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.