What matters to you?

Through our "What matters to you Central Goldfields" engagement process we aim to capture the thoughts and ideas of staff, Councillors and a wide range of community members.

In addition to our online and hard copy survey, we will also host a number of in-person community drop-in sessions where you can come and talk to Councillors and staff directly.

We'll also be recruiting 20 representative community members to form part of a Community Panel to help shape our priorities over the next four years.

This Community Panel will have an opportunity to directly report their recommendations to Councillors after this deliberation period.

You can view a copy of the engagement plan here.

There will be many opportunities for you to share with us what matters most from now until May.

You can get involved via the following ways:

• Complete the ONLINE SURVEY here.

• Attend one of our in-person COMMUNITY DROP-IN SESSIONS:

Community Session #1 - Maryborough

Monday 24 March, 3.30 to 5.30pm at Goldfields Shopping Complex (outside Kmart/Coles)

Community Session #2 - Dunolly

Tuesday 25 March, 3.30 to 5.30pm at Dunolly Bakery

Community Session #3 - Carisbrook

Thursday 27 March, 3.30 to 5.30pm at Carisbrook Bakery

Community Session #4 - Talbot

Friday 28 March, 3.30 to 5.30pm at Talbot Post Office

• Join our COMMUNITY ADVISORY PANEL - see below for details.

• Contact your WARD COUNCILLOR and share your feedback.

Expressions of interest will be open from 14 March until 4 April - keep an eye on this page!

Are you passionate about the future of the Central Goldfields?

We will be inviting 20 community members, aged 18 years and over, to put their hand up to help shape our priorities over the next four years.

The panel will be an opportunity to learn about what Council does, contribute ideas and help develop draft recommendations.

Expressions of interest are welcome from anyone who lives, works or owns a business in the Central Goldfields Shire.

No special skills are required, just having the willingness to consider others views and work collaboratively is enough.

We’ll also need you to be available to attend three, in-person workshops in Maryborough.

• Tuesday 6 May: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
• Wednesday 7 May: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
• Thursday 8 May: 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Meals and refreshments will be provided, with childcare and travel arrangements available by request.

Panel members will be selected to make sure we have community representation from all walks of life, across age, gender, employment status, cultural background and townships.

Each panel member that attends all three evenings will receive $100 in recognition of your time and contribution.

Council Plan: The Council Plan is our most important strategic document. The Council Plan informs all our work, decision making and strategic direction over the next 4 years. It also helps to make sure that our everyday work is aligned with realising the community’s 10-year vision.

For the first time, our Council Plan will also incorporate Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan so that improving and promoting our community’s health and wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do.

Under the Local Government Act 2020 - all councils must produce a Council Plan every four years.

Community Vision: Developed in collaboration with our community in 2021, the Community Vision describes the community’s aspirations for the future of the Shire until 2031. The Vision feeds directly into the Council Plan and is reflected in its goals and actions that will enable us to achieve the Community Vision.

10-year Financial Plan: A financially sustainable projection that connects how the actions of the Council Plan may be funded to achieve the aspirations in the Community Vision.

10-Year Asset Plan: A roadmap to ensure Council can effectively use our assets including Council buildings, transport assets, stormwater assets and open space.

Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, all councils are required to prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan every four years or include strategies to promote public health and wellbeing and address environmental health dangers into the overall Council Plan.

Recognising that the role of health and wellbeing underpins all that Council does, this year, for the first time, our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan will be integrated into the Council Plan.

Having an integrated plan ensures a high-level engagement and commitment across all Council departments and drives collaborative action for improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

Our Council Plan 2021-2025 was developed by our last group of Councillors and was separated into four areas.

Over the last four years, we’ve been able to deliver on key promises to our community to progress these objectives.

Some examples include:

OUR COMMUNITY'S WELLBEING

• Recognised our volunteers and worked strategically with Maryborough Volunteer Resource Group to build capacity
• Through Go Goldfields supported local leaders to give every child, every chance and created The Nest – a safe and welcoming parenting space

OUR GROWING ECONOMY

• Increased tourism to our iconic Maryborough Railway Station through new look Visitor Centre
• Successful advocacy for additional rail services
• Redevelopment of Central Goldfields Art Gallery to attract high quality exhibitions for locals to enjoy and boost tourism

OUR SPACES AND PLACES

• Implemented tree planting program
• Construction of Maryborough Skate and Scooter Park
• Renewal of pool facilities retiling of indoor 50-metre pool and equipment upgrades at Dunolly and Talbot pools

LEADING CHANGE

• Establishment of our first Youth Council
• Formalised our commitment to reconciliation through adoption of Reconciliation Action Plan
• Development of our first Climate Action Plan in partnership with community
• Improved variety of communication to the community including seasonal Community Update magazine