Gazette - Golden Plains Shire...goldenplains.vic.gov.au. Any person can ask a maximum of two questions of Council during a 30-minute Question Time and all questions must be lodged

8 Green and Food Waste Survey Results7 Spring in the Shire

Photography Winners

11 Fun and Festive Events Calendar

DECEMBER 2019 Gazette

2 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | December 2019

It was an honour and a privilege to be elected as Mayor of Golden Plains Shire for the final year of our Council term.

I am very pleased that Deputy Mayor Cr Joanne Gilbert was also re-elected for another year, and we thank our Councillor colleagues for their encouragement and support to continue in these roles.

Golden Plains is a wonderful place to call home and more people of all ages choose to live, work and visit here every year. In the past three years, Council has delivered on many key commitments and objectives, and yet, in our growing communities, there’s always more work to be done and more we can achieve for our residents.

The next year is sure to be a busy one with the completion of several great projects and significant commitments of the Council Plan, while we face the challenges and embrace the opportunities that come with living in a growing, rural Shire.

On behalf of all Councillors, I’d like to wish all residents and visitors a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year.

As Mayor and a member of the Councillor team, I look forward to working hard for all residents to make 2020 a very productive and successful year for Golden Plains Shire. Cr Owen Sharkey Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council

From the MayorCouncil News

Extended Customer Service Centre hours

Council’s Smythesdale Customer Service Centre hours were recently extended.

The centre at The Well, 19 Heales Street, is now open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The centre closes for a lunch break from 1.30 to 2.15pm, every day. Please note that it is a non-cash handling facility.

The Linton Customer Service Centre at 68 Sussex Street is open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday. The centre closes for a lunch break from 12.30 to 1pm on these days. The Linton Customer Service Centre is closed on Fridays.

Council’s Customer Service Centre at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, continues its opening hours of 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Council Meetings 2020Residents and members of the public are welcome to attend Ordinary Meetings of Council which are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6pm, with the exception of the meeting on the third Tuesday of December.

Meetings are held at Bannockburn Shire Hall, 12 High Street, and the Linton Customer Service Centre, 68 Sussex Street.

Ordinary Council Meetings

25 February Bannockburn 24 March Linton 28 April Bannockburn 26 May Linton 23 June Bannockburn 28 July Linton 25 August Bannockburn 22 September Linton 27 October Bannockburn 24 November Linton 15 December (3rd Tuesday) Bannockburn

Special (Annual) Meetings

Tuesday, 9 June (Budget Submissions): Bannockburn

Wednesday, 4 November (Mayoral Election): Bannockburn

The agenda is available on Friday afternoon prior to the Ordinary Council Meeting on Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au. Any person can ask a maximum of two questions of Council during a 30-minute Question Time and all questions must be lodged by 10am on the day of the meeting by email, Council’s website or hand-delivered to Council offices. To lodge a question, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/local-laws

December 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 3

Construction of the Bannockburn Heart Precinct is in the final stages and Golden Plains Shire residents are excited to enjoy all the fun of the new community facility this summer.

Stage One of the Bannockburn Heart Precinct at the corner of Milton and Byron Streets includes an impressive new water and adventure play space, active recreation equipment; and community facilities including public toilets, seating, BBQs, shade, lighting and landscaped community space. The Heart will also deliver an upgraded site for the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market.

While the official opening date is still to be locked in, the Bannockburn Heart is sure to be a popular destination for free fun and enjoyment this summer. The Shire’s first water play space with splash pads for toddlers and active children will operate from morning to evening, seven days a week. The Heart will have accessible play elements and DDA compliant toilets, making it a regional destination for people with disabilities and their families.

Constructed over two stages, the Heart Precinct will transform and activate the Bannockburn CBD, improving livability, retail spending, and amenity. Stage One works have also delivered a new shed for the Bannockburn Scouts, a new car park, the relocation of the Bannockburn Playgroup, and the upgrade of power and fire services at the site.

Stage One of the Bannockburn Heart Precinct will cost $3 million and the project is funded by Council; a $1.2 million Federal Government grant; and $566,500 in grants from the State Government with $500,000 from Regional Development Victoria and $66,500 from Sport and Recreation Victoria. Council continues to seek government support to build Stage Two of the Precinct featuring a village green and performance stage.

