Hepburn Shire Councillors last month unanimously moved a motion confirming the council’s strong opposition to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy.

The Victorian government has since announced a temporary backdown on its controversial emergency services levy while pledging more money for struggling farmers.

It will cap its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy at the 2024/25 rate for all primary production properties across the state for the coming financial year.

The fund, which replaces the cheaper fire services levy, is designed to raise revenue for fire services, the State Emergency Service, triple-0 and the state control centre.

In recent days the government has also pledged $37.7 million in additional funding for farmers struggling with drought conditions.

The Hepburn Shire Council had previously written to the Treasurer and Minister for Local Government expressing that the levy has a disproportionate financial burden on rural and regional communities, especially primary producers.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the state government’s pause on the ESVF increase and the government’s expanded drought assistance.

The council, in a media statement issued following last month’s meeting, confirmed that it will continue to advocate for the shire and join the many other councils opposing the levy.

In partnership with The Vet Project, the Hepburn Shire Council is again offering free cat desexing, microchipping, and first year of council registration.

The upcoming session is set for Friday 20 June at the Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve in Creswick.

Cat owners keen to take advantage of the free session and book a spot for their cat need to be a resident of Hepburn Shire. Proof of address required They must also hold a current concession card.

A limit of two cats per household applies to the upcoming session.

Limited spots are available, with local cat owners being advised to get in quick and Click here to book a spot for their moggie.

On Thursday May 15 the Victorian Government announced an additional $15.9 million support package for practical support to farmers across Victoria impacted by drought and challenging seasonal conditions. 

Farmers can access financial support, mental health programs and one-on-one consultations with agriculture experts. 

Hepburn Shire Council mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the support comes at a crucial time for local and other farmers who are doing it tough at the moment. 

“We are extremely pleased that Hepburn Shire farmers will directly benefit from this support package announced by the Victorian Government,” said Cr Don Henderson. 

“We have a diverse group of farmers across the region who significantly contribute to our local economy,” said Cr Don Henderson. 

The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program supports on-farm upgrades that provide immediate support in managing drought and build future resilience.  

Eligible farmers can apply for on-farm improvements such as water infrastructure upgrades, stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage and drought management tools such as soil moisture monitors and weather stations.  

Additionally, farmers impacted by drought and challenging dry conditions can register for a one-on-one farm advisory consultation as part of the Drought Support Package. Farmers can book in with a consultant to discuss the best way forward for their business in the current climate/season. 

“We have a highly productive agriculture sector which is incredibly important to our community and we must ensure they know they can access support,” said Cr Don Henderson. 

Ongoing seasonal pressures are having an impact on our farmers and their mental health. A new mental health program, Look Over the Farm Gate, is being developed to help communities come together and support farmers under stress.  

Ratepayers are being asked to accept a 10 per cent rate rise while receiving  12.5 per cent less service, says Cr Brian Hood.  

Cr Hood, pictured above, was the only councillor who did not support the 2025 draft budget.

He gave a prepared speech to the council meeting but was stopped by Mayor Cr Don Henderson after five minutes.  

Cr Hood sent his piece, focusing on micro, macro and consultation issues, to The  Local in order to explain his position.

The constraints of the Local Goverment Act now require him to stand by the majority decision to release the draft documents.  

His speech has been edited for space but is available in full on his Facebook page.  The council is due to adopt the budget and plans on June 24, with consultation  closing on June 5.  

“Micro level: The 25/26 budget has been prepared under the cloud of a projected  $4m pa cash shortfall. An adjusted underlying deficit of $6.8m will be incurred in  24/25 with a cash neutral result due entirely to the injection of cash from a new  $5.5m loan.  

“As elected representatives we must acknowledge that ratepayers are enduring  challenging financial times with many under mortgage stress and cashflow hardship.  

“This is evidenced by 2420 ratepayers (approximately 30 per cent of all residential  ratepayers) falling into arrears with rate instalment payments.  

