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. The Building Services team provides advice on a range of building issues including building permits, public asset protection, domestic wastewater management, swimming pools and spas and conducting works on Council properties.
The new team structure will commence on Tuesday 1 April 2025, and be managed by Mount Alexander Shire Council. It is anticipated the consolidation will result in cost savings for both councils.
Further initiatives to save costs and reduce duplication of infrastructure and staffing are likely as Council seeks to provide services in the face of mounting budget deficits.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Darren Fuzzard said the change would improve service delivery and reduce duplication. “By combining our resources, we can provide a stronger, more efficient service for our communities,” said Mr Fuzzard. “This means better support for local builders, businesses and residents when it comes to building processes.”
Hepburn Shire Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Lucas, also welcomed the move. “This is a great example of how councils can work together to improve services and make processes easier for the community,” he said.
There will be no changes to the way residents and businesses access services. The team will continue to operate locally, ensuring the community receives reliable and responsive support.