The Heart of SummerCommunity News

A new play space will be constructed in Inverleigh this summer. Last year, a passionate group of Inverleigh residents were successful in securing a $200,000 grant from the State Government’s Pick My Project initiative to fully fund a brand new playground opposite the Inverleigh Hotel.

The community steering group have finalised the play equipment for the new play space: a multi-play unit with two slides and climbing elements, six-metre rope pyramid triple swing including a basket swing, and a 25-metre single flying fox. Council is proud to support the Inverleigh community group with project management of the new play space.

Inverleigh Community Play Space

Extended Customer Service Centre hours

Photo courtesy of CK Real Estate Photography.

Images for illustration purposes only.

4 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | December 2019

Fire Season 2019/20

Golden Plains Shire is no stranger to the tragedy and devastation of bushfire, and everyone has an important responsibility to help reduce the risk of fire to their own property and the entire community.

For more information about fire preparation and prevention, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au. KEEP SAFE THIS SEASONIf you are in a high-risk bushfire area, make sure you know what to do, and when and where to go, on hot, dry, and windy days. It could make all the difference to you and your family.

To keep your family safe, remember to confirm your emergency plan, review and restock your emergency kit, and take a few minutes to share your plans with any holiday visitors you may have staying with you.

BE PREPARED. STAY PREPARED.Owners of land in Golden Plains Shire are required to keep long grass on their properties cut so that it is no higher than 100mm during the Fire Danger Period. On properties more than two hectares, landowners are required to keep grass below a maximum of 100mm up to a minimum of 20 metres from a house or outbuilding.

Under State Government legislation, Council must conduct fire hazard inspections of private property. Inspections started in November, and a total of 493 Fire Prevention Notices were issued to non-compliant properties this year. Landowners who received a notice are required to complete specified works by early December; or risk a $1,652 fine and Council organising a contractor to complete the works at the owner’s expense.

Thank you to the thousands of Golden Plains Shire residents who prepared their properties for the fire season. Please ensure you keep your property in the same condition throughout the Fire Danger Period and if you go away for holidays, make plans for a neighbour or friend to monitor your property.

COUNCIL FIRE PREVENTIONIn early October, Council began its own fire prevention works, with contractors commencing the annual roadside slashing program of all sealed roads and strategic fire breaks to reduce fuel loads. Council also conducts burning of selected Shire-managed reserves to remove fire hazards. This program typically commences in the drier south of the Shire before moving north, with the program completed by Christmas.

Stay Fire Ready This Summer

Photo credit: CCMA

Get the Right Tank

Schedule 13 Permits

For properties within a Bushfire Management Overlay with CFA requirements for on-site water supply, it is mandatory to have an appropriate tank.

Water tanks must be fire resistant (not plastic!) and full of water with appropriate tank fittings in good working order. In the event of a bushfire, this water supply may be required by the CFA to defend your home and help protect the entire community.

Failure to comply with these CFA requirements may result in enforcement proceedings.

Got questions about water tanks? Call Council’s Community Safety Team at 5220 7111.

Once the Fire Danger Period begins, you are not permitted to burn off stubble for agricultural purposes on your property without a Schedule 13 Permit.

In October, Council resolved to discontinue issuing Schedule 13 Permits, and the Country Fire Authority now manages these permits within Golden Plains.

To apply for a permit during the 2019/2020 Fire Danger Period, residents should contact their local CFA district to request and submit a permit application.

December 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 5

Community News

Photo credit: CCMA

Council Festive Season Closures

Golden Plains Shire Council will have altered hours during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

The Customer Service Centres at Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale will close at 5pm, Tuesday 24 December 2019, and will re-open at 8.30am, Thursday 2 January, 2020. Essential services will be available in this period, in case of an emergency. Please call 5220 7111 and follow the prompts if you need urgent assistance.

The Bannockburn Family Services Centre, Maternal and Child Health Services, Bannockburn Children’s Service, and Active Ageing and Disability Services will also close at 5pm, Tuesday 24 December, 2019 and re-open for normal operational hours from Thursday 2 January, 2020. A number of Community Care workers will deliver essential personal care during the holiday period, and Maternal and Child Health will also deliver essential services on designated dates.

