Council & Business
21 April, 2026
Proposed transfer station closures see budget feedback spike more than 4000 percent
Central Goldfields Shire Council received 332 submission on their Draft Budget 2026/27 — 4050 percent more than the previous year.
Community members have made their voice heard — sending Central Goldfields Shire Council 332 submissions on the Draft Budget 2026/27.
Community engagement went for three weeks, ending April 16, and saw 4050 percent more submissions than the previous year’s budget. It’s a result that reflects community concern in the cuts council proposed.
Councillors endorsed the draft budget for community consultation in the March council meeting.
It identified the need to make “difficult decisions” in order to address an underlying deficit and manage rising costs.
Most contentious of those decisions is the proposed closure of the Bealiba, Dunolly and Talbot transfer stations.
In response, at least two community meetings were held and two petitions with 799 signatures total were submitted to council.
Central Goldfields Shire CEO Peter Harriott said council were grateful to those who shared their views.
“Most were in relation to a suggestion that three transfer stations might be closed, and the community’s concerns are acknowledged,” he said.
“Based on the strength of feedback received to date, council is reviewing what the final budget will look like, including all options in relation to the operation of transfer stations.”
The budget also proposed ending the Community Grants Program, reducing labour costs, and improving efficiency.
Together they formed $3.2 million in savings identified in this budget toward an $11 million shortfall projected for the next four years.
“If we don’t make these cuts, the underlying deficit will continue to grow … and our cash position will not be sustainable,” Mr Harriott told the ABC.
Central Goldfields Shire Council will vote on the draft budget at the May council meeting.
“As part of the statutory process, all submissions will be considered, and those submitters who wish to be heard at a draft budget submission hearing will have that opportunity before the final budget is adopted,” Mr Harriott said.
The petitions opposing the transfer station closures are included in this month’s council meeting on April 22.