What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
The council's direction is set by its Council Plan 2025–2029, adopted in October 2025, which includes its Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and supports the Community Vision to 2031. The council says more than 1,000 residents contributed to the plan, including a community panel. The yearly budget and an annual action plan fund and carry out the plan.
The Community Vision says: 'In 2031, we are an inspiring, thriving and prosperous community of choice, we've taken bold steps towards growing our economy and our community is full of optimism and opportunities.' The Council Plan has six themes, each with three objectives: economic growth and prosperity; healthy, connected and safe communities; an informed and engaged community; infrastructure that supports growth and liveability; a resilient and sustainable community; and sound leadership and financial management.
The 2026–27 budget is the first year of the council's new Financial Plan, which the council says aims to return it to an underlying operating surplus. It has an $11.85 million capital works program, about 87% on renewing and upgrading existing assets, including stage two of the Maryborough Outdoor Pool, the Deledio Recreation Reserve pavilion, road resealing and a round of the Aerodrome Regional Airport Program. The council received 332 written submissions and two petitions on the draft budget; the final budget kept the Bealiba, Dunolly and Talbot transfer stations open and restored $30,000 for community grants, and raised waste fees and charges by 10% rather than the 7% first proposed.
- Central Goldfields Shire Council — 2025–2029 Council Plan · Sep 2026
- Central Goldfields Shire Council — Council Plan 2025–2029 (PDF) · 2025–2029
- Central Goldfields Shire Council — Community Vision · Sep 2026
- Central Goldfields Shire Council — 2026–27 Budget (PDF) · 2026–27
- Central Goldfields Shire Council — A message about rates (budget submissions) · Sep 2026
- Central Goldfields Shire Council — 2026-2027 Capital Works Program · Sep 2026
Underway now
Maryborough Municipal Outdoor Pool — stage two
Detailed designs due 30 October 2026; stage two works expected in 2026 and 2027The heritage-listed pool complex has been closed since July 2022, when the then council closed it after an independent assessment found the 50-metre pool had reached the end of its life. Stage one (toddlers' pool rebuild, pavilion and pump room works) is complete. Stage two covers the learn-to-swim pool, a new entry, change rooms and services. The council says $9 million has been secured ($4.5 million federal, pending formalisation; $3 million state; $1.5 million council) and it expects a funding shortfall for stage three, the rebuild of the 50-metre pool, for which it is seeking state funding.
Source: Central Goldfields Shire Council — Maryborough Municipal Outdoor Pool
Deledio Recreation Reserve pavilion, Dunolly
Construction started August 2026; completion scheduled for early 2027A new pavilion to replace the 1977 building, with accessible change rooms, amenities, undercover social and viewing areas and first aid facilities. Funded with $1.5 million from the Australian Government, $1 million from the Victorian Government and $500,000 from the council; built by MKM Building Group. The kitchen and hospitality fit-out needs further funding, which reserve user groups are raising.
Source: Central Goldfields Shire Council — Deledio Pavilion Project
Road repairs after the August 2026 floods
Weeks to months, the council saysMore than 70 mm of rain fell in parts of the shire over three days in August 2026. The council closed 54 sealed and unsealed roads; by 20 August only Middle Road, Eddington remained closed. Crews are working through a prioritised repair program, with bridges and culverts to get specialist inspections. The council notes the works may be eligible for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements if a declaration is made.
Source: Central Goldfields Shire Council — Heavy rainfall event August 2026
Planned / committed
Move to a four-bin household waste service
By July 2027Under the Victorian Government's standardisation of household waste services, the council will move to the four-bin system. It says it is waiting for the state's updated service standard and will then choose the most cost-effective approach; until then nothing changes.
Source: Central Goldfields Shire Council — Waste bin collection changes - 2027
Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project (advocacy)
Seeking $5 million for detailed designWith Northern Grampians and Pyrenees shires, the council is asking the Victorian and Australian governments for $5 million to design a water supply network for a 350,000-hectare area. The councils say a 2026 preliminary business case estimated a benefit-cost ratio of 1.47 and a construction cost of about $160 million. The project is in the council's advocacy package.
Source: Central Goldfields Shire Council — Three Councils unite to fight for region's water future