Message from your Councillors
As we reach the half way mark of 2026, we’re delighted to continue our advocacy on behalf of Golden Plains Shire residents in the lead up to the 2026 State Election.
It’s no secret that Golden Plains Shire is growing fast – and with that comes responsibility. As our population increases, so too does the demand on infrastructure, services and community facilities.
In this issue, you’ll read about the focused set of priority areas that are critical to supporting our community now and into the future. These priorities reflect what we hear consistently from residents: the need for better transport connections, safer roads, strong emergency services, quality facilities for children and young people, and essential infrastructure to enable sustainable growth.
We remain committed to working constructively with whichever government is elected in November 2026 to deliver impactful outcomes for our community.
The 2026/27 Council Budget was recently adopted at the May Council meeting. The $62 million Budget focuses on balancing financial sustainability with maintaining services and continued investment in projects that are valued by our community.
Some of the Budget highlights include the investment of more than $7 million in renewing vital community
assets, with a strong focus on our extensive rural road and bridge network. You can read more about the 2026/27 Budget on page 4.
We also have some exciting roads projects taking place across the Shire as part of the Victorian Government’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program. It’s fantastic to see these projects coming to life, and we look forward to seeing the finished results in the coming months.
As always, we extend our gratitude to the residents of Golden Plains for your ongoing support and collaboration. We look to the remainder of 2026 with positivity.
Yours in community,
Golden Plains Shire Councillor Group
Strong Response to Bus Network Review
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey has welcomed the strong level of community participation in the Department of Transport and Planning’s recent Bus Network Review. Throughout March and April, residents were invited to share their local bus services experiences. Bannockburn was the only township in Golden Plains Shire included in the review, and local engagement was significant. Of the 3,787 survey responses received statewide, 10% came from Golden Plains Shire residents, highlighting strong interest in improving public transport options.
This response was particularly notable in Inverleigh and Teesdale, where 31.7% of all Golden Plains respondents— a total of 123 people—called for better public transport connections for their communities.
Council has been advocating for more frequent services, improved peak and off‑peak timetables, and expanded weekend services to support the Shire’s growing population. While the level of community engagement was encouraging, it is disappointing that no new transport funding for Golden Plains Shire was included in this year’s draft State Budget.
Council will continue advocating for the improved public transport services that local residents need and deserve.
Road Safety Projects Underway
Council is delivering $2 million worth of works funded through the Victorian Government’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program. This initiative is enhancing safety on Council‑managed roads, intersections and precincts.
Council is currently constructing the following six projects:
• Milton Street & Burns Street, Bannockburn – Raised pedestrian crossings
• Heales Street & Becker Street, Smythesdale – Raised pedestrian crossings
• East Street, Inverleigh – Raised pedestrian crossing
• Moreillon Boulevard, Bannockburn – Raised pedestrian crossing
• Racecourse Road & Ross Creek–Haddon Road, Haddon – Raised pedestrian crossings and speed limit reduction (pictured above)
• Lacys Road & Sebastopol–Smythesdale Road, Ross Creek – Intersection upgrade
These approved projects have progressed through concept design and planning, and construction timelines are now in place as works continue across the Shire.
The Victorian Government’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program is a $210 million initiative running until June 2027. The program brings together local Councils, the Department of Transport and Planning, and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to jointly identify, plan and deliver important road safety improvements across Victoria.
2026/27 Road Grading Schedule Now Available Online
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Roads and Drainage Team is hard at work across the Shire, grading the unsealed road network in accordance with the new 2026/27 road grading calendar.
Council’s annual Road Grading Program allows for grading of Council’s unsealed road network in the Shire throughout the year. Council has committed to grading every unsealed road in the Shire’s 705km unsealed Council road network at least once a year through its Unsealed Road Grading Maintenance Charter. Residents can visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events to see when Council’s graders will be in which areas of the Shire to easily track when maintenance will be done on unsealed roads. Residents can either put their town in the search box or click the calendar link to view all listings.
Instructions on how to search for road grading listings is available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/roads.
Haddon
Golden Plains Shire Council Budget 2026/27
Golden Plains Shire Council’s 2026/27 Budget was adopted by Council at its 26 May Council meeting. The $62 million Budget focuses on balancing financial sustainability with maintaining services and continued investment in projects that are valued by our community.
