Council & Business
22 August, 2025
Maryborough VicRoads radius enforced amid threatened service’s reshuffle
Tougher restrictions will be imposed on Maryborough’s VicRoads as uproar has emerged in the community in an effort to save the local service.
A 30 kilometre exclusion radius for licence testing and vehicle inspec-tions is now in place at Maryborough as VicRoads brings the service in line with other agencies.
The changes have unfolded following fears local services will be further cut as Maryborough complies with VicRoads’ funding model for agencies.
The Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) has confirmed the restriction was introduced by VicRoads over 18 months ago, but will now be enforced.
“The 30 km limit for licence testing and vehicle inspections was originally implemented by VicRoads in early 2024 when staff at the Maryborough office reduced from three people to two, and opening hours changed from five days to four,” they said.
“At that time, VicRoads re-classified the Maryborough service from being a Rural Customer Service Centre to an agency. They also closed online bookings for Maryborough, requiring people to contact the office directly.”
Operating as an agency, this meant a limited range of front counter services including licence renewal, number plate returns, learners permit testing, refunds and driver work diaries.
CGSC said they recognised the impracticality of the limit.
“The 30 km service limit has never been strictly enforced by council’s VicRoads officers because it’s impractical, however the removal of online bookings effectively imposed it,” they said.
“Bookings were reinstated earlier this year when the staff returned to three people, however VicRoads suspended this again on July 31 this year.”
The restrictions have been felt by much of the community.
Local driving instructor David Hendrickson said under the radius, those who wish to obtain a drivers licence or access other services, will miss out.
“Clunes is 32 km, they can’t come up. Maldon and Newstead are 31 km. That’s not going to be viable if that restriction is put in,” he said.
While the uncertainty of Maryborough VicRoads’ future has lead to mass outrage in the com-munity, Mr Hendrickson has started an online petition to save the Maryborough agency from the possibility of closing, which has amassed over 1700 signatures in a week.
The matter has resulted in much tumult among locals turning to different levels of government for answers.
While CGSC has claimed VicRoads is a State Government service hosted by the shire, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the organisation has been under privatisation since 2022, and Maryborough VicRoads has not been operated by either the State Government or VicRoads.
“I am extremely concerned about the CGSC’s current review of the Maryborough VicRoads Agency,” she said.
“The agency is operated by the local council, not VicRoads directly or the Victorian Government. The transaction based funding model has been proposed by VicRoads to bring the agency into line with other VicRoads agencies across the state.
“All other VicRoads agency services have operated under this funding model since 2022.”
Ms Haylett has received countless concerns on the matter, but wants to see these services continue in the community.
“Should council decide to end providing these services, VicRoads will work to find other partners in the area who can continue to deliver them. This is entirely dependent on what council chooses to do,” she said.
“I want to see VicRoads services continue in Maryborough, so local families don’t have to travel long distances to Ballarat, Bendigo, or Ararat. I will keep the community updated as I hear more about the council’s decision.”
VicRoads were unable to comment before print deadline.