The Northern Streetscapes Revitalisation Project will enhance the town centre character of Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton through targeted streetscape improvements.
The works will focus on minor streetscape upgrades and placemaking improvements, including:
- Improving accessibility and connectivity
- Pavement treatments and soft landscaping
- Improving road and pedestrian safety
This project is funded by $650,000 from Golden Plains Shire Council and $650,000 from the Berrybank Wind Farm’s Community Benefit Deed.
What We’ve Accomplished so far
Council began seeking community feedback in 2021 for the Northern Streetscapes project and adopted the Northern Streetscapes Framework Plan in 2022. Designs were made available for community input in 2024 and 2025, including a series of in-person sessions within each township. Council also worked to gain approvals from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) for works set to occur on non-Council owned land.
Detailed design plans were submitted to Council in December 2025 as part of the Planning Permit application process. This step ensures that any potential impacts on Heritage Overlay values within each township are properly assessed. The planning approval process requires a minimum of 60 working days, with final timeframes dependent on submissions received from statutory authorities, including DTP as the responsible authority for the affected road corridors.
Current Status
- A Planning Permit approval for Scarsdale and Linton was received in February 2026.
- A request for additional information regarding the proposed works within the Brooke Street, Smythesdale Road corridor was received from DTP on 13 February 2026. Council has provided a response and anticipates receiving further correspondence within 30 days.
Next Steps
Once the Planning Permit for Smythesdale is approved, it is anticipated that final construction documentation for all three townships will be completed and ready for Council to tender by mid‑2026. All three townships—Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton—will be tendered simultaneously, subject to confirmation of their respective Planning Permits.
Following the appointment of a suitably qualified civil contractor, Council will oversee and administer the on‑site construction works, which are scheduled to commence in late 2026. The contract will encompass upgrade works across all three townships.
Council will continue to keep the community and affected businesses informed about the timing of works once the contractor is appointed, prior to site establishment, and throughout the construction period.