Prior to the formulation of the Draft Budget, Council undertook a multi‑stage community engagement process, inviting residents to contribute through Budget submissions, an online survey, and Thinktank workshops. From 26 November 2025, community members could lodge written or online submissions, complete a survey highlighting priorities and project ideas, or attend in‑person workshops in Smythesdale and Bannockburn to discuss budget issues directly with Council’s Finance Team.
An additional online session in January 2026 summarised “what we heard” from the engagement period. All feedback—alongside projected revenue, strategic priorities, and community needs—was considered in shaping recommendations for the draft Budget. Council then reviewed formal submissions at the February 2026 meeting before presenting the final Budget for adoption in May 2026.
The 2026/27 Budget has been prepared based on the adopted principles within the 2025 2029 Council Plan and Financial Plan, with rate revenue modelled at a 2.75% average rate cap increase in accordance with the Minister for Local Government’s announcement in December 2025.
Key Operational Programs included in 2026/27 Budget
• Continued implementation of Climate Emergency Plan actions supported by the introduction of the recently formed Climate Action Working Group.
• Continued transition of Waste Services to reflect State mandated 4 bin service.
• Continued development and implementation of the Core Systems Transformation Project.
• Funding for various programs to support active ageing, youth development, and the general health, wellbeing and inclusion of all cohorts across the community.
Key Features of 2026/27 Budget
The 2026/27 Budget aims to maintain essential services, invest in community‑valued projects, and continue improving and renewing local infrastructure, all while operating within the 2.75% rate cap. However, the ongoing rise in operating and construction costs, consistently outpacing the annual rate cap, continues to place significant pressure on Councils across Victoria. As a result, many Councils, including Golden Plains Shire, face difficult financial decisions, with the risk of either reducing service levels or operating at a loss, neither of which is sustainable in the long term.
• $61.4m to continue to deliver more than 70 services to the Golden Plains community
• 2.75% rate cap
• Operating surplus of $1.9m, with an overall adjusted underlying deficit of $6.7m
• Waste management fee at $497 per property
• Windfarm income at $2.3m (Mount Mercer, Berrybank and Golden Plains Wind Farms)
• $14.6m investment in capital assets, including infrastructure, buildings, recreation, leisure and community facilities, and plant machinery and equipment
Community Infrastructure Projects in 2026/27 Budget
Of the $14.6 million capital works program, Council is investing more than $7.0 million in renewing vital community assets, with a strong focus on our extensive rural road and bridge network. As a large rural Shire, Council is responsible for maintaining over 1,744 kilometres of local roads across Golden Plains, ensuring our communities remain connected and supported.
• $900k for Local Roads Resealing
• $670k for Local Road Improvements
• $2.54m Roads to Recovery Federal Government Grant for Local Road Projects
• $700k for Gravel Resheeting
• $600k for Drainage Program
• $300k for Footpaths & Cycleways
• $350k for Local Bridge Renewals
• $2.4m for Russells Bridge Replacement
• $1.75m for Teesdale Female Friendly Changerooms Project
Council Outlines Community Priorities for 2026 Election
As the 2026 State Election approaches, Golden Plains Shire Council has set out eight key priority areas and is calling for bipartisan commitment to deliver the essential infrastructure and services needed to support the Shire’s growing communities.
2026 State Election Priority Projects
• Improved Public Transport Connectivity
• Increased Investment in Road Safety, Roads and Active Transport
• Investment in Tracks and Trails
• Investment in Emergency Services and Community Safety
• Sewerage Infrastructure for Supporting Growth
• Investment for Early Years, Young People and Liveability
• Scrapping the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF)
• Mobile and Digital Connectivity Across Golden Plains
With townships spread across three State electorates—Eureka, Geelong and Ripon—Council has outlined a series of projects that respond directly to local needs, population growth and long‑term planning for liveability, safety and economic opportunity.
