December, 2023
Works 3 Road update
Gazette
7 Community Grants Awarded
9 Community Planning Update
COUNCIL NEWS
Another Exci�ng Year in Golden Plains Shire As 2023 comes to a close, Council is proud to reflect on the past 12 months of achievements and challenges, whilst also looking ahead to another exci�ng year in 2024.
We have witnessed remarkable achievements and faced unprecedented challenges. Through collabora�on, determina�on, and unwavering dedica�on, our Council, staff, and community have come together to navigate these uncertain �mes with resilience and strength.
Through �reless dedica�on, collabora�on, and innova�ve solu�ons, we have strived to enhance quality of life, foster sustainable development, and address pressing challenges. Council is proud to celebrate another impac�ul year of posi�ve transforma�on.
In November, Council hosted Mayoral elec�ons and you can hear from the Mayor and their aspira�ons for the Golden Plains community over the final year of this Councillor term by visi�ng goldenplains.vic.gov.au/news
2023 was a year of review, consolida�on and innova�on for Golden Plains Shire Council. Our community con�nued to bounce back as we transi�oned out of the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to a new way of going about our business each and every day.
In 2024, Council is excited to con�nue to deliver community services and programs that help people achieve meaningful outcomes. Take the �me to read through the pages of this edi�on and learn about the latest consulta�ons, engagements, community news, events and important informa�on about Council services.
Annual Report 2022/23 Out Now! Council’s Annual Report 2022/23 provides a comprehensive overview of our achievements and performance in the 2022/23 financial year against the five community outcome areas as set out in the Council Plan 2021-2025.
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The Annual Report 2022/23 focuses on highlights and challenges, opera�onal performance, and provides a detailed overview of financial performance and expenditure. The Annual Report 2022/23 is available to view online and download on Council’s website goldenplains.vic.gov.au Printed copies of the Annual Report 2022/23 are available to view at Council’s Customer Hubs at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
COUNCIL NEWS
Road Works Con�nue in Golden Plains Shire Road works on Council managed roads con�nue across Golden Plains Shire with significant works recently completed to repair roads and bridges
Before
A�er
UPGRADES TO PARKERS ROAD AT RUSSELLS BRIDGE Work to repair sec�ons of Parkers Road in Russells Bridge has recently been completed, following significant damage to the road due to flooding in 2022. The new deck consists of reinforced concrete with steel rods �ed into the exis�ng structure.
Council is commi�ed to ongoing maintenance and repair of roads on a priority basis and acknowledges that road maintenance is one of the most important issues in Golden Plains Shire. We are commi�ed to keeping residents informed on road works in their area, and our road grading calendar for unsealed roads is available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events Golden Plains Shire Council manages, in accordance with its Road Management Plan 20212025, the roads for which it has responsibility pursuant to the Road Management Act 2004. For more informa�on about roads in Golden Plains Shire, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/resident/roads
Frenchmans Road Bridges Replaced in Corindhap Two new two-lane, unrestricted-load concrete bridges have replaced two single-lane, 20 tonne load-limited bridges which were in poor condi�on. A 240-metre unsealed sec�on of Frenchmans Road was also reconstructed and upgraded to a sealed road with improved roadside drainage.
Before
A�er
Upgrades to Riddles Road in Bannockburn Before
A�er
Riddles Road in Bannockburn has undergone flood damage repair work. The causeway surface has been replaced with a reinforced concrete deck.
GAZETTE ISSUE 5, 2022 | Golden Plains Shire Council | 3
COUNCIL NEWS
Extensive Community Input Informs Growing Places Strategy
Linton Oval Redevelopment Well Underway
Council con�nues to develop a full dra� of its Growing Places Strategy following extensive community engagement which informed and tested the future growth scenario.
