General News
14 April, 2026
Neighbours snub shire on tip plan
CLOSURE of two Central Goldfields Shire rubbish tips could put pressure on a Loddon transfer station.
CLOSURE of two Central Goldfields Shire rubbish tips could put pressure on a Loddon transfer station.
The Maryborough-based council has plans to shut tips at Bealiba and Dunolly and force residents to travel more than 90km to a central facility in Carisbrook and back to their home
But Loddon councillors told the Loddon Herald this week that Newbridge would shave up to 20km off any trip and could see Central Goldfields neighbours heading over the border.
Loddon’s director operations Steve Van Orsouw confirmed there had been no contact from Central Goldfields..
“Council operates six waste facilities, and at this point in time the only restrictions outlined in council’s fees and charges are that we accept domestic waste only, which means loads exceeding the quoted volumes (4 m³) will not be accepted at any Loddon waste sites,” he said.
“Council continues to monitor all waste sites based on usage as per Council’s waste management strategy 2020–2030.”
Closure of three of Central Goldfields’ four rubbish tip is part of a plan to save $3.2 million and “counter low revenue growth, rate capping and rising expenses”.
CEO Peter Harriott said drastic action was needed to prevent the Council incurring an ongoing deficit and low cash-based budgets.
“This involves making difficult decisions and reducing services,” he said.
“Insurance costs have risen 20 per cent and materials and construction expenses continue to climb.
“State Government funding has not kept pace with the services we deliver on their behalf, such as school-crossing supervision, libraries and mowing Crown land.
“For us, as a small rural council, these pressures have accumulated over time, as we have absorbed cost increases well beyond our control.”
A public protest meeting is planned in Bealiba next week.
Central Goldfields said it was too early to comment on proposed closure of its transfer stations.
Read More: Dunolly