Priorities for the Eureka Electorate
The Eureka electorate includes the Golden Plains communities of Meredith, Shelford, Lethbridge, Rokewood, Dereel, Mount Mercer, Teesdale, Inverleigh and She Oaks. Council is seeking commitments to progress the following priority projects:
• Midland Highway Duplication
• Urches Road, Werneth Upgrade
• Increased Public Bus Services
• Bannockburn to Teesdale Off Road Trail
• Sewerage Infrastructure for Meredith
• Teesdale Turtle Bend Reserve Upgrade
• Lethbridge Active Play Space
• New Kindergartens in Inverleigh and Lethbridge Priorities
for the Geelong Electorate
The Geelong electorate covers the Golden Plains townships of Bannockburn, Batesford, Murgheboluc, Stonehaven, Russells Bridge and Gheringhap. Council is advocating for:
• Passenger Rail from Bannockburn to Geelong
• Increased Public Bus Services
• Midland Highway Duplication
• Moorabool River Reserve Playspace (Batesford)
• New Bannockburn Kindergarten
• Off‑Road Trails Connecting Townships
• Road Upgrades
Priorities for the Ripon Electorate
The Ripon electorate includes the Golden Plains communities of Haddon, Ross Creek, Napoleons, Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton. Council is seeking support for:
• Increased Public Transport Services
• Smythesdale Sub‑Regional Play Space
• Ambulance Victoria Station in Smythesdale
• Kindergarten Woady Yaloak Upgrade
• Trail Connecting Ross Creek and Smythesdale
All Electorates
• Scrapping the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF)
• Mobile and Digital Connectivity Across Golden Plains
• Increased Emergency Services Across Golden Plains Shire
For further information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/state-election-2026.
New Netball & Tennis Courts at Woady Yaloak
An exciting milestone has been reached for key user clubs at the Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve with the recent completion of the newly upgraded Netball & Tennis courts.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey met with Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett MP on Wednesday 20 May to officially open the upgraded courts. This extensive $900,000 upgrade project was constructed over 9 months and includes:
• The upgrade of two multi use netball and tennis courts
• New perimeter fencing
• Installation of undercover shelters to provide protection for players, coaches, officials, timekeepers and volunteers
• Construction of new storage facilities
The Woady Yaloak Netball & Tennis Courts upgrade project was funded by $700,000 from Round 1 of the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and $200,000 from Golden Plains Shire Council.
Let There Be Light in Inverleigh
The Inverleigh Football, Netball & Cricket Club will soon benefit from new LED lighting on the second oval at the Inverleigh Recreation Reserve, helping ease pressure on facilities and improve safety for players and volunteers.
With more than 100 players often training at once, the upgrade will allow training to be spread across the reserve, ensuring fairer access and safer evening sessions for all teams.
Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle MP joined Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey and club representatives to announce the funding for this important project on Saturday 16 May.
This project is fully funded with $320,000 from the Victorian Government.
Bannockburn Bike Park Construction Update
Works at the Bannockburn Bike Park continue to progress well, with all track construction now complete.
Works crews are now focusing on the finishing touches, including new paths, turf installation, mulching and landscaping to prepare the site for community use.
Please note that the area remains an active construction zone. For everyone’s safety, community members are asked to stay clear of the site until fencing is removed. Unauthorised access can be dangerous and may delay the completion of this exciting new facility.
We look forward to opening the space and welcoming the community once works are finalised. Keep an eye on Council’s website and social media channels for opening updates.
Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan Stage 2 Update
The removal phase for Stage Two of the Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan is now complete. A total of 24 trees have been safely removed, with the operation being completed in under two weeks.
As part of the works, approximately 1,000 cubic metres of mulch was generated. Of this:
• Around 500 cubic metres was collected by the local community via the designated mulch pick up point.
• Some of the mulch was repurposed by Council’s Open Space team and spread beneath the large cypress trees at Inverleigh football reserve, significantly improving the overall tidiness and appearance of the site.
This approach supported both resource reuse and community engagement outcomes.
Outstanding Works
There are currently 8 remaining stumps on site that require grinding. This has been delayed due to a mechanical fault, with works anticipated to be completed in the coming weeks.
Check out the Councillor Column
Site Reinstatement
Following stump grinding, minor site reinstatement works will be undertaken, including:
• Soil decompaction
• Re levelling of disturbed areas
• Application of grass seed to restore ground cover These measures will prepare the site for future planting and improve soil condition.
