A Hepburn Shire Council decision to ask for community feedback on selling seven of its properties around the shire, three for affordable housing, has been overshadowed by a request that CEO Bradley Thomas also look into the possibility of selling Rea Lands Park in Raglan Street, Daylesford.
Rea Lands, now a public park and food garden, was bequeathed to the people of Daylesford by former Shire President and Councillor Betty Rea.
At the July council meeting, Cr Lesley Hewitt moved a motion saying she wanted an investigation into whether the land could be sold.
“I am aware that there are a number of projects in Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and surrounds that will require co-contributions by council and this is potentially an opportunity to get that funding. So I would like to see whether or not that’s possible.”
Cr Hewitt later told The Local the land had been left by Betty Rea for the community benefit of the people of Daylesford.

“Mrs Rea, it’s clear from our understanding of the sort of person that she was, that community was at the heart of everything she did. And then the question is, what’s community benefit? And is its current usage, a community benefit?
“It’s just looking at it (and) getting more information to try to make what would be the best use of that land in line with Betty Rea’s wishes, because that’s important and I would be certainly respecting that.”
Just two of those, and there are many more voicing their protest on social media, who would be disappointed to see the site turn into housing are Robert Burrowes and Anita McKone, pictured above, and Anita, below.
The couple moved to the region in 2012 and, without their own garden, signed up to help out the Daylesford Community Food Gardeners a year later – an organisation given a lease for the land by the council in 2012.

“The public park as gifted by ex-mayor Betty Rea was still in its original form of a very large grassed area with a small number of large trees, including the two impressive pines, and the picnic table and seat, before the Gardeners took over development and management in 2011,” Anita said.
“Patrick Jones has organised many working bees at Rea Lands involving members of the Daylesford Community Food Gardeners. Since December 2013, Robert and myself have contributed between 200 and 400 hours of voluntary labour every year until now, 2025, as well as over a thousand dollars of plants, tools, trellising and organic inputs.
“Some hundreds of dollars and many practical inputs, such as rail sleepers for edging garden beds, mulch, compost and plants, have been donated by others in the community. Permaculture founder David Holmgren gave expert advice in the early years.
“The garden now boasts over 50 more trees, three hedges, a large variety of bushes, ground covers and flowers, as well as a small vegetable plot. Many of the fruit trees are just coming into their capacity for fruiting well, including the two avocados we planted in 2015 (and nursed over the winter for the first couple of years).
“There is also a lovely native Bunya pine that is now several metres tall and will eventually grow to match the Norfolk Island pine nearby. The Bunya pine holds deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance for many First Nations peoples.
“One of the valued features of the garden is that it is eclectic, because we have been achieving a number of different goals – it is not only a community organic food source, but a public park where visitors come to wander and enjoy – so adequate shade, colour and overall shape of the garden beds have been of concern.
“Because it is a voluntary working organic food garden, as well as a public park, Rea Lands has a somewhat ‘wild’ look about it at times. Many people who visit the garden say that this is what they like about it.
“I see Rea Lands as a significant and successful addition to the mosaic of Daylesford gardens, that also has key environmental and food sustainability aspects and heritage value. It deserves to be retained in public hands for the ongoing benefit of the community as a whole.”
Robert said depending on season and weather, people came to the park to meditate, walk their dog, pick up some gardening advice, have their kid’s birthday party or even hold an Easter egg hunt.
“And it’s got a couple of huge pine trees and a big gum tree and we’ve planted more which will take 30 years to grow. We won’t be here to see it but hopefully plenty of people in the future will.
“That was the plan. That’s why it’s a bit disappointing. You don’t plant trees to have them bulldozed down. And we thought it was generous of Betty, pictured below at a fundraiser, to give it to the community and allow it to be dedicated for the community’s benefit.

