rail trail between Maryborough and Castlemaine is also a great project. I was involved in the Murchison to Rushworth rail trail and the Dookie rail trails, and they are just the best. If you can link a bakery from one end to the other and put someone on a bike in between, it's just a hoot of an experience. I have ridden between here and Carisbrook, off to the Moolort Plains, but it is a bit difficult at the moment. It is nowhere near accessible, but it is beautiful.

Combine that with the UNESCO World Heritage rating, and this place has got great opportunity.

A 30 kilometre exclusion radius for licence testing and vehicle inspec-tions is now in place at Maryborough as VicRoads brings the service in line with other agencies.

The changes have unfolded following fears local services will be further cut as Maryborough complies with VicRoads' funding model for agencies.

The Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) has confirmed the restriction was introduced by VicRoads over 18 months ago, but will now be enforced.

"The 30 km limit for licence testing and vehicle inspections was originally implemented by VicRoads in early 2024 when staff at the Maryborough office reduced from three people to two, and opening hours changed from five days to four," they said.

"At that time, VicRoads re-classified the Maryborough service from being a Rural Customer Service Centre to an agency. They also closed online bookings for Maryborough, requiring people to contact the office directly."

Operating as an agency, this meant a limited range of front counter services including licence renewal, number plate returns, learners permit testing, refunds and driver work diaries.

CGSC said they recognised the impracticality of the limit.

"The 30 km service limit has never been strictly enforced by council's VicRoads officers because it's impractical, however the removal of online bookings effectively imposed it," they said.

"Bookings were reinstated earlier this year when the staff returned to three people, however VicRoads suspended this again on July 31 this year."

The restrictions have been felt by much of the community.

Local driving instructor David Hendrickson said under the radius, those who wish to obtain a drivers licence or access other services, will miss out.

"Clunes is 32 km, they can't come up. Maldon and Newstead are 31 km. That's not going to be viable if that restriction is put in," he said.

While the uncertainty of Maryborough VicRoads' future has lead to mass outrage in the com-munity, Mr Hendrickson has started an online petition to save the Maryborough agency from the possibility of closing, which has amassed over 1700 signatures in a week.

The matter has resulted in much tumult among locals turning to different levels of government for answers.

While CGSC has claimed VicRoads is a State Government service hosted by the shire, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the organisation has been under privatisation since 2022, and Maryborough VicRoads has not been operated by either the State Government or VicRoads.

"I am extremely concerned about the CGSC's current review of the Maryborough VicRoads Agency," she said.

"The agency is operated by the local council, not VicRoads directly or the Victorian Government. The transaction based funding model has been proposed by VicRoads to bring the agency into line with other VicRoads agencies across the state.

"All other VicRoads agency services have operated under this funding model since 2022."

Ms Haylett has received countless concerns on the matter, but wants to see these services continue in the community.

"Should council decide to end providing these services, VicRoads will work to find other partners in the area who can continue to deliver them. This is entirely dependent on what council chooses to do," she said.

"I want to see VicRoads services continue in Maryborough, so local families don't have to travel long distances to Ballarat, Bendigo, or Ararat. I will keep the community updated as I hear more about the council's decision."

VicRoads were unable to comment before print deadline.

General rates and charges are council's biggest revenue stream, making up around 66 percent of income. Council rates are used to fund a wide range of essential services and infrastructure that support the local community. This includes the maintenance of roads, footpaths, along with waste collection, recycling, and drainage works. Rates also help provide and maintain parks, playgrounds and libraries. They support local planning and development services, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

This year, rate notices will feature a new layout, with a clear separation between council charges and the Victorian Government's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF). This change aims to improve transparency and help residents better understand how their rates are allocated.

Council continues to oppose the ESVF. Council has previously written to the Treasurer and Minister for Local Government expressing that the levy has a disproportionate financial burden on rural and regional communities, in particular primary producers.

Council will continue to advocate for the shire and join the many other councils opposing the levy. Community members with questions about the ESVF are encouraged to contact the State Government's State Revenue Office on 1300 819 033.

Residents are encouraged to read their notice and accompanying material carefully. The information provided outlines total rates and charges, along with a range of payment options.

Hepburn Shire mayor Don Henderson said council understands that some households may be experiencing financial hardship.

"A range of support and assistance options are available to help ensure you can manage your rates payments. We know that cost of living pressures are affecting many in our community. We want to assure ratepayers that help is available. If you are having difficulty, please do not hesitate to reach out as we are here to support you," he said.

Council provides eligible pensioners with a number of concessions (those holding a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran's Affairs Gold Card (TPI & War Widow)).

Council was successful in its application for a total rate rise of 10 percent for 2025/26 which includes a seven percent increase to the existing percent rate cap that was announced on December 23, 2024 by the Minister for Local Government. The additional seven percent rate rise will on average equate to an additional $2.20 per property per week but will generate $1.36 million to invest in programs and services.

Rates are calculated using property valuations that are independently determined by the Valuer General each year on January 1. It is important to understand that the increase for each ratepayer won't be exactly 10 percent, as it varies based on individual property valuations.

Community members can object to the Valuer General property valuation. More information on submitting an objection is available on council's website at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/property.

The asset plan includes information about maintenance, renewal, purchase, expansion, upgrade, disposal and decommissioning of assets, including drains, footpaths, council-owned buildings, bridges, swimming pools, recreation facilities, street trees and waste management.

