Local News
Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn Formally Adopted
Council unanimously adopted the Township Structure Plans for Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Glenlyon, and Trentham and Rural Hepburn Strategy at a Special Council Meeting this week.
The Community Deserves Answers About The Rex Fiasco
The announcement by the Victorian Local Government Inspectorate (VLGI) that it will not release a report into its investigation into the Hepburn Hub at The Rex project has prompted derision and anger from Councillors, Council officers and the broader community. Accountability and transparency in local government demands that the community is provided with a complete and frank report about The Rex fiasco.
Future of Daylesford Town Hall
A feasibility study is underway into locating the library and community multipurpose facilities on the Town Hall site. A report will be taken to the September Council meeting seeking endorsement to proceed with design work based on this early feasibility work.
Council Needs to Face its Financial Problems
Over the past decade Council expenditure has gone up faster than income. The 2023/24 year deficit is projected to be over $4 million and could be even higher. To address the budget deficit will require rationalisation of services.
Inspectorate Buries Rex Report
The Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) today announced that they will not publish their long-awaited report into the Hepburn Hub at the Rex fiasco. Five years after beginning their investigation, they have concluded that there is insufficient evidence that there were any breaches of the Local Government Act.
Anti-Scams Community Forum
Minister for Financial Services and Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones, will be conducting an anti-scam forum with local member for Ballarat, Catherine King in Daylesford on Thursday, September 5 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the RSL, 24 Vincent Street.
Container Deposit Scheme and Sport at The ARC – Notes From the DNC
Basketball clinics will run again at the ARC through terms 3 and 4. And the DNC has changed hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
A Call for Council Nominations
The Hepburn Shire Council elections are upon us, electoral rolls have closed, and nomination dates are fast approaching. Hepburn Matters recently held a seminar on running for council and has advice to offer potential candidates.
Daylesford and Hepburn to Meet in CHFL Semi-Final
Crosstown rivals Daylesford Bulldogs and Hepburn Burras will meet in the Central Highlands Football League Semi-final on Sunday afternoon at Buninyong Recreation Reserve starting at 2:35 pm. And both Daylesford A Grade and Hepburn A Grade defeated higher placed sides to advance to their respective netball preliminary finals.
Short Term Stays Levy is a Blow to the Local Economy
The Victorian Government has announced plans to introduce a 7.5% levy on short stay on total revenue raised through online accommodation platforms to apply from 1 January 2025. The levy will likely increase short stay accommodation prices and may drive many owners out of the market.