 

“It was a generous gift, and we like to think we’re using it in a way that she’d be happy about. It’s in her name, so that’s a nice memorial to her contribution.”
Words: Donna Kelly | Top: Debora Mermadeit | Middle & Bottom: Contributed

There can be few moments of relief greater than the recovery of a much-loved missing pet as the well-publicised rescue of labrador Ted from a Trentham mineshaft in recent days illustrates.

A big team effort on Monday June 2 saw local CFA crews and Bendigo’s Oscar 1 rescue team safely rescue labrador Ted from where he was trapped down an eight-metre deep mineshaft in Trentham bushland.

Ted and his Labradoodle buddy Penny had gone missing four days earlier on Thursday (May 29) sparking a huge community search and online campaign after the dogs’ owners, Chantal Henderson and family, discovered them missing.

Luckily, a neighbour had heard Penny’s frantic barking and was then able to locate Penny guarding the top of the shaft with poor Ted stuck inside.

On Monday June 2, faithful Penny and her stuck buddy Ted were found on Pronk Track in Trentham at around 11.43am that morning.

A quick call was made to Triple Zero and the Trentham Fire Brigade and Oscar 1 swung into action, with assistance also from Hepburn Shire Council staff and Forest Fire Management Victoria.

Ted was kept calm with food and water until rescuers could safely bring him back up at 2:53 pm, happy and straight into owner Chantal Henderson’s waiting arms. 

A very relieved Chantal had plenty of praise for all concerned with the rescue, posting on social media:

“Our family is ever so grateful for all the support and well wishes we have received these past five days.

“Thank you to Ruth and her daughter for their perseverance searching the bush after hearing their barking. Without you they would never have been found.

“Penny was found guarding Ted who had fallen down a straight 8 meter mine shaft some time before or around Friday lunch time. Both dogs are in unbelievable condition, a little lighter than usual, but otherwise excellent.

“Thank you to our rescuers, Trentham CFA, Hepburn and Moorabool shire rangers/officers, Forest Management and CFA Oscar 1 Mine Rescue.”

 Trentham Fire Brigade Captain David Wheeldon said: “when we arrived, as you would expect, Penny was quite agitated, but luckily one of our firefighters knew the owners because they lived next door to them.

“We were able to get a hold of them to come down before Bendigo’s Oscar 1 crew started the rescue process.

“Throughout the morning, we were providing Ted with plenty of food and water.

“The members of Oscar 1 descended down the 8m shaft to safely extricate Ted and hand him back into the arms of his owners at around 2.53pm, happy, healthy and well.”

The “ruff” yet ultimately relieving incident serves to highlight the ongoing dangers posed by old mine-shafts in the area.

While on scene Trentham Fire Brigade members had worked with Forest Fire Management Victoria to locate and red-tape a number of open mine shafts in the area in an effort to help prevent future incidents.

Images: Supplied

Hepburn Shire Council mayor Don Henderson has issued a statement following the state government’s recent temporary backdown on the controversial emergency services levy (Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund).

In a statement Cr Henderson said:

“While we welcome the temporary reprieve announced by the State Government regarding the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, it remains only a short-term fix to a broader issue that continues to place farmers at an unfair disadvantage.

“We urge the State Government to urgently carry out a full review of the levy and implement a permanent, more equitable solution. Farmers are already under significant pressure due to ongoing drought conditions and rising operational costs.

“Council has previously written to both the Treasurer and the Minister for Local Government to express our concern that the levy places a disproportionate financial burden on rural and regional communities like ours, particularly on our primary producers. We will also be writing to the Premier.”

The council has confirmed that it will continue to advocate for a permanent review of the levy.

The Hepburn Shire Council is facilitating free accredited training for adults wanting to equip themselves with the practical skills and confidence to recognise, understand, and respond to a young person experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. 

This hybrid training course consists of online and face-to-face components. The online component will take around four hours to complete and the face-to-face component will be delivered over a full day by licensed facilitator Andy Bell from Youth Gurus. 

Face-to- face course dates:   

• Creswick: Monday 23 June 
• Trentham: Monday 7 July 

Hepburn Shire mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the program will be beneficial for any adults who interact with young people on a regular basis. 

