Golden Plains Shire Council has endorsed the Draft Community Asset Policy (the Draft Policy) for a further round of public exhibition following its meeting on Tuesday 28 April.
The Draft Policy was first released for community feedback in March 2026, generating six submissions. Council has reviewed and considered this feedback, and the insights provided will now inform the next stage of consultation as the Draft Policy returns to the community for additional comment.
Community feedback highlighted concerns about insurance and costs for volunteer groups, the impact on existing community assets, and the need for clearer guidance and supporting information. Community members also raised questions about how the Policy applies to sites managed by other authorities.
As part of the next stage of consultation, Council is also hosting three community sessions on:
- Tuesday 12 May from 1 to 2pm, The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale
- Monday 18 May from 1 to 2pm, Golden Plains Civic Centre, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn
- Tuesday 19 May from 6.30 to 7.30pm, online
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey encouraged community groups and volunteer entities to read through the Draft Policy and provide further feedback.
This draft represents a new approach and sharing it with our community is an important step in making sure we understand where the policy is unclear and how it might affect our community groups, volunteers and the activities they deliver.
The feedback we received has made it clear that a few stronger definitions and small refinements will help strengthen this Policy. We’ll be using these and any further insights to make the necessary improvements, so the final document is practical, accessible and easy for everyone in our community to understand.
Feedback on the Draft Policy is invited from Thursday 30 April until 5pm, Thursday 21 May 2026 and can be completed at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations. Hard copy surveys are also available at Council’s Customer Hubs, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
A minimum of three attendees are required for the community consultation to proceed. Registrations close on Sunday 10 May for Smythesdale session, Thursday 14 May for the Bannockburn session and Monday 18 May for the online session. Registrations for the sessions are available here.
At the conclusion of the exhibition period, feedback received will be considered before the final Community Asset Policy is presented for adoption at the July 2026 Council Meeting.
For further information, contact Council’s Community Development & Grants Officer at [email protected] or call 5220 7111.