The Growing Places Strategy will set the overall direc�on for housing and popula�on growth in Golden Plains Shire into the future. The strategy has been informed by independent studies and research over the past two years, strongly guided by the key objec�ves of the Community Vision 2040. From May to July 2023, there were over 800 visits to the Growing Places consulta�on webpage, and social media and newspaper promo�on reached over 30,000 people. More than 80 people a�ended Community Informa�on Sessions which were held at loca�ons across the Shire, and Council received many emails and phone calls during the consulta�on period. Up to 25 key organisa�ons have also been briefed on the Growing Places Strategy including agencies, Local Government and State Government departments. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback, a�ended an online or in-person informa�on session or got in touch with us about the development of the Growing Places Strategy. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping our future plan for growth. The community will have another opportunity to review the full dra� of the Growing Places Strategy which is expected to be available in mid-2024. For the latest update, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consulta�ons
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The Linton Oval Redevelopment is well underway, with work on the $1.2 million construc�on progressing through contractor Global Turf Projects. Site establishment and demoli�on of exis�ng infrastructure have been completed, with major earthworks well underway. Irriga�on and drainage works have progressed throughout November, with the installa�on of infrastructure including perimeter fencing, concrete spoon drain, automated oval irriga�on system, sub-surface drainage and new goal posts and coaches shelters to follow. Sprigging of Santa Ana couch turf is scheduled for early February 2024, with the establishment period requiring the oval to be out of use for the 2024 AFL season and the first half of the 2024/25 cricket season. The redevelopment will address long-standing issues with the playing surface and drainage at Linton Recrea�on Reserve. All users will benefit from a greatly improved oval surface that can be be�er u�lised year-round to support current and future sports par�cipa�on, scheduling and social use. Further updates will be provided at goldenplains.vic.gov.au
COMMUNITY NEWS
Do you have a pawfect pet? Be a responsible pet owner
Being a responsible pet owner means being respec�ul and considerate of your neighbours and the community overall, and making sure that your pet does not impact on others in an unreasonable way. Cleaning up a�er your pet is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Droppings from dogs, in par�cular around footpaths and reserves, is unpleasant and unacceptable to the community. It’s annoying for pedestrians, for bike riders and anyone walking with a pram. It’s very unpleasant for sports people, whether children or adults, when it is le� on recrea�onal reserves. Dog droppings can contain harmful bacteria or worms which can be passed onto humans. Those using recrea�onal reserves are most at risk of this being passed onto them, as users of these grounds where they run and may fall directly onto droppings. In Golden Plains Shire, anyone in control of an animal in a public place is required to carry an appropriate receptable to be able to remove droppings of their animal. A fine can be issued both for failure to carry an appropriate receptable and for not removing the droppings.
With the weather now warmer, and school holidays coming up, there is an increase in people walking their dogs especially on spor�ng ovals and reserves. Council’s community safety officers will increase patrols in these areas to educate pet owners of the impact of leaving droppings behind. Warnings may also be issued to anyone who are observed not collec�ng their animal’s droppings. Being a pet owner is a privilege and comes with many responsibili�es to ensure your pet is well looked a�er but it also comes with responsibili�es towards your neighbours and the community overall. Council strongly encourages pet owners to be responsible and considerate to those around them.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Bannockburn Now Fully Operational Works to install an electronic vehicle (EV) charging sta�on on High Street in Bannockburn are now complete, with the charging sta�on fully opera�onal. The charging sta�on has been installed across three exis�ng parking bays at 29 High Street, Bannockburn, near the entrance to the Bannockburn Library. Situated at the heart of Bannockburn, the charging sta�on is funded from the Victorian State Government’s Des�na�on Charging Across Victoria ini�a�ve by Evie Networks. Evie Networks also installed an EV charging sta�on in Meredith earlier this year.
GAZETTE ISSUE 5, 2022 | Golden Plains Shire Council | 5
COMMUNITY NEWS
Fire Danger Period/Fire Danger Ra�ng System This Summer will see extreme heat, dry condi�ons and increased fire danger. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has declared two major climate drivers; El Nino and a posi�ve Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) that will impact our weather this season. It’s important to not only prepare for yourself and family, but also learn how you can support your community. To help prepare and familiarise yourself, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community/fire-flood-and-emergencies
Fire Danger Rating System The new Fire Danger Ra�ng System was introduced in 2022. In the new system, there are four categories ranging from moderate to catastrophic. Fire Danger Ra�ngs provide informa�on so people in affected areas can take ac�on to protect themselves and others. The higher the fire danger, the more dangerous condi�ons and the greater the impact will be if a fire starts. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the Fire Danger Ra�ng signs across the Shire this fire season and have a plan in place for fire events.