“It is important that we understand and look after our Shire’s youth. We need to equip ourselves with the necessary skills and tools to provide them with the best support,” said Cr Don Henderson.  

The course will cover how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, how to respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and support available. 

“According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 40 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 24 experienced a mental health disorder between 2020 and 2022. By educating ourselves, we can protect our young people today and into the future,” said Cr Don Henderson. 

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants will learn how to approach a young person they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information, and how to help a young person to seek professional help or other supports.  

Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), and are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.  

Reservations are available via Google Forms. 

This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program.  

 For more information about the program is available by contacting Adam Ford at aford@hepburn.vic.gov.au 

Hepburn Shire residents are being invited to register to attend a free Emergency Services Panel and Morning tea event being hosted by the Hepburn Shire Council in Creswick next month.

Free to attend, the panel will take place in the Creswick Town Hall from 9.45am on Thursday, June 16 and offers a chance to hear about the high level arrangements that are in place for Victoria, followed by panel members from the likes of CFA, Police and SES.

In Australia, the risks that we face are becoming more frequent and complex. Whilst the Hepburn community is strong and resilient, there is more that can be done to prepare for, respond to, and recover well from disasters. ​

Experience shows that communities that are well connected, and have done work to prepare for disaster are able to cope better and recover faster from the impacts.

This upcoming Emergency Services Panel event will provide attendees with an understanding of the arrangements in place in Victoria, as they hear representatives from a range of different agencies that have legislated roles and responsibilities as part of the Emergency Management framework in Victoria.

Each will be asked the same two questions about their agency and given up to four minutes to present to the community including:

What are the roles and responsibilities their agency during and immediately after an emergency? (ie. what does your agency do?)
What can the community expect from their agency during an emergency?

Bookings to the free event are available through Eventbrite online.

The Hepburn Shire Council is preparing to celebrate the contribution of local volunteers with two special free community dinners.

National Volunteers Week (19-25 May) is fast approaching and to celebrate the contributions of local volunteers and community groups, the council is inviting residents to join one of the volunteer week dinners as a thank you for the difference volunteers make to the wider community.

The upcoming dinners are set for Daylesford on Monday 19 May, and Creswick on Wednesday 21 May.

It’s a chance to attend, connect with others and celebrate with free tickets here: https://hepburn.eventbrite.com.au.

This event is alos being made possible with the support of the Victorian state government.

The Hepburn Shire Council is calling for suitably qualified or experienced community members to join the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Advisory Committee. 

The aim of the Committee is to provide the council with advice on the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Honour Roll (the Honour Roll). 

The council says it’s looking for individuals who have:  

• an interest, knowledge and understanding of relevant practices that advance women’s rights. 
• direct links to local community groups and/or organisations. 
• experience and/or understanding of the role of an advisory committee. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that Council is looking forward to welcoming new committee members and continuing this International Women’s Day tradition. 

“We are looking for diverse and experienced individuals to join the Committee that oversees the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Honour Roll,” said Cr Henderson.  

“Celebrating the achievements of our local women is just one way we can ensure we are combatting gender inequality,” said Cr Henderson.  

The Honour Roll was launched in 2005 and each year, as part of the week of International Women’s Day, up to five women are added to the Honour Roll. 

The Honour Roll celebrates and recognises women who: 

• advance gender equity 
• exhibit leadership qualities 
• share their skills and knowledge 
• create an environment that strives towards long-term and sustainable change
• contribute creative, unique and innovative ideas or initiatives.  

Expressions of interest are now open and close Friday 30 May 2025 with more details available from the council’s website.

The Hepburn Shire Council recently announced the launch of the Domestic Violence (DV) Safe Phone Program, an initiative that provides safe mobile phones to domestic violence victim-survivors.  

