General News
26 September, 2025
Central Goldfields Shire Council pass new local laws for the next decade
Central Goldfields Shire Council has adopted new local laws for the next decade in an “unambiguous” document that’s over twice as long as its predecessor.
The new General Local Law 2025, passed at this week’s council meeting, promises a modern framework that addresses the changing needs of the community.
The 37-page document, compared to the 13 pages of the 2015 Local Law, has 33 changes, including new regulations and the removal of outdated clauses.
Councillor Liesbeth Long said the updated local laws were something the community could be proud of.
“It is a much larger document than before which is a good thing, I believe, as it addresses a multitude of situations that were not on the radar back in 2015,” she said.
The 2015 Local Law, which was due to expire this year after a 10-year period, prompted a comprehensive review and community consultation.
That led to new additions to local laws, including clear rules on trolley collection, removal of a clause banning dogs in retail precincts, new rules for burning in open air, and prohibiting the use of drones at Maryborough Aerodrome without permission.
Council said the document was informed by more than 180 community responses since development began in 2023.
It means the new local laws, council’s CEO Peter Harriott explained, reflect the changing needs of the community.
“This new Local Law gives council the tools to respond to both current and emerging issues raised by our residents,” he said.
“We are grateful to everyone who participated in the consultation process. This feedback was crucial in shaping a law that is fair, clear, and relevant to the Central Goldfields Shire.”
Councillor Gerard Murphy said the new local laws were a long time in the making and a document he was “generally” happy with.
“There are some things which I don’t agree with but I’m not going to agree with everything in life. I don’t agree with my [bald] hairstyle but I have to deal with it,” he said.
Although the majority of the shire’s councillors voted in favour of the local laws, councillor Geoff Bartlett chose to abstain, which was counted as against.
He did not elaborate on his stance within the council meeting.
The General Local Law 2025 will be available for viewing on the council’s website.
It’s expected to come into effect after it’s published in the Victorian Government Gazette in the next few weeks.