Council’s Kindergarten Services in Bannockburn, Teesdale, Rokewood, Inverleigh and Meredith will close on Friday 20 December, 2019 and re-open on Wednesday 29 January, 2020.

Council’s departments and Customer Service Centres will also be closed on Monday 27 January for the Australia Day public holiday.

GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION.

There are changes to Council’s waste and recycling collection service over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Refer to the table below for your revised collection day during the festive season and please remember to place your bins out the night before your collection day.

Normal Collection Day Christmas/ New Year Collection Day

Monday 23 December Monday 23 DecemberTuesday 24 December Tuesday 24 December

Wednesday 25 December Thursday 26 December

Thursday 26 December Friday 27 December

Friday 27 December Saturday 28 DecemberMonday 30 December Monday 30 DecemberTuesday 31 December Tuesday 31 DecemberWednesday 1 January Thursday 2 JanuaryThursday 2 January Friday 3 JanuaryFriday 3 January Saturday 4 January

ROKEWOOD TRANSFER STATION

The Rokewood Transfer Station will be closed on Sunday 29 December, 2019 and re-open for normal operational hours on Sunday 5 January, 2020.

6 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | December 2019

Following the collapse of SKM Recycling, Golden Plains Shire Council is working towards getting kerbside recycling back on track with a new provider before the end of the year. And we need your help!

Council and ultimately ratepayers will face increased costs from the new contractor for contamination from materials that should not be in the recycling bin.

We’re all in this together, and we’re asking for your help to make sure this transition back to kerbside recycling is as smooth as possible.

Below is a handy list of common recyclable materials that you can stick on the fridge, making sure you and your family are recycling right. For more information on what can and can’t go in your yellow bin, follow Council on social media or visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au.

Recycle Right in Golden Plains

All containers must be emptyTake lids off containersNo need to rimse, just scrape cleanNo hazardous chemical containersKeep recycling loose - no plastic bags

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December 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 7

And the Winners are…

Spring in the Shire is Council’s amateur photography competition, and this year 60 residents photographed what they love about Golden Plains. The competition ran from 28 August to 1 October, with entries judged on impact, subject matter and storytelling. Entries must have been taken in Golden Plains Shire.

All short-listed entries were on display at the hall for residents to view the creative talent of the community. This year’s winners and highly commended recipients were:

Major Prize (18 years and older)Winner: Lyn Steele – ‘Living the Dream’

Highly Commended:

• Pauline Naudie – ‘Blooming Rust’• Andrea Bolton – ‘Two’s Company. Three’s A Crowd’• Anne Langdon – ‘The Knitters’• Alison Altmann – ‘Canola Fun’

Young Adult Prize (13 to 17 years)Winner: Luca Dal Bosco – ‘Spring at the Station’

Highly Commended: Elizabeth Allen – ‘Firewood Collecting’

Junior Prize (Up to 12 years)Winner: Noah Stanley – ‘Meredith Wattle’

Highly Commended: Jai Bennion – ‘Yellow Melon’

The winner of each category received a cash prize of $300, thanks to the competition sponsors: Sonny Café in Inverleigh and Bannockburn Pharmacy.

The Soldiers Memorial Hall in Dereel was full of excited photographers on Saturday 16 November, as the audience awaited the announcement of the winners of Spring in the Shire 2019.

Lyn Steele – ‘Living the Dream’

Noah Stanley – ‘Meredith Wattle’

Luca Dal Bosco – ‘Spring at the Station’

Calling all Community GroupsDid you know that every year Council invests money in community groups across the Shire through the Community Grants program?

This year, Council awarded $110,873 to 32 groups to help them achieve their goals. We’re currently reviewing the program, and want to know how we can encourage more groups to apply and secure valuable grants.

Are you part of a playgroup? An arts or sports group? An environmental or youth group? Another type of community organisation?

We want to hear from you! If you are interested in contributing your ideas to the review, please visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations, or call Council’s Community Partnerships Officer at 5220 7111.

Community News

8 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | December 2019

Those who supported staying with the current service were mostly rural residents (36.4%) and those who disagreed or strongly disagreed were primarily Bannockburn residents (29.5%).