Community members and businesses will be able to drop off their unwanted mobile phones at the following locations: 

• The Warehouse Clunes – 36 Fraser Street, Clunes
•  Creswick Hub – 68 Albert Street, Creswick
• Creswick Transfer Station – Ring Road, Creswick
• Daylesford Library – Cnr Bridport & Albert Street, Daylesford
• Duke Street Office – Cnr Duke & Albert Street, Daylesford
• Daylesford Transfer Station – 16 Ajax Road, Daylesford
• The Mechanics Trentham – 66 High Street, Trentham
• Trentham Transfer Station – 145 Blackwood Road, Trentham 

Mobile phones can be donated at any time throughout the year. DV Safe Phone ensures that phones are erased but you can follow instructions on their website to prepare your phone for donating. 

The council will be donating all mobile phones that have reached their end of life to the program, ensuring that valuable devices are repurposed to support those in need. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the program provides a practical and valuable solution for the community’s and the council’s mobile phones that are no longer suitable for the council purposes. 

“We are pleased to join the DV Safe Phone Program and offer a sustainable and philanthropic option for recycling unused or unwanted mobile phones,” said Cr Henderson.  

The DV Safe Phone Program’s biannual phone drives occur in May and October and the council will participate in these efforts to raise awareness and encourage the community to donate their unwanted mobile phones.  

“Not only does this program support individuals experiencing domestic violence, but champions sustainability and diverts waste from landfill,” said Cr Henderson. 

Donated phones that cannot be used in the program will be forwarded to Mobile Muster where they will be recycled. 

Established in 2020, the DV Safe Phone Program has proven to be a vital resource, providing safe mobile phones to domestic violence victim-survivors. This initiative offers a lifeline to those in need, helping them stay connected with loved ones and essential services during critical times. 

Over the past four years, the program has donated over 11,000 life-saving devices and partnered with more than 400 registered domestic violence agencies, police stations, safe houses, and hospitals across the country.  

The program has enabled these organisations to offer their services to victim-survivors free of charge, providing an invaluable resource during moments of crisis. 

The council says it’s dedicated to promoting the DV Safe Phone Program as part of its ongoing commitment to the prevention of all forms of violence. 

The Hepburn Shire Council is currently inviting local residents to have a say in response to several proposed road safety and streetscape projects, including two possible mini roundabouts, in Clunes.

The council is encouraging community members to provide feedback responding to several different proposed road safety and streetscape proposals for Clunes. The opportunity to submit feedback opened several weeks ago and is still able to be lodged up until Sunday April 13.

The current opportunity for members of the public to provide feedback marks the second and final stage of the Fraser Street Island trial consultation. It’s part of a process, aimed at improving safety for all road users in the township, which began last year and involves the trial of pedestrian safety islands at the intersection of Fraser and Service streets.

The five areas currently identified for consideration, and on which people can now have a say, are:

A speed reduction to a 40 km/h zone through the centre of Clunes

Proposed safety treatments for the Templeton Street and Bailey Street intersection

Proposed safety treatments for the Service Street and Bailey Street intersection, including the possible inclusion of a mini roundabout

Proposed safety treatments for the Ligar Street Precinct

Proposed safety treatments for the Fraser Street and Service Street intersection, including the possible inclusion of a mini roundabout

Those keen to have a say are being encouraged to review the concept designs and submit feedback at https://ow.ly/5is250VhJJV via the Have your Say portal on the council’s website.

A paper set of consultation plans are also available to view at The Warehouse Clunes during opening hours.

This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council media statement

A revamped Victorian Government emergency services levy is set to rip $140 million from rural communities annually according to a new analysis, prompting urgent calls from rural councils for the tax to be scaled back. 

The new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund represents a 150% tax hike on some rural landholders, when compared to the Fire Services Levy it is designed to replace, according to Rural Councils Victoria (RCV).

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas says the Hepburn Shire Council supports the analysis and recommendations put forward by Rural Councils Victoria.

“In the Hepburn Shire, the projected increase is expected to raise from $3.21 million to $5.42 million,” Mr Thomas says.

