Local News
Council Opposes Emergency Services Levy
At their meeting this week, Councillors unanimously moved a motion confirming Council’s strong opposition to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy. The Levy is intended to support a broad range of emergency services in Victoria. It will be introduced next year, including a fixed and variable charge for each property in Victoria.
Council adopts Future Hepburn Implementation Plan
Hepburn Shire Council has adopted the Future Hepburn Settlement Strategy and Implementation Plan. The implementation plan outlines the process for incorporating the strategyโs recommendations into the Hepburn Planning Scheme.
Dja Dja Wurrung Take First Steps Towards Local Treaty Negotiations
Dja Dja Wurrung People of the Central Victoria area are the first Traditional Owner group to register intent to negotiate a Traditional Owner Treaty. Under Victoriaโs Treaty Negotiation Framework, Traditional Owner groups across the state can negotiate their own Treaties, which will reflect the aspirations and priorities in their local areas.
Stimulating AGM โ Notes From the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre (DNC)
DNC Annual General Meeting A good number of hardy DNC members attended our Annual General Meeting last Tuesday evening, braving the freezing weather. They heard a review of our past yearโs efforts and gained an insight into the Centreโs exciting times ahead. In her...
Daylesford Rotary Recognises Exceptional Service
Daylesford Rotarian Jenny Hopkins has been awarded as a Paul Harris Fellow by her Club and the Rotary District Governor. Jenny has been a tireless member of Daylesford Rotary for six years and is currently managing the Daylesford Art Show for the third year. On...
Water Reservoir Down to 35%, Water Security to be Enhanced
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 ย given that ย that current local storages (Wombat, Bullarto and Hepburn reservoirs/storages)ย are currently at 35% of capacity compared to 65% at the same time last year.
Walk for Reconciliation
Australians are being urged to walk for reconciliation and justice to support National Reconciliation Week. This year National Reconciliation Week is from May 27 to June. This yearโs theme is โBridging Now to Nextโ. It is 25 years since a quarter of a million people...
New Emergency Services Levy to Impact Hepburn Shire Ratepayers
The Victorian Government has legislated a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), set to take effect from 1 July 2025. This levy will replace the current Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL). For rate payers in Hepburn Shire, the increase comes hard on the heels of a10% increase in rates approved last week by the Essential Services Commission.
Daylesford-Hepburn Property Market Shows Signs of Stabilising After Pandemic Surge
After several years of volatile growth, new data suggests the property markets in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs may be entering a phase of stabilisation. The COVID-era migration from metropolitan areas and a sharp increase in demand for regional properties fuelled unrealistic market expectations. Conditions have cooled and several newly introduced property-related taxes have subdued investor interest, particularly in the holiday rental segment which was once a major driver of local property demand.
Farmers in Hepburn Shire to Benefit from Expanded Victorian Drought Support Package
Farmers in Hepburn Shire are set to benefit from a significant expansion of the Victorian Governmentโs drought support, with an additional $15.9 million committed to assist those affected by prolonged dry conditions and challenging seasonal forecasts.