General News
27 March, 2026
Central Goldfields Shire Council considers closing three-quarters of transfer stations
Central Goldfields Shire Council are seeking feedback on their draft budget which proposes closing Bealiba, Dunolly and Talbot's transfer stations.
Central Goldfields Shire Council have proposed to cut almost all their waste transfer stations to help address their upcoming budget shortfall.
Councillors voted to invite community feedback on their Draft Budget 2026/27 at Wednesday night’s council meeting.
The budget identified $3.2 million in savings by making some “difficult decisions” to counter low revenue growth, rate capping and rising expenses.
They’re necessary savings if Central Goldfields Shire Council wants to be operating in the green in the next four years as previously planned.
Last year, council expected saving $600,000 a year over five years would put them back in operating surplus — reversing a lingering $5.5 million deficit recorded in 2023/24.
Instead, due to increasing costs, the turnaround is closer to $11 million over the next four years with $3.2 million needed in savings for 2026/27 alone.
To do this, however, council’s budget proposes cuts which will likely be as contentious in the community as they were amongst the councillors.
Beyond reduced labour costs, improved efficiency, selling surplus land, and ending the Community Grants Program council proposed closing the waste transfer stations in Bealiba, Dunolly and Talbot.
This means residents wanting to dispose of waste in the shire will have to travel to Carisbrook to do it.
Councillor Liesbeth Long said that would mean a long and expensive round trip for many of her constituents — both Bealiba and Dunolly are in her ward.
“It’s only a matter of time before illegal dumping in our bush will become widespread and rife,” Cr Long said.
However, she also recognised money needed to be saved somewhere and suggested a possible compromise.
Her suggestion was to close Bealiba’s waste transfer station, which received 691 visits in the last 12 months each costing the shire $58, but leave Dunolly alone.
Dunolly’s waste transfer station is the second most visited in the shire, after Carisbrook, and saw 3,046 visits in the last 12 months.
“I asked how [Bealiba residents] felt about the potential closure ... the answer was that they’re not happy but knew it was coming. Closing Dunolly was met with disbelief and genuine angst however,” Cr Long said.
Councillor Gerard Murphy said closing the waste transfer stations was the wrong decision.
“If we do close them why not close the art galleries, and the leisure centres, stop mowing the grass, stop cleaning the streets, stop business activations, stop tourist activations, shut the Visitor Information Centre down for three days a week,” he said.
“It’s clear that the people in our outlying areas need to be looked after better ... we must find another way.”
However, Central Goldfields Shire CEO Peter Harriott said if the waste transfer stations were added back to the draft budget then the waste management fee would be increased.
The budget already mentions standard waste charges have increased by seven percent with varying increases for non-standard waste charges.
According to council’s explanation, the increase is so the whole waste management function continues to be fully funded by the waste charges.
Mayor Ben Green, whose ward includes the Talbot transfer station, said he didn’t have enough information to make up his mind.
“However, in my view, this is a critical pillar of what we do,” he said.
Cr Long echoed the sentiment of all councillors by encouraging the community to have their say.
“Silence equals acceptance. The more submissions made the stronger the voice,” she said.
“There are perhaps other solutions out there, such as reduced hours or even community operated transfer stations, so please write in if you feel compelled to do so.”
To read and provide feedback on the Draft Budget 2026/27 visit engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/budget
Submissions can be made using the online form or in writing by 5 pm on April 16 2026, by email to mail@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au or delivered to 22 Nolan Street, Maryborough.
Valid submissions must include your name, postal address, email address (if submitting online) and a contact phone number.
Submitters will also need to indicate on their submissions if they would like to speak at a Special Budget Hearing Meeting on Wednesday, April 29 2026.