“Council has written to the Victorian Treasurer expressing concerns about the new tax, its potential impact on rural communities, and the unfair expectation that councils should act as debt collectors for the State Government.”

“This new levy is dreadfully unfair. It’s going to smash farm budgets, hurt local businesses and cause job losses in our towns and communities,” RCV Chair Cr Rob Amos has warned in recent days.

“Every extra dollar we send to Spring Street is a dollar that can’t be spent in a local business or used to pay an employee.” 

Aside from the weather, financial stress is a recognised contributor to poor mental health among farmers. 

“Everybody agrees our emergency services need a boost,” Cr Amos said.

“This new levy will hit Victorian farmers the hardest. How does that make any sense after years of drought and amid a cost-of-living crisis?”.

“At the very least this new tax burden should be shared equally amongst all Victorian landholders.” 

The RCV says it’s also concerned by the state government’s refusal to guarantee that money raised by the levy will only be spent on local CFA and SES crews, equipment and infrastructure. 

Rural Councils Victoria has written to the Victorian Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, sharing this new analysis and raising its concerns.   

Other concerns RCV holds about this new levy include: 

• Rural councils will be required to collect this new annual levy through rates notices and then pass the money onto the state. However, forcing local governments to collect a Victorian Government tax is unfair. The State Revenue Office exists for this exact purpose and should be the vehicle for collection. 
   
• There’s nothing to stop the Victorian Government increasing the levy in the future. This contrasts with local councils, which have been subject to a rate cape of 2.38% (average over 10 years). The rate cap is essentially a cap on council funding for local services and infrastructure. Either way, the new levy should be capped also, or subject only to scheduled increases. 
   
• The Victorian Government says CFA and SES volunteers will be exempt from the new ESVF levy. But this is only partially true, as the exemption will only apply to one rateable property. Most farmers hold the title for numerous rateable properties and will therefore still be required to pay a significant fee. 

“The Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy isn’t scheduled to come into force until July,” Cr Amos said. 

“There’s still time for the Victorian Government to acknowledge the inequities and unforeseen consequences of this new levy and make changes.” 

Story based on a Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) media release & a Hepburn Shire Council media statement. Image: File

The Hepburn Shire Council has advocated for additional support for regional local government at two key events held in recent days.

Last Friday (March 28) the Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils (GBAC) quarterly meeting took place in Daylesford with mayors and CEOs agreeing on regional priorities they believe require federal government support and action. 

Council leaders advocated for an equitable share of government funding to ensure residents have access to adequate infrastructure and services. 

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that regional councils need a commitment from government to improve access to housing, major transport networks, digital infrastructure and adequate funding to ensure the financial and communal success of our region. 

“The meeting was a good opportunity to come together to align interests and put forward a united voice,” Cr Henderson said.

“We need the Federal Government to further support regional councils to ensure their financial viability and community growth. It is critical that federal leadership commits to empowering local governments for the betterment of all Australians.

“The time to act is now—with a federal election around the corner, adequate federal support for our region is long overdue. All parties in the election need to commit to supporting local government.”

The Hepburn Shire Council’s Mayor, a number of Councillors and the Chief Executive Officer also met with the newly appointed State Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos, and local MP Mary-Anne Thomas last Friday to discuss the current opportunities and challenges facing the Shire. 

The Future Hepburn project, a once-in-a-generation program of major projects, was discussed and details as to how it intersects with the new ‘Plan for Victoria’ was released by the Victorian” Government.

“We are committed to protecting the region’s rural lifestyle while planning for future growth and meeting targets set by the State Government,” Cr Henderson said.

“Meeting directly with the Minister and Mary-Anne Thomas MP, gave us the opportunity to be upfront about the issues facing the shire.”

Other topics discussed included new waste service guidelines, the emergency services and volunteers fund and the shire’s Financial Vision. 

The council says it will continue to advocate for its community to ensure it can deliver key programs and projects now and into the future.