Future Planting
Planting is scheduled for May 2027.
Approximately 60 replacement trees (Angophora floribunda) will be sourced over the coming months. These trees will be established in a regional outdoor nursery, allowing them to:
• Acclimatise to local environmental conditions
• Develop resilience prior to planting
• Allow the site time to settle before commencing planting works to ensure optimal ground conditions for successful establishment.
The Golden Plains Shire Councillor Column provides a regular way for Councillors to keep community members informed about what’s happening across the Shire. Each month, Councillors take turns sharing updates on local projects, celebrating community achievements, and highlighting the issues and ideas they are hearing directly from residents.
This ongoing series is designed to offer a more personal and local perspective on the work of Council, helping strengthen engagement and connection with communities right across Golden Plains.
Columns have already been published from Cr Owen Sharkey, Cr Emma Robbins and Cr Gavin Gamble, with more contributions to come throughout the year. To read the latest Councillor Column, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au.
Unlock your future at the Golden Plains Careers Expo!
The Golden Plains Careers Expo will be held on Thursday 4 June from 10am to 5pm at the YMCA, 132 Milton Street, Bannockburn.
This dynamic event offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with local employers and industry leaders, explore education and career pathways, and discover ways to boost your employment prospects. Meet professionals from sectors including education and training, emergency services, the Australian Defence Force, local government and agriculture.
The Expo will also feature guest speakers sharing valuable insights, pathway information and practical job seeking tips.
The Careers Expo booklet, including stallholders and the day’s schedule, is available to download. The event is supported and funded by the Victorian Government’s Engage! initiative.
To learn more or to download the Careers Expo booklet, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events/golden plains careers expo 2026.
Industry Nights set to inspire
Golden Plains Shire Council is thrilled to host two Industry Nights for young people aged 16 to 25 to assist in developing potential career prospects.
Golden Spaces Winter 2026 Exhibition Launch
Golden Spaces has officially entered its third year with the Golden Spaces 2026 Winter Exhibition set to launch at the June Farmers’ Market on Saturday 6 June 2026.
The 2026 Winter Exhibition, which features artworks from 29 artists across the Shire, is a testament to the remarkable talent of our local artists. Visitors can expect to see over 50 pieces of artwork on display at the Exhibition which will be on display at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre for the next 4 months before travelling up to The Well in Smythesdale.
The 2025 Summer Exhibition, which launched last December, is also currently on display at The Well in Smythesdale and will travel to the Golden Plains Civic Centre in August, while the 2025 Winter Exhibition has completed its full exhibition cycle and will conclude with an Art Packers Lunch on 2 June at the Golden Plains Civic Centre.
Expressions of Interest to exhibit at the 2026 Golden Spaces Summer Exhibition will also open on Saturday 6 June. To find out more, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/golden-spaces
Session details:
• Hair & Beauty – Tuesday 23 June, 6 to 8pm at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre
• Music Careers – Thursday 25 June, 4 to 6pm at the Golden Plains Youth Hub
Delivered as part of the Work Readiness Program under the Victorian Government’s Engage! Initiative, these sessions are designed to support future career pathways.
If you’re interested in Music or Hair and Beauty, these events offer a valuable opportunity to connect with local industry professionals and apprentices, hear real world experiences, and expand your network.
Don’t miss these engaging and informative evenings focused on your future.
To learn more and register, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events or scan the QR code.
Why Pet Registrations Matter — And What Your Fees Support
Pet registrations are now overdue, and reminders are being sent to pet owners who are yet to pay for their pets’ registrations.
This might be a time when you ask yourself what do you actually get for the fees you pay? What do the pet registration fees fund? Your pet registration fees help us to:
• Investigate dog attacks
• Assess and investigate nuisance reports
• Collect pets at large, returning them to their owners or taking them to an animal shelter
• Pay shelter fees for lost pets whose owner cannot be located or contacted, fees per cat / dog taken to a shelter range from $293 $550
• Collect feral cats
• Audit boarding kennels and catteries against the applicable code of practice
• Audit breeders with a domestic animal business against the applicable code of practice
• Audit excess animal permit holders and follow up on reports from neighbouring properties about nuisance
• Audit Declared Dangerous and Menacing Dogs, as well as Restricted Breed Dogs
• Investigate animal welfare and cruelty reports
Want to know more? Meet the ranger during one of our upcoming drop in sessions! These will be held across the Shire and advertised on social media over the coming months. Feel free to also contact the team on 5220 7111 to find out when you can Meet the Ranger near you!
