General News
5 May, 2026
Tip turmoil stirs secession talk in neighbouring town
DISGRUNTLED Central Goldfields Shire residents could have a sympathetic ear as they talk switching councils.
DISGRUNTLED Central Goldfields Shire residents could have a sympathetic ear as they talk switching councils.
Bealiba residents have raised to spectre of secession to Loddon Shire as they protest plans by Central Goldfields to close their local rubbish tip.
Central Goldfields also wants to shut tips at nearby Dunolly and Talbot in a bid to rein in debt.
Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said: “Any community that wants to be part of Loddon would be welcome to look at what is achievable.”
“There are communities that are like-minded with our own Loddon towns and districts, communities that may have a greater affinity with us,” Cr Straub said.
Bealiba residents have continued to question why its council would prioritise funding projects such as a dog park or lighting sports facilities over keeping their tip open.
“Do you feel duty bound to a council that is willing to kill off small communities to enable works projects benefitting mainly Maryborough city?” Bealiba tip worker and resident Warren ‘Wozza’ Giles said.
“How is it fair that we continue to pay for a service like a tip through our rates when it’s threatening to be closed?
“Are we dead set on giving Central Goldfields Shire our hard earned coin, only to have our essential services revoked in order to pay for a dog park?”
Mr Giles has done his research and suggested joining the neighbouring Loddon Shire would be a better fit.
“I’m sure Loddon Shire would welcome the millions of dollars and allow us to keep our transfer stations,” he said.
Bealiba is part of Central Goldfields Flynn Ward that also includes Dunolly and Moliagul.
Current local government boundaries were introduced in 1996 with the amalgamation of 210 councils into 79.
Any change could be initiated by the State Government, councils, or through public petition.
Central Goldfields CEO Peter Harriott said drastic action was needed to prevent the council incurring an ongoing deficit and low cash-based budgets.
“Insurance costs have risen 20 per cent and materials and construction expenses continue to climb,” he said. “State Government funding has not kept pace with the services we deliver on their behalf.”
Central Goldfields is expected to make a decision on its rubbish tip closure proposal tonight.