Fire Danger Period in Golden Plains Golden Plains Shire entered the Fire Danger Period (FDP) at 1am on Monday 20 November 2023, with fire restric�ons in force un�l the Country Fire Authority (CFA) announces the end of the fire season. During the FDP, there are a number of restric�ons that residents must adhere to and landowners are required to maintain the levels of fine fuels on their proper�es.
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Landowners in Golden Plains are required to keep grass on their residen�al proper�es cut so it is no higher than 100mm during the Fire Danger Period. On proper�es more than two hectares, grass must be kept below 100mm, up to a minimum of 20 metres from a house or outbuilding. Council commenced its Fire Hazard Inspec�on Program on Monday 13 November 2023. If you believe you have been issued with a Fire Preven�on No�ce but have not received one, please contact Council at enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111. Residents who have been issued with a Fire Preven�on No�ce are required to complete necessary works to limit hazards by 4 weeks a�er the date of issue.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Community Strengthening Grants awarded to community projects across the Shire Council’s Community Strengthening Grants are a valuable source of financial support for local events, projects and programs in Golden Plains. Applica�ons for the second round of this year’s program were open during September and Council is delighted to award over $78,000 to 13 Golden Plains community projects. The recipients of the second round of Council’s Community Strengthening Grants 2023 are: Crea�ve Community Grants
Smythesdale Community Arts and Music Fiesta 2024 $6,877.50
Environment and Sustainability Grants
The Bop Arts Co-op Ltd Reac�ve The BOP Workshops $10,000
Trust for Nature (Victoria)
‘Working together to heal Country - Dog Rocks Reserve’ $10,000
Healthy Ac�ve Living Grants
Smythesdale Cra� and Cuppa Program 2024
Inverleigh Senior Ci�zens Club Inc.
Haddon Community Learning Centre Inc.
$1,500
Inverleigh Seniors Community Engagement $7,000
Chairs, Tables, and Trolley Replacement and Upgrade $7,170
Golden Plains VEX Robo�cs Club
Golden Oldies Mens Ac�vity Group
Shelford Community Garden
Meredith Community Centre Inc.
‘Golden Plains VEX Robo�cs Club’ $8,082
Golden Oldies Mens Ac�vity Group $7,000
Shelford Community Garden $1,936
Seniors Out and About $7,000
Community Safety
Smythesdale Cemetery Trust
Shelford Recrea�on Reserve Commi�ee of Management
Cape Clear Recrea�on Reserve
Safety Barriers at Smythesdale Cemetery $920
Carpark Undergrowth Clean Up $8,646
Extreme Weather Days $1,971
For more informa�on about Council’s Community Strengthening Grants program visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Community Development and Grants Officer at 5220 7111 or communitygrants@gplains.vic.gov.au
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COUNCIL NEWS
Buy
Gift
Celebrate Golden Plains Shire Council is proud to support the local business community and encourages residents to keep their money in the Shire to help the economic recovery this fes�ve season.
For more on Council’s Buy Local This Festive Season campaign, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au
Council wishes you a
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a happy new year Scan the QR code to view the collec�on calendar.
On behalf of Councillors and Council staff, Golden Plains Shire Council wishes all residents and visitors a Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year. Golden Plains Shire Council will have altered hours during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Council’s Customer Hub at 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale will close at 5pm, Thursday 21 December. The Customer Experience Team will be available by phone and in-person at the Customer Hub at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn on Friday 22 December un�l 12pm before closing for the holiday period. Customer Hubs will reopen at 8.30am, Tuesday 2 January 2024. Essen�al services will be available in this period. If you need urgent assistance, please call 5220 7111 and follow the prompts.
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Rubbish and Recycle Collection From Monday 25 December, all collec�ons will be completed one day later than usual. For further informa�on, scan the QR code on the le� to view the collec�on calendar.
Rokewood Transfer Station The Rokewood Resource Recovery Centre will be closed on Sunday 24 December 2023. It will re-open on Sunday 31 December 2023 from 10am to 3pm.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Planning Program 2023 Council’s Community Planning Program for 2023 launched in August, with six towns having their first individual incep�on mee�ng with mentors Non Profit Training.