Consider also reading Golden Plains Shire Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 2029, which is available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/council-strategies
Join the COMMUNITY Engagement Register
Dogs on the Oval: How Do We Share This Space Fairly
The sporting ovals around Golden Plains Shire are popular locations to take dogs for walks and off leash runs. This is permitted if dogs are under effective control, meaning they will return to you immediately when called, and faeces are collected.
Sporting ovals are valuable community spaces where children and adults come together to play, learn, and stay active. To keep these areas enjoyable for everyone, it’s important that dog owners respect their intended use. When dog waste is left behind, it doesn’t just pose a potential health risk — it also shows a lack of care for the people who share and maintain these spaces.
Imagine playing footy on a cold winter’s night, the ground wet and slippery, and taking a tumble straight into something left behind by a dog. Now picture that happening to a six‑year‑old who’s only just started learning the game.
This is a real problem on some of Golden Plains’ sporting ovals. The sporting clubs and Council are asking the community who walk their dogs to please be respectful and always pick up faeces from their dogs.
Council officers have authority to ask for your name and address where they form the view a breach of Golden Plains Local Law No. 1 has occurred, and fines can be issued for not carrying a bag and/or for not picking up your dog’s faeces. Increased patrols will take place to address this reoccurring issue.
Join the Community Engagement Register to receive Engage, Council’s monthly engagement e newsletter.
Complete the simple web form at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ community-engagement-register
Email communityengagement@gplains.vic.gov.au
Make the Most of Your First Saturday in June
The June Golden Plains Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturday 6 June from 9am to 1pm at the Bannockburn Heart.
A favourite among locals and visitors alike, the market offers live music, delicious food stalls, great coffee, and a relaxed country atmosphere.
Held on the first Saturday of each month (excluding January and December), the market is the perfect opportunity to shop local and connect with the community.
This month’s event coincides with Council’s free community e waste drop off event at the Golden Plains Civic Centre, running from 9am to 1pm. Bring along your unwanted electronic items and take advantage of both events in one convenient morning.
Mark the remaining 2026 calendar dates: 4 July, 1 August, 5 September, 3 October and 7 November.
For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ community/farmers-market.
To learn more about the e waste event, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/e-waste.
Take Part Local Art Returns
Golden Plains Shire Council, in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries, is working together to deliver the Take Part Local Art Program in 2026.
Take Part Local Art features engaging workshops led by talented local artists within the Bannockburn Library and The Well at Smythesdale.
Community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming workshops which will be held on:
• Saturday 6 June from 9am to 12pm – Pan Pastel Workshop with Jennifer Cromarty
• Thursday 18 June from 10am to 12pm – Gel Plate Printing Workshop with Kate Wise
• Saturday 4 July from 9am to 12pm – Introduction to Monoprint with Pamela Bosanic
• Saturday 1 August from 9am to 12pm – Paint & Decorate Your Own Paper Clay Mushroom with Rosie Grundell
Take Part Local Art is a fantastic opportunity to participate in innovative workshops, providing hands on learning for creatives across the Shire.
To see the full schedule of workshops and to register to attend, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events
Join the Golden Plains Youth Council
Golden Plains Shire Council is calling on passionate young people aged 12 to 25 across the Shire to step into leadership and join the Golden Plains Youth Council.
The Youth Council is the official youth advisory group to Council, providing a direct channel for young people to share their perspectives and have their voices heard.
The Youth Council provides young people in the community with a platform for leadership and training to help them inform community planning and advocate on youth and community issues. It’s also an opportunity for young people to provide advice from a youth perspective on Council planning.
Expressions of Interest to join the Youth Council are invited now and can be completed by contacting Council’s Youth Development Team at youth@gplains.vic.gov.au or calling 5220 7111.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wiser Driver
During April and May, Council hosted a Wiser Driver course in Smythesdale for 10 participants, helping them improve their knowledge of Victorian road rules and build driving confidence. Participants received a certificate upon completion.