“Property tax rates calculated on property CIVs do not necessarily reflect a ratepayer’s capacity to pay (and) in a shire such as Hepburn many of our ratepayers  reside in high value properties. Their capacity to pay is another matter entirely.  

“The draft 25/26 budget allocates $31m to cash operating expenses plus $13m  to capital works. The amount of cash required to complete capital works carried over  from 24/25 into 25/26 won’t be known until after year-end financial statements are  completed.

“Dependent on a wide range of assumptions the 25/26 year is forecast to  essentially break even on the income statement but cash holdings are projected to fall  by a further $1.6m.  

“To achieve that outcome rates will be increased by 10 per cent effective July 1 2025 and operating costs incurred to provide services will be cut by $2.5m.

“Costs  have already been cut by $1.5m in the current financial year. The budget document  discloses the cost savings that will be secured across a range of service areas should the changes be fully implemented as planned.

“Of the $31m allocated to fund services only 2.4 per cent will go to customer services, 1.6 per cent to early and middle years programs, 1.6 per cent to libraries and 0.6 per cent to youth services – all core  functions aimed at supporting families.  

“An amount of $375,000 is allocated to further planning and design works for  the second stage of the Daylesford Town Hall redevelopment (a $15-20m project).  

“While I appreciate the need for long term project planning the timing of incurring  such a substantial cost may be premature when the grant funding is not yet on the  horizon and the critical social license for the project is yet to be widely established.

“Consultation: As it currently stands the budget raises more questions than  it answers. The lack of detail makes it near impossible to describe what many of  the scaled-down service areas would look like should the budget be adopted.

“The  potential release of a much-awaited budget and four-year plan will, quite rightly,  attract higher than usual interest and scrutiny – especially with the confirmed  inclusion of a 10 per cent rate increase. Ratepayers are being asked to accept a 10 per  cent price rise while receiving 12.5 per cent less service.

“Macro level: The need for a 10 per cent rate increase plus a further decrease  of $2.5m in operating costs once again highlights that HSC’s ability to meet its  legislated obligations to provide services in response to community needs is seriously  compromised.  

“In their report the ESC noted that: ‘Even with the higher cap, Hepburn will still  need to do further work to reach and maintain a financially sustainable position that  will enable it to achieve sustainable outcomes in the delivery of services and critical infrastructure in the long-term interests of their communities.’  

“I am not hearing or reading anything on further stages.  

“(With) service reductions and the 10 per cent rate increase council would  still face having no surplus cash to make co-contributions to government grants  until years later; will have no cash to fund emergencies (such as floods, storms and fires – a net cash drain of $3m in recent years); and no cash to invest into the  construction of new assets.

“There would be no surplus cash to cope with any other  emerging or contingent liabilities – for example multi-million dollar remediation  works on transfer station or landfill sites.

“With only 12,000 ratepayers and multiple  service centres across the shire, Hepburn’s financial sustainability must be seriously  questioned.”  

At a Special Council Meeting last week the Hepburn Shire Council endorsed its draft 2025/26 Budget and 10-Year Financial Plan to go out for public exhibition and community feedback.

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the draft Budget is grounded in improving financial sustainability and a commitment to core services.

“To face the challenges ahead, we must build strong financial foundations. Like many of the 79 councils across Victoria, we are experiencing financial pressures that will inevitably impact how we deliver services,” Cr Henderson said.

“The Budget has strong ties to the Council Plan, ensuring that any strategic objectives set out in the plan can be delivered.

“Input from the adopted Financial Vision, our Deliberative Engagement Panel, Shire-wide survey, and insights from Officers and Councillors has shaped the Council Plan and this associated budget,” Cr Henderson said.

“The 2025/26 Budget reflects our focus on essential services and makes difficult but responsible choices to safeguard both our short and long-term future.”

Key draft Budget outcomes:

• Budgeted an operating surplus and an adjusted underlying surplus for the 2025/2026 year, and forecast a positive unrestricted cash position at June 2026, these are positive trends and improvements on previous financial years. 

