Today: extra funding locked in for the Pollocksford Road Bridge, two Council policy updates, featured planning proposals at Bannockburn and Barunah Park, plus regional funding news and weekend football.
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Council adds $700,000 to Pollocksford Road Bridge upgrade
At its 28 July meeting Council considered a recommendation to allocate a further $700,000 towards the refurbishment of the Pollocksford Road Bridge at Gnawarre, on top of the $800,000 already in the 2026/27 budget as its 50 per cent share under the municipal boundary agreement with Surf Coast Shire. The agenda said a recent design and construct tender advertised by Surf Coast Shire indicated a total project cost of about $3 million, with the extra funds drawn from carried-forward bridge and local road programs and Roads to Recovery allocations. The Golden Plains Times reported the motion, moved by Cr Des Phelan and seconded by Cr Dom Cook, passed with only Cr Gavin Gamble voting against; Cr Gamble supported the repairs but argued Council should delay and seek state election commitments.
Why it matters: The bridge, on the shire boundary, has been closed for two years and is described by councillors as an important connection route for residents.
Feedback open on draft Special Rate and Charge policy until 31 August
Council's 28 July agenda recommended endorsing a revised draft Special Rates and Charges Policy for community consultation from 3 to 31 August 2026, along with a communications plan and community information sheet. Council says in a media release that feedback is invited from Monday 3 August until 5pm Monday 31 August at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations, with hard copy surveys at the Bannockburn and Smythesdale customer hubs. The agenda notes the shire has no such policy at present, that a 2024 draft was not adopted, and that the mechanism is intended for infrastructure upgrades directly benefiting a group of property owners rather than maintenance work.
Why it matters: The policy would set out how property owners who directly benefit from new or upgraded local infrastructure could be asked to contribute to its cost.
Community Asset Policy adopted after two rounds of consultation
Council reports that 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 and a series of community sessions. The agenda item recommended adoption and said six written submissions were received during the first consultation stage. According to Council, the policy covers approval requirements, cost implications, maintenance responsibilities and public safety for community-owned assets such as public art and memorials placed on Council-owned or managed land.
Why it matters: Community groups and volunteers planning items like public art or memorials on Council land now have a set framework for approvals and ongoing maintenance responsibilities.
Featured proposal: service station and convenience restaurants at 201 Geelong Road, Bannockburn
A planning application (reference P25021A) has been lodged with Golden Plains Shire Council for the use and development of land at 201 Geelong Road, Bannockburn for convenience restaurants and a service station, plus subdivision into four lots, a carriageway easement, business identification and illuminated signage, native vegetation removal, and access and subdivision adjacent to a road in a Transport Zone 2. PlanningAlerts records the application as found on the planning authority's website on 31 July 2026, received three days earlier. It is a proposal at this stage, not an approval.
Featured proposal: exhibition centre sought at Barunah Park
An application (reference VS26056) proposes use of land at 1620 Cressy-Shelford Road, Barunah Park as a place of assembly (exhibition centre) under Clause 35.07-1 of the Farming Zone, with associated buildings and works. PlanningAlerts records the application as found on the Council website on 4 August 2026, received two days earlier. The proposal has not been decided.
G21 seeks $10.5 million for Barwon and Moorabool river projects
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, to help deliver the Barwon River Loop Trail and the 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 strengthening connections between people, place and Country while creating new recreation and tourism opportunities.
Linton and Woady Yaloak primary schools share in bushfire safety funding
Linton Primary School ($18,956) and Woady Yaloak Primary School ($22,129) are among about 330 schools sharing in more than $8 million in state funding to clear vegetation around school buildings and obtain bushfire safety advice, the Golden Plains Times reports. Schools on the Bushfire at Risk Register will also receive two visits every three years from an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design expert and a tailored Vegetation Management Plan. Premier Ben Carroll said it was never too early to prepare for bushfire season.
Meredith history group marks 10 years at old shire hall with 23 August open day
The Meredith History Interest Group will mark a decade at Meredith's former shire hall with an open day from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 23 August at 31 Staughton Street. The group, operating since 2008, holds about 3,650 records including maps, books and photographs, and assists with family history, property research and mining history around Steiglitz, the Golden Plains Times reports. President Marg Cooper said the group had wanted to be based in the historic building from the start.
Ten people registered interest in forming a Country Women's Association branch at Rokewood during a market in July, the Golden Plains Times reports. Ballarat CWA district president Rhonda O'Brien said she hoped to establish a group for the town as soon as possible, noting the district raised more than $35,000 last year for vulnerable women and children. A new 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.
Bannockburn defeated Inverleigh 9.21.75 to 7.11.53 in the Geelong & District Football Netball League on Saturday 8 August at Victoria Park, Bannockburn, according to official league results.