Those who agreed with the option were split between those who would receive the service in Bannockburn (25.7%) and the remainder of the Shire (27.4%). More residents from the remainder of the Shire disagreed (28.1%) than those from Bannockburn (18.8%).

Of the supporting votes, 17.3% came from Bannockburn – i.e. the residents who would receive the service – and 25.4% from the remainder of the Shire. Of those that disagreed with the service option, 27.2% of votes came from Bannockburn, and 30.1% from the remainder of the Shire.

Majority of the respondents who disagreed with this service were residents from the remainder of the Shire (43.7%) rather than Bannockburn (25.4%). Of the 30.8% of votes that agreed with the service, 19.1% of the votes came from Bannockburn residents, rather than the remainder of the Shire (11.8%).

The majority of those who disagreed came from the remainder of the Shire (45.9%) compared to Bannockburn residents (28.6%). While 25.4% of votes supported the implementation of the service, with 15.9% from Bannockburn and 9.5% of the votes from the remainder of the Shire.

Waste Management

And the Waste Survey Says…

51.5%Strongly Agree/

Agree

53.1%Strongly Agree/

Agree

Strongly Agree/ Agree

30.8%Strongly Agree/

Agree

25.4%Strongly Agree/

Agree

48.5%Disagree/Strongly

Disagree

46.9%Disagree/Strongly

Disagree

42.7%Disagree/Strongly

Disagree

69.2%Disagree/Strongly

Disagree

74.6%Disagree/Strongly

Disagree

Thank you to 723 Golden Plains residents who completed the Future Waste Services survey, as part of Council’s Waste Management Strategy 2020-2030.723

residents completed the

survey.

In addition to the online and paper survey, Council held four waste conversation posts in Meredith, Rokewood, Bannockburn and Smythesdale; and also hosted a dedicated focus group with 14 community members from across the Shire.

All the feedback and results of the survey will be presented to Council for consideration.

As two survey options applied to a service only for Bannockburn residents who live on sewered properties, the survey asked respondents to mark if they matched this description:

• 45% of respondents were Bannockburn residents on sewered properties Five future waste options were presented for comment. The first option was to keep the current garbage and recycling service; the four remaining options detailed new garden and Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) services, and listed information on the service, including the estimated cost to ratepayers and the potential diversion from landfill achieved with the service. Respondents were asked to mark each option with: Strongly Agree; Agree; Disagree; or Strongly Disagree. Here’s what the 723 respondents told Council:

Option 1 Current Waste Collection Service

Option 2 Garden Waste in BannockburnNote: Sewered properties with a dwelling only

Option 4 FOGO Collection in BannockburnNote: Sewered properties with a dwelling only

Option 3 Garden Waste in Whole of the Shire

Option 5 FOGO Collection in Whole of the Shire

57.3%

December 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 9

Community Engagement

Your Council. Your Say.It’s been a busy few months for engagement in Golden Plains Shire and we thank the many residents who shared their ideas and opinions on a variety of different projects and plans.

Inverleigh Streetscape Works Plan 53In September and October, Council asked Inverleigh residents for their feedback on the Inverleigh Works Plan and 53 residents completed the online and paper survey. From the survey:• Road surface issues including potholes were reported

on 31 residents and Council is working through these requests.

• Majority of respondents voted in favour of Australian-made recycled plastic furniture and bollards to protect the trees in the Streetscape area.

• 73.5% of respondents voted yes to new bike racks in the Inverleigh Streetscape area.

Council has ordered the street furniture, bollards and bike racks and all will be installed in the near future. Council will complete the Works Plan as part of our annual road and drainage program, with additional improvements funded from the 2019/20 capital works program, including:

• Upgrade of the Inverleigh Primary School Crossing• Extended footpaths in the township area• Increased turnout area at toilet block for RV vehicles: (Completed)• Clean and maintain the War Memorial: (Completed).

Teesdale Structure Plan 194As part of preparation for the new Teesdale Structure Plan, Council encouraged local residents to have their say on Teesdale’s future growth and development. Between August and October, 28 residents attended conversation posts and 166 completed the online and paper survey. From the consultation:• Residents told us what they most wanted to see in

Teesdale: 31% street trees, 29% town entrance feature, 16% bird boxes and 44% suggested other projects.