• A $13.07 million capital works program is proposed, focused on renewing existing assets and fulfilling previously committed projects with nearly $4 million (30%) in state and federal funding.
• Within the capital budget, $6.59 million is allocated to road upgrades, more than double the five-year average of $3.03 million, enabled by $3.64 million in state and federal funding.
• Operational funding of $11.08 million for roads, facilities, asset maintenance, parks and open spaces, and waste operations.
• Over $1 million invested in strategic planning, including further progressing the Township Structure Plans, the Rural Strategy, and the Integrated Transport Strategy, and including funding to complete the Environmental Effects Statement to oppose the Western Renewable Link.
• No new borrowings.

Organisational changes and service delivery:

• Council has conducted an intensive internal review to identify $2.54 million in operational savings, including a reduction in executive and management roles.
• The $2.54 million (7.2%) is in addition to the $1.5 million in permanent savings in 2024/25, meaning the organisation is investing $4.04 million or 11.4% less in operational costs than two years ago as we continue our financial position recovery. 
• All service areas have had a form of budget reduction.

“We are focusing resources on delivering core services and streamlining our organisation to be more efficient,” Cr Henderson said.

Revenue and rates:

• Council expects to collect $43.9 million from rates, charges, grants, and other sources.
• Council has secured $11.42 million in grants and external funding.
• Rates will increase by 10%, including the State Government’s 3 per cent rate cap, with an additional 7 per cent one-off uplift approved by the Essential Services Commission to support long-term financial viability. This will generate an additional $1.36 million.
• Annual waste service charges and kerbside collections have no increase to cost for ratepayers, and residents using food and garden organics services, who will see a $40 annual reduction. 

“The ability to hold kerbside collection rates at no increase and provide a reduction for FOGO is a great example of delivering better value for money where possible,” Cr Henderson said.

“We know not every decision in this budget will be popular, but they are necessary. We have a legal and moral duty to ensure Council’s long-term viability and to act in the best interest of our community, now and in the years to come.”

Community feedback on the draft Budget and 10-year Financial Plan is open until Thursday 5 June.

Those keen to view the documents and provide input are being invited to visit https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/hepburn-together-2025-2029.

Hard copy surveys will be available in libraries and customer service hubs throughout the shire.

The Hepburn Shire area is among large parts of western and central Victoria facing an increased risk of fire in early autumn, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn, released late last week.

A concerning lack of rain over the past 12 to 24 months has led to increased flammable dry vegetation in forests and heathlands. This has already resulted in large, fast-running fires in the Grampians and the Little Desert over summer.

With average rainfall expected in autumn, the availability of flammable dry vegetation in forests, woodlands and heathlands is expected to remain high., the CFA says.

Forecast warmer than average maximum temperatures may also further increase flammable dry vegetation availability in western and central Victoria. This will make it easier for fires to start and spread.

Across the rest of the state, Victorians can expect normal fire potential. However, fast running fires are possible on dry and windy days in areas with dry or cured vegetation.

Conditions may delay planned burning in some parts of the state, but may also increase opportunities to target areas not typically available for burning in autumn.

Emergency services will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the autumn period.

Victoria remains well prepared for the potential of fires, with a mix of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and air intelligence gathering aircraft positioned across the state to support our dedicated volunteer and career firefighters on the ground.

The Outlook for Autumn is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology along with state and territory fire and land managers.

The CFA is warning that it’s important for communities to understand their local risks and keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website.

Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan: “While conditions remain dry with little rain forecast in certain parts of the state over coming weeks, the fire risk will continue but our crews are ready and will adapt to changes as they develop through autumn.

“Victorians should continue to maintain their properties and stay informed of their local risks so they can take action to protect their families in the event of a fire.”

This story based on a CFA report

The region’s real estate agents have responded with cautious optimism following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s interest rate cut – dropping the cash rate by .25 per cent. 

The February 18 decision – dropping the cash rate from 4.35 to 4.1 per cent – will help ease pressure on mortgage holders, but many hope the official cash rate will fall further. 