The plan particularly focuses on road assets that promote both connectivity and sustainability.

The draft 2025-2034 10-Year Asset Plan is a major refresh to align with both the Local Government Act's requirements and council's recently adopted 2025-29 Council Plan.

The 2025 revisions include:

• Alignment with the recently adopted 10-Year Financial Plan

• An updated project list to reflect changes in asset conditions

• Minor changes to asset class descriptions

Pyrenees Shire mayor Tanya Kehoe said the 10-Year Asset Plan helps reduce council's financial risk through linking asset renewal planning to Council's 10-Year Financial Plan.

"This will make sure what we spend on asset renewal aligns with council's financial resources," she said.

"The 10-Year Asset Plan provides reassurance to the community that vital public assets will be maintained."

To make a submission on the 10-Year Asset Plan, go to have your say on council's 10 Year Asset Plan — Pyrenees Shire Council, email pyrenees@pyrenees.vic.gov.au or send via post to the chief executive officer, Pyrenees Shire Council, 5 Lawrence Street, Beaufort 3373.

The applicants of 187 Logan Road, Alma, have been left no choice but to contest the decision with VCAT after their hopes of a home, shed, and dam were denied in last month's council meeting.

It's an outcome Daniel Dawson and Vikki Hood, who bought the property in 2023, said they never expected, claiming staff in council's planning department repeatedly told them the development should be able to go ahead — despite their final recommendation to deny the application.

"We've done everything we possibly could right and you get a kick in the guts every time you take a step forward," Mr Dawson said.

The couple feel they are victims of council's "incompetence" which, they explained, strung them along for years.

In January of 2023 the couple's years long search for a piece of land to retire on came to an end when they saw the lot for sale as a "peaceful lifestyle escape".

The listing described the property as a "beautiful potential future home site" subject to council's approval due to being zoned as farming.

Mr Dawson said he called council's planning department before purchasing, explained their plans, and was told there was no reason why they can't go ahead.

They bought the block for $190,000 not expecting it would cost them tens of thousands more and cause years of back and forth.

Changes in council's planning department in the almost three years since, Ms Hood explained, led to delays, further document requests, and confusion.

"You can't rely on the so-called professionals in the council for their knowledge and experience because they just don't have it," she said.

She explained if they were informed properly from the beginning the land "never would have been purchased".

It's a similar issue Mr Dawson echoed about a site meeting in 2023.

He said a council officer requested various reports and information which would cost the couple $16,000.

"I made a phone call to [the council officer] and said this is the price and [they] said 'I'd be happy to see it move forward if all this was met'," he said.

Although Mr Dawson was unable to get this in writing because it was a "joint decision" he spent the money informed by this conversation.

"I got it all done, submitted it, and it's just going down hill," he said.

The couple explained after being bounced around six people in the years since, between Maryborough and Melbourne, they eventually received an email that the application would be denied.

It was a tragic end for Ms Hood, who said they had walked out their home imagining what it would be like, fixed up parts of the property, and began growing a garden — the beginning of their dream home.

"You're up and down, up and down, losing heart the whole time," she said.

"It's actually heartbreaking."

The report tabled at last month's council meeting put the fate of the site on how it was zoned — despite its similarity to nearby Rural Living Zoned land.

"Until such time as a comprehensive rural land review is undertaken, any application must be assessed against the current zoning — specifically, the Farming Zone — and the relevant planning policies that apply," the report stated.

"While the applicant's intentions may be genuine, the test under the Planning Scheme is not about the applicant's personal aspirations, but whether the land use and development proposed aligns with the broader planning framework and policy expectations for rural land."

The couple will now wait for a VCAT hearing, although a date is yet to be decided, as they urge other prospective home or land buyers to engage a solicitor throughout the process to avoid a situation similar to their own.

"Ordinary Joe Blows like us, no chance, you just wouldn't understand," Ms Hood said.

Council declined to comment due to the matter being before VCAT.

Local students are encouraged to submit their hand drawn or digitally created logo by September 10, with the winning design to be used, around town and across the projects campaign materials.

The Cool Spaces project aims to help the community adapt to the changing climate, particularly extreme heat, by sign-posting areas residents can cool off.

Central Goldfields Shire mayor Grace La Vella said the project will help those in the community most vulnerable including those over 65-years-old, babies and children, those with health conditions, or socially isolated people.

"In our shire there are many in the community who are vulnerable to heat stress, which can cause heart attack, stroke and other health complications. In fact, more people have died in heatwaves than in any other natural disaster in Australia," she said.

"We also know some people's homes are not air conditioned or their air conditioning is inadequate. So the Cool Spaces awareness projects, which are springing up around Australia and across the world, are a community minded way of us caring for our residents."

As the project develops local community groups and other organisations will be able to nominate halls, clubrooms and other suitable sites to open as Cool Spaces.

However, to know where they are the shire needs a logo, one Cr La Vella hopes the shire's talented young residents will create.

"We're calling out to young people to design a special logo, to show people where there are safe cool spaces around our shire to escape dangerously hot conditions."

Student's hand drawn or digitally created logo can be emailed to genevieve.barlow@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au by September 10, 2025.

Prizes include double passes to Maryborough's Paramount Cinema.

Further information can be found on council's Engage website.