Council & Business
4 November, 2025
VicRoads set to remain in Maryborough
After reaching an agreement with VicRoads, Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) has declared that Maryborough VicRoads will retain the full suite of services, at no cost to ratepayers.
After much anticipation, council officially announced last Friday that Maryborough VicRoads would remain open, following months of negotiations with VicRoads.
VicRoads’ operation in Maryborough faced an uncertain future when CGSC was contacted in April this year regarding changes to their funding model. VicRoads previously reimbursed CGSC for all costs of operation, but has since been required to transition to a transaction-based model, a move encompassing all VicRoads agencies in the state.
CGSC feared this would significantly reduce the revenue it receives for delivering services and found subsidisation from ratepayers unfavourable. An interim financial arrangement was implemented while negotiations with VicRoads and the shire continued, running from July 1 to October 31, 2025.
This resulted in months of community discourse, including protests and petitions by multiple community groups fearing for their businesses, clubs and personal convenience.
CGSC welcomed the announcement, with CEO Peter Harriott stating the agreement would ensure the VicRoads service in Maryborough is delivered in a way that is financially responsible and without additional cost to ratepayers.
“Most organisations are looking to reduce costs and live within their means,” he said.
“The agreement will be reviewed regularly to ensure the service is operating efficiently and on a sustainable basis.”
While the shire has been pleased to announce VicRoads will stay, community members are demanding more details.
Local driving instructor David Hendrickson, who has spearheaded protests and campaigns on the matter, said the community wants a more tangible and comprehensive outline of the agency’s future.
“We are happy council has got it, because they promised that earlier, but we are angry because it is not cemented in how long we have got VicRoads for,” he said.
Mr Hendrickson said he will continue campaigning if he cannot obtain information on the opening timeline.
“Just talk to us, put it in writing,” he said.
As a result, the parliamentary petition prepared in September calling on the State Government to reverse the agency funding has remained in circulation.
A spokesperson from VicRoads said the organisation is pleased with the outcome following negotiations.
“CGSC has made the decision to continue with the Maryborough VicRoads services, with the same standard services to continue,” they said.
“VicRoads welcomes council’s decision, reflecting our shared commitment to support regional communities and the services they need.”
According to VicRoads, the Maryborough VicRoads agency will continue to operate under a partnership arrangement with CGSC. However, they cannot comment further on commercial and contractual matters.