With the major banks agreeing to pass on the 0.25 per cent cut in full to variable rate customers, it is estimated that a household with a $500,000 mortgage would save about $77 a month, a household with a $750,000 mortgage $115, and a household with a $1 million loan about $155 a month in repayments. 

Belle Property Daylesford and Trentham principal director Will Walton says the RBA decision is a welcome move for property owners with a mortgage and buyers looking to consider entering the market. 

However Will did also note the diversity of personal situations which exist within the region with some households struggling to meet rents and repayments, while others do not stand to benefit so much from the cut. 

“A portion of our local population are potentially self-funded retirees with no mortgage,” Will acknowledged. 

“Certainly, once confidence is stimulated, we should see more real estate transactions in our local market. A number of very generous first home buyer programs are on offer and we recommend first home buyers investigate these offers with their financial lender or bank. Bendigo Bank certainly has all the detail.” 

Creswick real estate agent Katie Minchinton of Katie Minchinton Property said the cut was good news. 

“The Reserve Bank has cut rates to 4.10 per cent – the first reduction since 2020,” Katie said. 

“This could be the perfect moment to step into the market or make your next move. Don’t miss out on new opportunities. 

“It’s certainly very good news. We’re looking forward to great growth and more confidence in our market in the near future.” 

Rob Broadhurst of Broadhurst Property said the decision to cut the cash rate to 4.10 per cent marked a significant shift in economic policy. 

“While this move offers welcome relief for mortgage holders, its impact on the Macedon Ranges and surrounding property markets remains to be seen,” he said.

“The RBA’s decision reflects growing confidence that inflation is stabilising, with headline inflation recorded at 2.4 per cent in December 2024, well within the target band of 2–3 per cent.

“However, despite this rate cut, many households will still face financial challenges due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures. 

“For the regional property market, the rate reduction should help stabilise home values, halting the incremental declines seen in Melbourne over recent months. 

“However, while lower interest rates can make borrowing more attractive, prospective buyers remain cautious. Rising costs across multiple sectors, including energy, groceries, and services, mean many households are still hesitant to stretch their budgets. 

“As a result, while the rate cut may encourage more buyer activity, it is unlikely to be a silver bullet for rapid price growth in the immediate term.” 

Frances Harkin of Harkin Estate Agents in Trentham said as interest rates decreased, there would be restored confidence and momentum in the property market. 

“Regional areas particularly remain a strong and desirable market. A rate cut in 2025 could drive increased buyer activity, making it an ideal time for sellers to position their properties strategically,” she said.

“If you’re considering buying or selling, staying ahead of market shifts will be key to making the most of upcoming opportunities.” 

In an article in Australian Property Update, CoreLogic Head of Research Tim Lawless said the cut was significant, but “arguably the greater effect on housing markets will be the confidence injection received from the commencement of the rate-cutting cycle” . 

“Measures of consumer sentiment have already shown a solid rise through the second half of 2024 as households became more certain the rate-hiking cycle was over and the outlook for household finances started to improve. 

“Historically, there has been a clear relationship between changes in consumer sentiment and home purchasing activity.” 

PropTrack Senior Economist Eleanor Creagh agreed.

“Both buyer confidence and borrowing capacities will be boosted now interest rates have begun to fall,” she said.

“As a result, the price falls seen over the past two months are likely to be short- lived and may reverse with the slight improvement to affordability and buyer confidence driving renewed demand and price growth.” 

Words: Eve Lamb & Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes 

Hepburn Shire community groups with a great idea to enhance or protect the area’s biodiversity are being encouraged to check out the council’s Biodiversity Grants Program which has opened for applications.

The council is encouraging local community groups with a community-based project or initiative that enhances and protects the biodiversity of the shire to apply for a grant under the program.

If you’re a local community group with a community-based project or initiative that aims to reduce future impacts of climate change and promote or establish circular economy-focused programs, the council wants to work with you to realise your project goals.