• Respondents most want Teesdale to be: Friendly, Small, Safe, Quiet, Well Serviced, Eco-Friendly, Remain As-Is, and Rural.

• 61% of respondents supported a town entrance feature.• 76% of respondents did not support reticulated

sewerage in Teesdale. • Respondents were asked if Teesdale would benefit

from additional street lighting: 42% said no, 34% said yes and 23% were unsure.

All consultation findings will be used to inform the new Teesdale Structure Plan, which is expected to be completed in early 2020.

Councillor Conversation Posts The final Councillor Conversation Post of 2019 was held at the Spring in the Shire Awards Ceremony in Dereel on Saturday 16 November. Five other conversation posts took place this year in Bannockburn, Rokewood, Inverleigh, Batesford and Teesdale. Since 2016, Councillors have engaged with more than 1,300 residents at these popular conversation posts across the Shire.

1300Community Vision 2040 Nineteen passionate local residents applied to join the Community Reference Group for the Community Vision 2040. A team representative of many demographics from townships across the Shire has been formed, and the group have completed consultation training and a co-design workshop to shape the methodology for the community engagement.Next year, Council will deliver many opportunities for all residents to get involved with the Community Vision 2040.

19

An Engaging ResponseIn spring, Council also ran community engagement including workshops and surveys on the following plans and projects:

To stay informed about upcoming engagement opportunities relevant to you, sign up to Council’s Community Engagement Register at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community-engagement-register

Active Ageing and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024

Draft Play Space Strategy 2020-2030

Inverleigh Structure Plan

Northern Settlement Strategy

In addition to the online and paper survey, Council held four waste conversation posts in Meredith, Rokewood, Bannockburn and Smythesdale; and also hosted a dedicated focus group with 14 community members from across the Shire.

All the feedback and results of the survey will be presented to Council for consideration.

10 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | December 2019

Event in Golden Plains

Come to the Twilight Market

Love Golden Plains?Connect with your community. Connect with us.

GoldenPlainsShire

goldenplains.vic.gov.auWWW@GPSCouncilNews

Coming in 2020: The E-Gazette

Council News in the Golden Plains Times

The Gazette

GoldenPlainsShire @lovegoldenplains

The Golden Plains Twilight Market is returning for another year for an evening of food, fun and fine crafts just before Christmas. Join in the festivities from 4 to 9pm on Thursday 19 December at 22 Byron Street, Bannockburn. The Twilight Market is a one-stop shop for all your Christmas needs: fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, free range meats, vegan treats and bespoke gifts direct from the farmers, makers, artists and gourmet provedores of our region.

While you stock up on farm-fresh produce for your festive feast, sample a chilled craft beer, a glass of local wine or even a cocktail, while enjoying live music and great food.

Want to know which stallholders will be there? Check out the list at goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au/twilight-market.

GoldenPlainsMayor

December 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 11

Golden Plains Farmers’ Market8.30am to 12.30pm. Byron St, Bannockburn. Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry and kids’ activities. More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au

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Golden Plains Horse Trials9am to 4pm. Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre.

Equestrian dressage, cross country and showjumping competition. More info: [email protected]

7 Dec & 2 Feb 7 & 8 Dec

Bannockburn Community Carols5.30 to 8.30pm. St Mary Mackillop Primary School Oval. Free festive evening of carols and celebration hosted by Momentum Christian Centre. All welcome. BYO chair/picnic mat.

14 Dec 8 Dec

goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events

Inverleigh Produce & Lifestyle Market9am to 1pm. Lawsons Park, Inverleigh.

Local producers, artists and professionals. Theme: Christmas/Santa More info: [email protected]

15 Dec Teesdale Twilight Market & Carols4 to 8pm. Turtle Bend, Teesdale. Pick up last-minute Christmas gifts whilst enjoying the carols by the Mik Maks and other entertainers. More info: 0416 049 532/ [email protected]

18 Dec

19 Dec Community Christmas Party8 Stephenson St, Lethbridge. Annual family free community event at the Lethbridge Rec Reserve. Jumping castles, animal farm, face painting, live music, giant raffle and market stalls. Presented by the Lethbridge CFA.

20 Dec

21 Dec Meredith Community Carols6pm. Outside Interpretive Centre, 10 Wallace St.

Free festive evening of carols and celebration. All welcome. BYO chair/picnic mat.

