VIC · Central Highlands (Bacchus Marsh & Ballan) · Local council, made simple
Moorabool Shire Council
A shire of 2,111 km² between Melbourne and Ballarat, home to about 40,000 people in Bacchus Marsh, Darley, Maddingley, Ballan and smaller towns such as Gordon, Mount Egerton and Blackwood. The council runs your bins and transfer stations, local roads, parks, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average rate +2.75% (state cap)
Open →Budget & financesThe council's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,979 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyMoorabool's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
8 of 11 offence rates below the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour nine councillors, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor (since November 2025)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Moorabool votes, and the 2024 results.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, office hours and address.
Phone: (03) 5366 7100
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 40,472 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Moorabool Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Council responds to the Minister's assessment of the Western Renewables Link
The Minister for Planning released her assessment of the Western Renewables Link transmission project on 14 September 2026. The council acknowledged the independent process but said it was disappointed that a committee recommendation about the route near Darley wasn't adopted, and raised concerns about the proposed workforce accommodation facility in Ballan.
What this means for you: The council says it will keep pressing AusNet and the Department to settle the Ballan facility's servicing arrangements before construction.
Source: Moorabool Shire Council — News
- Have your say
Have your say on the future of Moorabool's libraries
Consultation is open for the Moorabool Library Strategy 2027–2032, which will guide how the council invests in library services over five years.
What this means for you: You can respond online or at the Lerderderg and Ballan libraries, the outreach van or community events until 10 October 2026.
Source: Moorabool Shire Council — News
- Development
Works start on new shared paths along Griffith Street, Maddingley
Stage 1 builds off-road shared paths on both sides of Griffith Street and upgrades service lanes on the south side. About 30 sugar gum trees will be removed and replaced with new planting. Completion is expected by mid-2027.
What this means for you: Expect roadworks on Griffith Street; the council says timber from the removed trees will be offered to residents as firewood, subject to availability.
Source: Moorabool Shire Council — News
- Policy
Lower speed limits on two sections of Yankee Flat Road
With Department of Transport and Planning approval, the limit drops from 100 to 80 km/h between Ramage Road and Navigators Road, and from 80 to 60 km/h between Yendon No. 1 Road and Ramage Road. New signs go up from September 2026.
What this means for you: Watch for the new signs; the lower limits apply once they are installed.
Source: Moorabool Shire Council — News
- Policy
2026/27 budget adopted: $33 million of capital works
The council adopted its 2026/27 budget at an Unscheduled Meeting on 24 June 2026. It includes $33 million of capital works, almost $22 million of it new works, including $2 million for the Bacchus Marsh indoor pool, the road reseal program and playground renewals. The average rate rises by 2.75%, in line with the state cap.
What this means for you: Your 2026–27 rates notice has general rates, waste charges including the $144 waste management charge, and the state's ESVF levy. There is no municipal charge.
Source: Moorabool Shire Council — News
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Moorabool Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.