This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council media release. Image: Supplied

I really need to drop the kids off at the pool, build a log cabin, drop anchor, grow a tail, lay some cable, let the dogs out… you know, do a number  two.  

But I am not allowed. Not for six months now.  And, one day, in the near future, it just ain’t going to be pretty. I have Hepburn Shire Council to blame.  Last year I diligently jumped through hoops, made my way through obstacles and asked “how high, sir?” so HSC would allow me to turn one bit of land into two.  

One of the headscratchers was a water garden,  pictured, which was insisted on by one of the many officers who float in and out of  employment in the hallowed halls of HSC’s planning office.  

But it’s not entirely true that we had to install said water garden, we were, in fact,  given a choice. The first was to install a water garden which is a soak pit for the tank  overflow, if any.

Historically the overflow had been making its way out to large gutters  in the main street of Glenlyon for more than 150 years.  

The second was to put $5000 into the council coffers. I kid you not. The garden  was obviously the cheaper option but even if it wasn’t I would have rather paid  $10,000 for the garden than donated to the council’s Christmas party.  

But back to my toilet tantrum.  Part of the deal was to close off my septic pit, one that never gave any trouble and  was in perfect working order. But I am for tweaking things especially when it comes  to environmental issues.  

So, I dropped a further $14,000 on a new fandangled septic system in September  last year which the good people from Ballan Plumbing installed in a day with little  interruption.

The paperwork was quickly expedited to the body that made me install  the thing in the first place, yes, HSC, along with a command that we don’t use the  toilet until they sign off on it.  That was in September and it is now March. A long wait for a long drop. WTF.  

Meanwhile, the latest big council news is that HSC are asking for more rate  money, in fact a 10 per cent hike from all ratepayers. But I have to pose a question – if we hand over more money to HSC will anything change?

Ten per cent is a lot of  extra money to find and I am sure they need it, but so do I.  I am not sure what the alternative is to handing over the money because I can’t  see another council absorbing our debt and issues. Who would want that? Macedon  Ranges? Mt Alexander?

So, what happens if the HSC can no longer afford to keep  the lights on and no neighbouring council wants to pick us up?

Would the state  government have to step in and find commissioners to get us back in the black?

And how did all this start? Well, it is no secret that the Inspectorate report has  been leaked all over Facebook by “Council Watch” and most of the answers are there.  

We have had it in our possession for a couple of years but given some of the  litigious players in the report and a sense of self-preservation for our small newspaper  we haven’t been able to release it into the public domain.  

As we always said it is a very interesting read. And I am sure that a lot of the  planning criteria was fast-tracked. I bet they didn’t have to install a water garden or  wait six months to go for a poo.  If you see me around, be kind and don’t give me the shits.  Won’t be pretty, rant over….  

New inductee onto the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll,  Bullarto’s Mary Harvey says her recent IWD accolade comes as an unexpected surprise.

The recent International Women’s Day gong pays homage to Mary’s impressive role in contributing to multiple community organisations and committees as a volunteer.

Both Mary and her husband Don Harvey are particularly well known for their volunteer roles with the Daylesford and District Agricultural Society and their vital contributions to helping bring the local Daylesford show back to life and making it happen in style each year.

A retired librarian and French teacher,  Mary’s volunteer contributions to the wider local community span U3A, the French Circle, the Bullarto Hall Committee, the Spa Quilters and the Trentham branch of the ALP.

Mary was keen to encourage others to get involved in volunteering and also very keen to encourage girls and women to stand up and be counted.

“Don’t underestimate yourself,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself forward.

“I’d like to encourage people to volunteer. You meet some great people out there. You meet some great people and work with some great people.

“The people I work with are fabulous. They’re selfless in a way, and somebody’s got to do it.

“These organisations and volunteers are the backbone of our communities. It can be very rewarding.”

Mary said it’s a bit concerning to see that many communities are struggling to attract a new generation of volunteers.

“There are so many organisations in our community alone, some 80 in and around Daylesford. But our volunteers are ageing. Don is 80 and I’m 78,” she said.