Applications are currently being received up to March 16, with those keen to know more able to view the guidelines at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants or contact the council to talk to the grants team.

Hepburn Shire Town Crier, Philip Greenbank, has officiated at the establishment of the “Parliamentary Friendship Group with Thailand” in a special event held this earlier month in Toorak, Melbourne.

The Creswick-based town crier (pictured above, during the event) was invited by the Kingdom of Thailand to officiate at the event that was attended by 300 special guests including representatives from 29 embassies, politicians and many organisations in Victoria that have been involved with the Kingdom of Thailand.

These included Her Excellency Ms Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador to the Kingdom Thailand, Canberra and Mrs Tessa Sullivan OAM, Honorary Consul to the Kingdom of Thailand, Melbourne.

“I opened the evening and then read the proclamation As the Official Town Crier, I now announce the commencement of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Thailand on this day, Monday 3rd February 2025 and acknowledged by all in attendance in the State of Victoria,” Mr Greenbank said in a social media post.

Mr Greenbank, in his post, also said:

“The Parliamentary Friendship Group consists of politicians from all parties and from both State and Federal governments and with Thai’s representation in Australia, to continue the close ties with Thailand.

“Over 300 special guests were in attendance including representatives from 29 embassies, politicians and many organisations in Victoria that have been involved with the Kingdom of Thailand.”

As official town crier for Hepburn Shire since 2015, Mr Greenbank belongs to a formal and unique group of individuals in Australia and worldwide who continue to preserve the town crier tradition dating back to at least 1066 and the Norman conquest of England with William the Conqueror.

The Australian Government has officially given the green light to the Victorian Goldfields’ bid for World Heritage Listing.

The move marks a historic milestone after 35 years of advocacy, and follows its successful inclusion on Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List.

This significant achievement is the result of a collaborative effort led by 15 councils across the Victorian Goldfields, with Hepburn Shire Council a proud partner in the landmark initiative.

Other partners include Traditional Owners, the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, and local and international experts.

World Heritage listing aims to bring international attention to the extraordinary story of the Victorian Goldfields, recognised as one of the most significant gold mining regions in the world.

Hepburn Shire mayor, Cr Don Henderson has expressed his excitement about the successful inclusion on Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List announced last Friday (january 31)

“Achieving UNESCO World Heritage would preserve our region’s rich history, while creating long-term social, cultural, and economic opportunities for communities across the Goldfields,” Cr Henderson said.

“It should also encourage and promote responsible recreational prospectors coming to our region.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Victorian Goldfields and for all the communities that have been a part of this historic journey.

“Achieving World Heritage status will not only celebrate our shared history but will help foster sustainable growth and global awareness of the region’s unique cultural and environmental significance.

“Victorian Goldfields represents the most extensive, coherent, and best-surviving nineteenth century global gold rush landscape anywhere in the world,” said Barry Gamble, Chief Advisor to the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid.

The future recognition of the Victorian Goldfields as a World Heritage site would not only preserve its historical landmarks, but is also expected to boost local economies, foster pride, and attract people from around the world to experience the region’s stunning landscapes, historic towns, and cultural treasures.

This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council media release

The Hepburn Shire Council’s Biodiversity Grants Program opens on Monday February 3.

The council is inviting applications from local community groups with a community-based project or initiative that aims to enhance and protect the biodiversity of the shire.

Projects may include: on-ground works such as planting, weed control & pest control, strategic project group equipment purchase, publications or events aimed at raising awareness of biodiversity issues or activities such as training and networking.

Those keen to know more can check out the guidelines at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants or contact grants@hepburn.vic.gov.au to talk to the council’s grants team.

A range of taxes are impacting property sales in regional Victoria, real estate agents say. Among them, Belle Property’s Will Walton lists four taxes that he identifies as making buying in regional Victoria a challenge. 

“The four taxes making buying a challenge are land tax, vacant land tax (a wealth tax by default), the B&B levy and the fire levy increase,” he says. 

