Environment and Energy

Hepburn Wind to Run Local Energy Literacy Program

Jul 18, 2025

Hepburn Energy will lead a regional energy literacy initiative to help households across the Grampians Central West region switch to cheaper, cleaner electric appliances.

Big Battery Arrives on Leonard’s Hill

Jul 11, 2025

Hepburn Energy’s 5MWh community battery, “Bessie”, arrived last Friday. Bessie...

Look Out! Kangaroo!

Jul 11, 2025

Tanya Loos I am driving a rental car at the moment while my Corolla is at the smash repairs in...

Western Renewables Link EES on Public Exhibition — Council Urges Community to Have Their Say

Jul 4, 2025

The long-awaited Environmental Effects Statement (EES) for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) has been released for public exhibition, with submissions open until 12 August 2025. Hepburn Shire Council is urging community members to review the documents and make a submission during this critical consultation period.

One Good Month of Rain Does Not Break a Drought

Jul 4, 2025

June rainfall of 110.8mm was just above the long-term average of 106mm for Daylesford according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau expects July to be drier than average with August to September hopefully closer to normal rainfall. Central Highlands Water has introduced water restrictions because of low reservoir levels.

Work Underway on Upgrade to Daylesford Water Treatment Plant

Jun 27, 2025

Work is now underway on the final stage of a major upgrade to Daylesford’s water supply system, marking a significant step towards securing the long-term water needs of the Daylesford and Hepburn region.

Water Restrictions to Commence in Daylesford and Hepburn Region from July 1

Jun 20, 2025

Central Highlands Water will introduce Stage 2 water restrictions across the Hepburn region, including Daylesford, Hepburn, Hepburn Springs and surrounding areas starting from Tuesday 1 July 2025. Extremely dry conditions have resulted in the lowest soil moisture deficit on record in the Daylesford and Hepburn region and water storages have fallen to 30% capacity.

Critically Endangered!

Jun 13, 2025

Last month, a whole flock of critically endangered Swift Parrots, or “swifties”, were seen in the Dunach Nature Conservation Reserve near Clunes.

Of Droughts and Flooding Rains

Jun 6, 2025

Daylesford’s rainfall for May was only 8.6mm, less than 10% of the 87.8mm average. For the first five months of this year we have received 142.8mm, less than half of our long-term average of 287.1mm to the end of May. This follows on from a relatively dry 2024 with rainfall only 74% of the annual average.

Water Reservoir Down to 35%, Water Security to be Enhanced

May 30, 2025

At a public meeting held at the Community Bank meeting room in Hepburn Springs Central Highlands Water (CHW) outlined the need for greater water security given that that current local storages (Wombat, Bullarto and Hepburn reservoirs/storages) are currently at 35% of capacity compared to 65% at the same time last year.

Green Hydrogen: From Hype to Disillusionment to Enlightenment

May 9, 2025

Last week at the Daylesford Conversations series, Chris Rowland delivered an engaging presentation titled “Green Hydrogen: the fuel of the future – but will the future ever arrive?” The event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Daylesford and The Wombat Post, sparked lively discussion leaving the audience both informed and hopeful about the role hydrogen could play in our collective green energy future.