Local Government

Hobsons Bay Mayor Daria Kellander has since written to the Victorian attorney-general, calling on the state government to officially release a report into governance issues at Hepburn Shire Council.

Hepburn Shire Council is inviting community members to help shape the future of the region by having their say on the draft priorities for the Council Plan 2025–2029. Council is seeking feedback from the wider community to ensure the Plan truly reflects local priorities for services, facilities, and future planning.

The Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, and Councillors have issued a statement of “regret” for actions taken in the past in relation to the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project. The statement included an apology for the harm caused to the community but not for the mismanagement or the decisions that were taken.

At the March Council meeting, Council resolved to make a written submission to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in relation to the ongoing appeal by the Endeavour Group against a Liquor Licencing  Commission decision to refuse a packaged liquor licence for a Dan Murphy’s outlet in Daylesford.

Hepburn Shire Council has formally applied to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) for a rate cap increase of 10% for the 2025/26 financial year. This includes an additional 7% on top of the 3% cap already set by the Victorian Government, as the council attempts to secure its long-term financial sustainability.

Cr Lesley Hewitt considers some of the key decisions needed to resolve the Shire’s budget problems and plan for a resilient future.

At this week’s Council meeting, a tender was awarded to Ontrack Civil Earthworks for the reconstruction of approximately 1.9 kilometres of Dean-Newlyn Road in Newlyn. However, there have been delays to road reconstruction works at Chanters Lane at Fern Hill,

Hepburn Shire Council has reached an agreement with Mount Alexander Shire Council to deliver building services across both shire areas. The consolidation of the building services teams means a single team will now provide building services to the communities of both shires.

Hepburn Shire Council has been awarded a State Government grant to support OCTAVE youth events in our community. The $120,000 of funding over the next 3 years will enable the continuation and expansion of the OCTAVE program, which engages young people in meaningful activities aimed at fostering leadership, skill development, and community engagement.