Today: extra council funding for the Pollocksford Road Bridge, two open consultations closing this month, and a notable featured planning proposal in Bannockburn.
Golden Plains Shire will contribute an additional $700,000 towards the upgrade of the Pollocksford Road Bridge at Gnawarre following a vote at last week's council meeting, on top of $800,000 already allocated in the 2026/27 budget. The bridge sits on the boundary with Surf Coast Shire, which manages it, while Golden Plains contributes half the cost of renewal and upgrade; revised costings lifted the total repair cost to about $3 million. The motion, moved by Cr Des Phelan and seconded by Cr Dom Cook, drew on $410,000 from unspent capital allocations and $290,000 from federal Roads to Recovery funding, and passed with only Cr Gavin Gamble voting against.
Why it matters: The bridge has been closed for two years on what councillors described as an important connection route for shire residents.
Council says it is inviting residents to comment on a draft Special Rate and Charge Policy, which sets out how property owners who directly benefit from new or upgraded local infrastructure could contribute to its cost, with Council covering wider community benefit. According to Council's release, any scheme would follow a seven-step process including early engagement, surveys of affected property owners, public notices and opportunities for written and verbal submissions. Feedback is open from Monday 3 August until 5pm Monday 31 August 2026 online, with hard copy surveys at the Bannockburn and Smythesdale customer hubs.
Why it matters: The policy would create an additional funding pathway for local infrastructure projects that directly benefit specific groups of properties.
Council reports it adopted the Community Asset Policy at its meeting on 28 July 2026, following consultation periods from 2–30 March and 30 April–21 May 2026. The policy covers approval processes for community-owned assets installed on Council-owned or managed land, along with current and future cost implications, maintenance responsibilities, and public safety and amenity. Council says such assets are typically created through community-led or volunteer projects, including public art and memorials, and that the adopted policy is available on its website.
Why it matters: Community groups and volunteers planning items such as public art or memorials on Council land now have a set framework for approvals and maintenance responsibilities.
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Council is seeking community feedback to help develop a Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037, with submissions closing at 5pm on Monday 10 August 2026. Council's release states that on average three people lose their lives and 70 are seriously injured on shire roads each year, with most crashes occurring on high-speed rural roads. The survey is available online and at the Bannockburn and Smythesdale customer hubs, and feedback will inform future infrastructure, education and investment priorities.
Why it matters: Residents have only a few days left to have their say before the consultation closes.
A planning application (reference P25021A) has been lodged for 201 Geelong Road, Bannockburn, proposing the use and development of the land for convenience restaurants and a service station, along with a four-lot subdivision, a carriageway easement, business identification and illuminated signage, native vegetation removal, and access arrangements adjacent to a Transport Zone 2 road. The application was found on the planning authority's website on 31 July 2026 and is with Golden Plains Shire Council. This is a proposal only and no decision is recorded in the available evidence.
The G21 Alliance has called for a $10.5 million state government investment in community outdoor spaces along the lower Moorabool and lower Barwon River corridors, supporting the Barwon River Loop Trail and Moorabool River Reserve Playspace under the Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut masterplan. Alliance members, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority gathered on the banks of the Moorabool River on Friday in support of the projects. Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the masterplan is a shared regional vision that would strengthen connections between people, place and Country while creating new recreation and tourism opportunities.
Linton Primary School ($18,956) and Woady Yaloak Primary School ($22,129) in Golden Plains Shire are among about 330 schools sharing in more than $8 million in state funding to remove vegetation around buildings and access safety advice. The program also provides schools on the Bushfire at Risk Register with two visits every three years from an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design expert, who prepares a tailored Vegetation Management Plan. Premier Ben Carroll said it was never too early to prepare for bushfire season.
Council's Community Strengthening Grants Program reopened for applications on Saturday 1 August, with local groups able to apply for up to $7,000 across three categories: Healthy Connected Community, Community Inclusion, and Environment and Sustainability. Council says $50,000 is available in 2026 and encourages groups to discuss applications with its Community Grants team early. Applications close at 2pm on Monday 31 August 2026.
Why it matters: Local clubs and community groups have until the end of August to seek funding for projects and programs.
Ten people expressed interest in forming a Country Women's Association branch at Rokewood at a market in July, according to Ballarat CWA district president Rhonda O'Brien, who said she hopes to establish a group for the town as soon as possible. O'Brien said the district raised more than $35,000 last year for vulnerable women and children, and pointed to friendship, social events and skills-sharing as drawcards. A separate Ballarat Central branch, the first for that area in three years, will hold its first meeting on 11 August at Hugh Williamson House from 7pm.