“These state government imposed costs are compounding our market difficulties especially as we so heavily rely on tourism for our local economy and employment, including accommodation to house tourists. 

“The ratio of one buyer for every five homes is now one in 10 homes. Every property is competing with each other.”

 Agent Kim McQueen of McQueen Real Estate says certain sectors of the market, especially the holiday-let segment, are being heavily impacted while other sectors – notably the higher-end segment in which her agency specialises – are flourishing.

 “We tend to specialise in slightly more high-end properties and we’ve had an amazing end of ‘24 with very strong sales at the top of the range,” Ms McQueen said. 

“Over late November to December we’ve sold more than $13 million in property. The really good, exceptional properties will sell well in any market and our region is blessed to have many of these properties. 

“In our region we have a lot of subsets in the market, and the area that’s being mainly hit is the holiday-let investor stock. The reason is all the taxes. “Taxes have skyrocketed.” 

In the holiday-let investor segment, in particular over the past 18 months, it’s been a “very tough market,” Ms McQueen says. 

“That’s the one that has just been decimated. Investors used to be 50 per cent of our buyers. We now have very few investors. It’s Victoria-wide.” 

Some observers now believe ditching Victoria’s big taxing approach should be a top priority in the government’s regional housing supply inquiry, while others believe the tax measures are needed to tackle the wider housing affordability crisis. 

In regional towns, including those in the Hepburn Shire, many houses are sitting vacant, their absentee owners rarely visiting, while countless Victorians struggle to put any roof over their heads at all. 

Over the past couple of years the Victorian government has brought in some new and expanded property taxes. In regional areas the most substantial have been the expansion of land tax, bringing Melbourne’s vacant land tax to the rest of Victoria, and the short- stay accommodation levy. 

Early last year the state government introduced sweeping changes to land tax, lowering the tax-free threshold for general land tax rates from $300,000 to $50,000 for those who hold a second property. 

Asked her opinion on whether the taxation measures may be going some way toward tackling the housing affordability crisis (by disincentivising additional property acquisition as investment), Ms McQueen says the broader picture is a complicated one. 

“It is very complicated. People that own holiday homes in our region are generally average normal people who have saved a very long time to purchase an investment property so they can be self-funded retirees and not be reliant on the government.” 

Meanwhile some analysts, like economist Alan Kohler in his recent book The Great Divide: Australia’s Housing Mess And How to Fix It interrogates the underlying notion of using housing as a vehicle for wealth-creation. 

“It will be impossible to return the price of housing to something less destructive – preferably to what it was when my parents and I bought our first houses – without purging the idea that housing is a means to create wealth as opposed to simply a place to live,” Kohler states in the book. 

Like Mr Walton, Ms McQueen believes the taxation measures, that agents say are particularly impacting the holiday-let investment end of the market, are having a damaging flow-on impact on tourism. 

But despite the impacts of the taxation measures, Mr Walton remains optimistic about the year ahead. 

“Belle Property has had a record month. The Daylesford office team has successfully sold 12 properties, four more than average per month.” 

Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Kyle Barnes 

The state government’s Access Policy Roadmap is now state-wide, ensuring women and girls right across Victoria have equal access to sporting facilities and opportunities.

The state’s minister for community sport, Ros Spence recently announced the statewide adoption of the policy.

All of Victoria’s 79 councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria will now adopt the framework for their local communities including the shires of Macedon Ranges, Hepburn, Mount Alexander and Moorabool in Macedon.  

Since being launched in August 2022, the Roadmap is helping councils and their local sporting clubs to create equal access and opportunities for women and girls so all Victorians  can take part in the sports they love.  

As part of the Roadmap, councils must have policies in place to be eligible for community sport program funding.

The policies are tailored to the local community and designed to  achieve long-term change resulting in more equal participation for women and girls.  

Examples include how women and girls will be considered when it comes to allocating community sport facilities, like ovals, changerooms and courts.  

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence:  “Victoria is proud to lead the nation in creating a level playing field for women and girls, so  they have the same access and opportunities as men when it comes playing the sports they  love.”  