If you wish to partake in future Wiser Driver courses, please register your interest. Please contact us via email at enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au or call our team on 5220 7111.
The Climate Ready: Winter Edition
The Climate Ready workshop was a well attended and engaging event, bringing the community together in a welcoming space at The Well alongside the Smythesdale Country Market.
Hosted by Council’s Community Wellbeing team, the morning provided an opportunity for attendees to enjoy hot soup while connecting with others and building practical skills to support staying warm and prepared during winter.
Seniors Festival Expression of Interest
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Golden Plains Shire Council, together with Seniors Rights Victoria, is inviting residents aged 50 and over to take part in the Beyond Age Project, a creative storytelling and portrait workshop being held on Monday 15 June from 10am to 1pm at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre.
The project encourages participants to reflect on their experiences of ageing and challenge ageism in the community. Attendees are asked to bring a photo from their 20s, 30s or 40s to help explore the question: “What would you tell your younger self about getting older?” A new portrait will also be taken on the day.
Lunch and entertainment are included. Bookings are essential. To register or discuss transport and access needs, contact Council’s Community Inclusion Team on 5220 7111 or email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au.
. UP AND COMING
GET IN TOUCH
Council’s Community and Inclusion Team: Phone: 5220 7111
Email: enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
Council is inviting community groups, businesses, and organisations to express their interest in hosting an event for the 2026 Victorian Seniors Festival.
The Victorian Seniors Festival will take place from 1 to 31 October, celebrating ageing and providing opportunities for older adults to connect and engage with others. Each year, Council coordinates a program of events aimed at promoting an active, healthy, and connected lifestyle. This program includes a variety of community and Council led activities.
Ways to get involved:
• Host an open day
• Host a “come and try” session for an existing activity offered by your business or community group
• Provide a discounted or free activity
If you plan to participate, please inform us so we can include your event in our promotional materials.
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026. Contact Council’s Community Inclusion Team on 5220 7111 or email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au.
Customer Hubs
BANNOCKBURN
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn Victoria, 3331.
SMYTHESDALE
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale Victoria, 3351.
PHONE
P: 5220 7111
POSTAL ADDRESS
Golden Plains Shire Council PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
P: 1300 363 036
P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours)
COVER: National Simultaneous Story Time
Rates Payment
All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers will receive their 2026/27
Rates Notice in August.
There are three options for paying your Rates and Charges in 2026/27:
1. One full payment – due by 15 February 2027
2. Four instalments
Due: 30 September, 30 November, 28 February, and 31 May. Direct debit is available, and notices are mailed out for each instalment with a range of payment options.
3. 10 monthly direct debit payments
Due: 15th of the month from September 2026 to June 2027. You must register for direct debit by contacting Council.
Residents who sign up to pay their rates by instalments, please note that your first instalment payment will be due on 30 September 2026.
Unpaid instalments will incur interest from 15 February 2027 from the date the instalment or direct debit was due.
For more information or any questions about rates, please call Council’s Rates team on 5220 7111.
ROKEWOOD RESIDENTS TO ENJOY BETTER MOBILE RECEPTION
Residents in Rokewood will soon benefit from improved mobile and internet connectivity, with a new Telstra telecommunications tower being built on the western boundary of the Rokewood Works Depot on Kuruc a Ruc Road.
Construction began on Thursday 21 May and is expected to take around four weeks, with the new service anticipated to be operational by the end of 2026, subject to any delays.
The tower will deliver stronger signal coverage and faster data speeds for Rokewood and surrounding areas. The project is funded through the Australian Government’s Regional Connectivity Program, Telstra and with support from the Golden Plains Wind Farm.
Check out the Online Community Directory
Council’s Online Community Directory is a great way to connect with local community groups, clubs, services, associations and facilities.
The Online Community Directory provides easy to find information and features a range of categories and listings for people to search. Eligible groups can also add their own free listing by creating an account at Council’s website. Once approved, groups can independently manage their own listings and update them as needed.
A user guide with instructions on how to create a community listing is available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community-directory.