Towns included Cape Clear-Illabrook-Rokewood Junc�on, Linton, Meredith, Bannockburn and Garibaldi and over the next three to six months, these towns will develop a fouryear Community Plan that will iden�fy key priori�es. Community Coordinators, Project Champions and volunteers will then help deliver projects, ini�a�ves, ac�vi�es and advocacy that improve the liveability and quality of life for their residents.
Are you passionate about your community? Want to make a difference to improve the social wellbeing of your town? Golden Plains Shire Council’s Community Planning Program builds a community’s capacity to iden�fy, design and implement their own Community Plan.
Golden Plains Farmers Market Returns in 2024 The first Golden Plains Farmers’ Market for 2024 is not far away and we’re gearing up for a bumper year of food, fes�vi�es and fun �mes. Whether you’re checking out the latest from local growers and makers or looking for that perfect gi� for a friend or family member, the Golden Plains Farmers Market is the place to be.
Upon comple�on of the plan, Council further supports communi�es by providing a Community Planning Seed Funding program with funds up to $10,000 per town available to assist the implementa�on of priority projects. This funding can also be used to leverage or source addi�onal funding through State and Federal Governments, philanthropic organisa�ons or provide funds to undertake further fundraising opportuni�es. Teesdale, Inverleigh, Shelford, Maude-She Oaks-Steiglitz, Dereel and Batesford par�cipated in the 2022 program and have started implemen�ng their Community Plans. To learn more, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community/ community-planning
The program provides the connec�on between community and local government and is a process where communi�es iden�fy their goals for improving the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of their town. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Community Coordinator, Project Champion or general volunteer in the delivery of Community Plans for your town, contact communityplanning@gplains.vic.gov.au
Come along for the fresh produce, meats, cheese, wine, ar�san bread, honeys, olives, flowers, plants, unique art, bespoke gi�s and so much more. Beginning in February, the market is held on the first Saturday of every month at the corner of Milton and High Streets, Bannockburn. Mark the calendar with the 2024 market dates: 3 February, 2 March, 6 April, 4 May, 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 7 September, 5 October, 2 November, and 7 December.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
ADOPTED: Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan 2023-2033 The Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan (the Masterplan) will help guide environmental conserva�on, rehabilita�on and passive recrea�on at the Reserve for the next 10 years a�er Council adopted the Masterplan at its October 2023 mee�ng. The Masterplan was developed following extensive community consulta�on over the past 12 months. Responses from community members included informa�on on the Reserve’s natural assets, key issues, preferred uses and recrea�onal opportuni�es. Consulta�on with Wadawurrung tradi�onal owners was also undertaken to understand tradi�onal custodian interests and opportuni�es regarding the future care and health of Country. Council’s Environment and Sustainability Team obtained grant funds through the State Government’s Iconic Urban Waterways Grants Program to develop the Masterplan. Council has also been granted $175,000 to progress the Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan key ac�ons to “shovel ready” through the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s Kitjarra dja bul Bullarto langi-ut project. The Masterplan can be viewed online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ consulta�ons or hard copies can be collected from Council’s Customer Hub at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
ADOPTED: Smythesdale Gardens and Brewery Dam Reserve Masterplan Council adopted the Smythesdale Gardens and Brewery Dam Reserve Masterplan (the Masterplan) at its September 2023 mee�ng.
The Masterplan was developed following an extensive community engagement process which included inperson consulta�ons with the Smythesdale Progress Associa�on/Commi�ee of Management (CoM) and online community consulta�on from Wednesday 26 July to Wednesday 23 August. Key objec�ves of the Masterplan include improving and enhancing the reserve landscape, establishing op�ons for addi�onal facili�es and infrastructure, improving recrea�onal opportuni�es for reserve users and resolving access issues. The Masterplan also iden�fies current and future needs and issues while also providing clear direc�on for the responsible development of each reserve within resource constraints. The Masterplan can be viewed online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consulta�ons
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The Plains
Connector Seniors Fes�val October 2023
This year’s Victorian Seniors Fes�val theme was “Learn, Love, Live – your best life” so in celebra�on of Golden Plains Shire’s seniors, the Community Inclusion team partnered with local stakeholders and community groups to offer a suite of 22 ac�vi�es and events for our senior popula�on. With ac�vity hosts ranging from Council, Linton Men’s Shed, Linton & District Art Group and the Bannockburn Library, our community was able to register to a�end any of the sessions on offer to build social connec�on, learn new skills or get out and about within their local township.