As to her recent IWD honour, Mary said: “It is a bit of a surprise being nominated. I hadn’t expected it. I was pleased … and proud.”

Words and Image: Eve Lamb

The Hepburn Shire Council has secured grant funding of $400,000 for battery storage and solar PV installation at The Mechanics Trentham.

The funding has been announced as part of round two of the state government’s $42 million 100 Neighbourhood Battery Program.

The Hepburn Shire project is being funded as part of a joint project led by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) in partnership with 10 councils across regional Victoria.

Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Don Henderson says that extreme weather events pose an increasing risk to electricity infrastructure in Hepburn Shire.

“The township of Trentham has experienced multiple severe storm events in recent years resulting in extended grid outages,” Cr Henderson says.

“With extreme weather events in the region becoming more frequent, there is a growing need for an energy resilient emergency relief centre in Trentham.”

Following extensive feasibility and business case work being conducted, the council had identified The Mechanics Trentham as a suitable emergency relief centre for the town and surrounding areas.

Currently, the biggest limitation to the use of the site as an emergency relief centre is the lack of suitable power generation in an emergency.

An energy backup system comprised of a 100kW/280kWh battery and additional 30kW solar PV system installed at the Mechanics Trentham has been identified as enabling the site to serve as an energy resilient emergency relief centre for locals in the event of an extended grid outage.

“The proposed system is expected to provide up to three days backup power for critical power and lighting circuits from the battery alone, with capacity to charge from solar in island-mode to extended backup power duration if required,” Cr Henderson says.

“This grant funding is an excellent step towards making The Mechanics Trentham a more energy-efficient and sustainable space for our community.

“By implementing solar and battery storage technology, we are creating long-term environmental and financial benefits while setting a strong example for others to follow.”

Story based on a Hepburn Shire media release

The Hepburn Shire Council is seeking approval for a higher rate cap for the 2025/26 financial year in a bid to secure long-term financial stability.

The council is applying for a total rate increase of 10 per cent for 2025/26  which includes a 7 per cent increase to the existing 3 per cent rate cap announced in  December by the Local Government minister.  

An additional 7 per cent rate rise would be on average equal to $2.20 per  property per week but will generate $1.36 million to invest in programs and services.  The proposal has now been submitted to the Essential Services Commission  and aligns with the council’s financial vision 2024-2027 that was endorsed at last  September’s Special Council Meeting.  

The move is being made in a bid to ensure financial viability and long-term  sustainability, the council said in a media statement.  

Mayor Cr Don Henderson says the council is committed to ensuring it can  continue to provide essential services for the community in the years ahead.  

“General rates and charges are council’s biggest revenue stream, making up 66 per  cent in the financial year 2024/25,” Cr Henderson said.  

“Operating in a financially sustainable way can be challenging when we have a  smaller population size than the average council and when we are working from a  historically low rate base.  

“This proposed rate cap adjustment will form part of ensuring we meet our  regulatory requirements and help guarantee the financial stability of council, which is  crucial to delivering services and infrastructure for our residents.  

“Councils, and especially rural councils, do not have enough revenue sources, and  this has been acknowledged by both state and federal governments.  

“We understand that there are many in the community struggling under cost-of living pressures and this decision is not being made lightly.  

“Rest assured, we are continuously seeking efficiencies to minimise the financial  burden on ratepayers to ensure that we improve our financial position to support our  community.”  

An increase of $2.20 per week would mean an extra $114.40 for someone now  paying $1144. However the rates for a modest home in Glenlyon would be $3907.  

Hepburn Shire Council is no longer financially sustainable, Cr Brian Hood  has told a meeting of concerned residents at Trentham last week.  

Cr Hood said it was time the state government looked at merging Hepburn Shire  into other local government areas because it no longer had the ability to continue to  provide services at their current levels – even with a 10 per cent rise in rates.  

About 90 people attended the town meeting with the majority from Trentham.  After talking about the town structure plans, Cr Hood moved to the four-year  council plan and the “overly ambitious” previous four-year plan.  