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas:  “This policy will make a big difference for the women and girls of Macedon, ensuring they  get access to the sport facilities and opportunities they deserve.”

Developed in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and VicHealth, the Roadmap supports councils with obligations under the Gender Equality Act 2020.

Those interested can learn more about  the Fair Access Policy Roadmap at changeourgame.vic.gov.au/initiatives/fair-access-policy roadmap.  

This story based on a media release from the office of Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas

Hepburn Shire’s Kerbside bin collection trucks are sporting a new look.

And it’s not just about appearances.

As part of the Hepburn Shire Council’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible resource recovery, the Veolia bin collection trucks now feature informative messaging as part of their livery.

The more colourful new look and messaging is aimed at educating residents on how to better manage and reduce their household waste – something that’s in line with wider circular economy aims.

Bruce Lucas, Director Infrastructure and Delivery, said that the new look trucks will serve as a mobile educational tool, raising awareness about getting the right items into each bin. 

The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce what is sent to landfill and increase participation in local recycling programs.

The trucks feature Sustainability Victoria developed graphics with clear and concise messages on how to sort waste correctly at home.  

“The key messages we want to get across to the community are to keep bags out of your recycling and food and garden organics bin, how to recycle properly, and ensuring that food and garden organics collected has no contamination given it is being made into compost to be used to improve local soils in our parks and open spaces,” said Mr Lucas.  

“We are excited to introduce this new campaign and bring educational messages directly to our residents using kerbside collection trucks.

:This is an exciting way to turn everyday bin collection into an educational opportunity. We’re hopeful that this initiative will spark conversations at the community level and inspire individuals to make lasting changes,” said Mr Lucas. 

The trucks have various messages on increasing resource recovery in our region through correct sorting at home.

Local residents will see the trucks traveling through their neighbourhoods as they make their regular collections, providing continuous reminders about the importance of sorting items correctly, and keeping items loose in their recycling and organics bins. 

In the new year as we reach one year since the introduction of the Food and Garden Organics collection service, we will also undertake a review of these services and how they are performing and keep community informed of this review.  

The council was able to fund these new messages on all four collection trucks thanks to a grant from Sustainability Victoria.

This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council media release

You know things are warming up and Christmas is almost here when the public pool season starts.

In the Hepburn Shire it started on Saturday (December 7) with council-managed outdoor pools opening for free throughout the shire.

To celebrate the start to the pool season the Clunes, Daylesford and Trentham outdoor pools all opened over the launch weekend (Dec 7-8) between 1pm to 6pm regardless of any predicated cooler weather (21 and below).

The new aquatics season for the shire’s pulbic pools and Creswick Splash Park is now scheduled to run through to March 13 2025 (Labour Day public holiday).

2024/2025 Pool Opening Times

 Fees

Entry is free to all council pools and the Creswick Splash Park.

Locations

Daylesford pool

Location: Central Springs Road, Daylesford

Facilities: 50m Pool and toddlers’ pool

Trentham pool

Location: Corner of Market Street and Camp Street

Facilities: 25m pool and toddlers’ pool

Clunes pool

Location: Bull Millgate Reserve, Clunes. Turn off at Ligar Street and Clunes – Campbelltown Road intersection

Facilities: 25m pool and toddlers’ pool

Calembeen Park toddlers’ pool

Location: Calembeen Park, access via Cushing Avenue, Creswick

Facilities: Toddlers’ pool

Creswick Splash Park

Location: Opposite IGA Creswick, Turn off from Albert Street

Facilities: Splash pad with numerous water play features

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa – locals’ discount 

While not managed by the council, the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is another bathing facility in the shire and it’s worth noting that Hepburn Shire residents can head to the bathhouse year-round to take advantage of the locals’ discount.

The rate for residents in the shire is $12.50 per session or a ten pass for $99. The offer is for Monday to Thursday excluding public holidays. Walk in only.

Further information about the local public pools, including the new hours is at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/pools