Upcoming EVENTS
Key events that Council hosted included the Ageism Awareness morning tea, Sing Australia Ballarat Choir performance, NBN 101 Digital Technology made easy, and two ou�ngs; the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the Ballarat Town Hall tour. The two ou�ngs were both well a�ended, with feedback from par�cipants advising they thoroughly enjoyed socialising over good food, the chance to connect with others and the entertainment provided by tour guides. Council also hosted a four-week Wiser Driver course that provided 10 par�cipants with an opportunity to refine their knowledge and awareness of the Victorian road rules and enhance self confidence in their driving ability, as well as receiving a cer�ficate of comple�on at the end of the course.
Escape the Heat 2024
The Community Inclusion team is once again running their annual Escape the Heat morning tea sessions. The aim of this event is to educate our older residents on heat awareness and fire safety, and to encourage them to take care of one another during the dangerous heatwaves in the summer months. A list of safe venues to visit when wishing to escape the heat will also be provided. Sessions will be held at two separate venues, please see details below: Date: Tuesday 16 January 2024 Loca�on: Bannockburn Cultural Centre Time: 10am – 12pm
Wiser Driver 2024
The Community Inclusion team has been offered the opportunity to host another Wiser Driver class within the first half of 2024. To register your interest, please contact Council’s Social Connec�ons Officer at rachel.power@gplains.vic.gov.au or call our team on 5220 7111.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have any sugges�ons for future edi�ons or comments you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Ac�ve Ageing and Inclusion Department on the following details:
Date: Tuesday 23 January 2024 Loca�on: The Well, Smythesdale Time: 10am – 12pm Morning tea will be provided. Transport is available but spaces will be limited. To book, please contact Council’s Social Connec�ons Officer at rachel.power@gplains.vic.gov.au or call our team on 5220 7111.
Golden Plains Shire Council Ac�ve Ageing and Inclusion team (during business hours): 5220 7151 Email: ageingandinclusion@gplains.vic.gov.au
GAZETTE ISSUE 5, 2022 | Golden Plains Shire Council | 11
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Rates Payment Customer Hubs BANNOCKBURN 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn Victoria, 3331. SMYTHESDALE 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale Victoria, 3351. PHONE P: 5220 7111
All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers received their 2023-24 Rates No�ces in August. Thank you to all ratepayers who have signed up to the monthly payment programs, with those payments due on the 15th of the month through to June 2024. For residents who signed up to pay their rates by instalments, the third payment is due by 28 February 2024. Full payment of your Rates No�ce is due on 15 February 2024. To discuss your rates payment, please call our Rates team for a confiden�al conversa�on at 5220 7111.
POSTAL ADDRESS Golden Plains Shire Council PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331.
Choose Water this Summer
EMERGENCY CONTACTS P: 1300 363 036 P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours)
If you’re outdoors, double your water intake and stay hydrated. And don’t forget your pets, make sure they have access to shade and water.
To receive a copy of the Gazette in large print, call 5220 7111.
Did you know your body is 70% water? Dehydra�on reduces your a�en�on and ability to concentrate. Drinking six to eight glasses of tap water a day keeps you in top shape!
COVER: CFA volunteers.
Summer has arrived and it’s going to be hot!
Beyond the Valley Music Festival
eGazette
Keep up to date with the Scan to sign up now!
Beyond the Valley will be held from Thursday 28 December 2023 to Monday 1 January 2024 at Barunah Plains in Hesse. Residents are advised that there will be increased traffic along the Hamilton Highway in the days of the fes�val, with traffic management in place to assist traffic flow. Patrons exi�ng the fes�val will be able to travel via Bannockburn, Winchelsea and Inverleigh to return home. For more informa�on regarding the fes�val, visit www.beyondthevalley.com.au/informa�on