“It strayed away from core business. It had five focus areas, I think 23 priority  statements and 116 strategies. And while there were some successes along the way and  lots of good stuff got done, it was just trying to do too much all over the place.  

“On the capital side of things, we built the Mechanics at Trentham and the sports  ground rooms, we did Creswick Town Hall, Creswick Trails, Bullarto Station, all  those sort of things, no qualms about that.

“But I showed them (the meeting) a slide  on the operating performance with all the day-to-day activities and services and that  was a bit of an eye-opener to everybody.  

“The deficits incurred over the past four years were sizable each and every year  and were getting bigger. And it just said, look, the plan wasn’t affordable. Yes, there  were successes in it, but we’ve got to stop doing what we’re doing there and get back  to whatever we determine to be basics.”

Cr Hood said the projected $4 million a year cash gap was largely caused by  escalating costs and also the cumulative effect of rate capping.

“We started from a  very low position, unfortunately, when they brought in capping, and that then got  entrenched into it. And each year whenever we’ve had a rate cap increase, it’s always  been below CPI. So that’s really put the squeeze on.  

“We’re small. And of course, the other geographic factor is we’ve got four or  five centres, so there’s a lot of inefficiency or duplication where, unlike, say, Mount  Alexander Shire where everything’s in Castlemaine, we’ve got Clunes and Creswick  and Daylesford and so on. So it’s not an excuse, it’s just a reality.”  

Cr Hood said that while The Rex was a financial and governance disaster, if it had  never happened the council would still be facing a $4 million gap going forward.  

“We have looked long and hard at selling surplus land and buildings, but to be  frank, we really don’t have anything that’s not being used.  

“The other thing that we’ve done with the capital works program is we’re now  only doing renewal work. We’re not building any new assets, there’s no cash for it.  

“If we get the rate increase of 10 per cent it would give us $1.36 million. The  other $2.64 million is coming from service changes, cost reductions, that sort of  thing, which is going to be pretty challenging.

“We’re looking at what are we going to  leave the same? What are we going to give a minor cut to? What are we going to give  a big cut to? What are we going to stop?  

“And the best case outcome is if we get the 10 per cent rate increase then we’d be  left with a council that has completely shrunk and can’t deliver all of its services. But  people are paying 10 per cent more in their rates.  

“But worse still, from a risk point of view, there’s absolutely no cash sitting there  for the next storm or flood or bushfire, any emergency. We’re running on empty.  (And) if we happen to get grants from other levels of government, we can’t accept  them because we’d have no cash for co-contributions.  

“We’d just maintain what we’ve got. If you live on an unmade road today, it’s still  going to be unmade in 10 years’ time.”  

Cr Hood said those at the meeting then asked if Plan B was carving up Hepburn  Shire to merge with other local governments.

“And I said, yes, we have been (talking  about that). Several of us have reached this conclusion. We’ll advocate, particularly  to the new minister, who we’re seeing very soon, that this sort of review needs to be  done.  

“So it’s now up to the state government. Would they send Creswick to Ballarat?  Would they send Clunes to Central Goldfields or Pyrenees? Would they send  Daylesford to Mt Alexander? Would they send Trentham to Macedon Ranges or  Moorabool. Who knows?  

“I’ve only got as far as saying if we cut all these services and costs and get a rate  increase, that’s not a great outcome for the community at all. There needs to be  something better. And we need to convince the state government to look at the bigger  picture, that we’re just too small to be viable.”  

Before December 31 each year, the Minister for Local Government sets the  council rate cap for the next financial year.

If the cap does not meet a council’s needs, the council can submit a higher cap application for up to four years of higher caps at  a time.

Rate caps started in 2016-2017 at 2.5 per cent. They dropped to a low of 1.5  per cent in 2022-23, reached a high of 3.5 per cent in 2023-2024 and in 2025-2026  are set at 3 per cent.  

Words: Donna Kelly