More info: Di Ritchie 0408 599 602

22 Dec

26 Jan Every Saturday in 2020 Bannockburn Park Run8 to 9am. Bannockburn Bush.

Free event, All welcome! 5km route

More info: Owen Sharkey 0417 365 607 [email protected]

Australia Day BreakfastsCommunity breakfasts are held annually in the following towns: Scarsdale, Linton, Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Rokewood, Napoleons, Meredith, Haddon, Shelford & Teesdale.

More info: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events

Events in Golden Plains

31 Dec & 1 Jan

January

December

Smythesdale Community Christmas Carols6.30pm. Smythesdale Historic Precinct Bring a chair, picnic rug and festive voices for a carols sing-along. The Haddon concert band will feature with a visit from Santa guaranteed! More info: Trish 0400 119 144

Golden Plains Twilight Market4 to 9pm. Byron St, Bannockburn.

A one-stop shop for all your Christmas needs: fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, free range meats, vegan treats and bespoke gifts. More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au

Smythesdale Country Market9am to 1pm. Historic Precinct, Smythesdale. A country market featuring a variety of goods and craft stalls. More info: Di Moylan 0419 394 784

The 24th Bluestone Blues Fest6pm New Years’ Eve to 5pm New Years’ Day, Murgheboluc Reserve, Hamilton Hwy. A two day festival featuring an impressive line-up of classic and original blues musicians including Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers, Brian Fraser and Dave the Bastard, The Jump Cats, Nathan Beretta Band, and The Detonators. Recovery Day features Dog Gone South, Amnesia Blues Band, Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, and the Shane Pacey Trio. Free camping for ticket holders; hot and cold food, beer, wine and soft drinks available. More info: sleepyhollowbluesclub.org.au or 0490 392 676.

Community Notice Board

Customer Service Centres:Bannockburn8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 2 Pope Street, BannockburnVictoria, 3331.

Linton8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday 68 Sussex Street, LintonVictoria, 3360.

Smythesdale8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale Victoria, 3351.

PhoneP: 5220 7111F: 5220 7100

Postal addressGolden Plains Shire CouncilPO Box 111, Bannockburn,Victoria 3331.

Emergency contactsP: 1300 363 036P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours)

To receive a copy of the Gazette in large print, call 5220 7111.

The Golden Plains Shire Council website has a text-to-voice option. The audio is generated using ReadSpeaker text-to-speech technology and will read the content out loud.

The deadline for the February 2020 issue of the Gazette is 9am,Thursday 9 January. Email:[email protected] post to PO Box 111,Bannockburn 3331. The Golden Plains Gazette is produced on stock which is FSC Certified; 100% recycled post consumer waste.

Front cover: ‘Canola Fun’ by Alison Altmann, highly commended in the Spring in the Shire 2019.

connect with golden plains shire council

GoldenPlainsShire GoldenPlainsMayor @GPSCouncilNews goldenplains.vic.gov.auWWW

Sign of the TimesFresh new signs have been installed at the major entry roads to Golden Plains Shire in Smythesdale and Batesford, welcoming residents and visitors travelling the road to our Shire.

There are also new town signs at the entries to two of the Shire’s townships: Enfield and Mannibadar.

Council appreciates feedback on the signage from local residents and the new signage will be progressively rolled out across the Shire, as current signage becomes faded and unreadable from the road.

Rates Payment All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers have received their 2019/20 Rates Notices in the mail.

Residents who have signed up to pay their rates by instalment have two payments in 2020: 28 February and 31 May. The full payment of rates is due on 15 February.

For more information or a confidential chat about your rates situation, call Council’s Rates Team at 5320 7111.

Buy Local in Golden PlainsGolden Plains is home to many great businesses and services, so this festive season, remember to spend local and support our communities.

Visit local markets and shops for unique Christmas gifts, stock up on fuel and food in town before you head to the beach, make any holiday hairdressing or dental appointments with a local professional, and take visitors out to celebrate at a local café, pub or restaurant.

Looking for a local business? Check out the Localised digital platform and connect with more than 155 businesses in Golden Plains. If you’re a business owner, joining Localised is free and it’s easy to register. To find out more, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/localised