Central Goldfields Shire Council, Maryborough, VIC

Central Goldfields Shire was created by Order of the Governor in Council on 19 January 1995 Our vision is for a ‘community with choice’ within all quality of life aspects. This requires critical mass; this requires growth. In pursuing our vision, we will be accountable, progressive, and respectful - values that we will live by. Council will focus on four broad interrelated areas: Community and culture Economy and growth Built and natural environment Processes and governance. Economic activity (jobs and investment); and Community activity (quality of life - facilities, services, events, amenity) in the Central Goldfields community. The shire has experienced recent significant growth including key infrastructure projects and residential developments. Located within a one hour drive from main provincial centres of Bendigo and Ballarat and only two hours from Melbourne, economic development has been the lever of such growth. Council intends to continue to pursue a numberof strategies to assist existing businesses to grow and to attract new businesses and industries to the area. Central Goldfields Shire is also addressing social and economic challenges. Council, with State Government support, is implementing its Go Goldfields action plan - specifically targeted programs to address areas of disadvantage. Council is further committed to establishing a sustainable financial model; to enhancing community engagement and connectedness; to providing an outstanding range and level of services; and to supporting various events and activities that promote and showcase this great part of the State. Council has forged a well deserved reputation as being innovative and achieving outcomes. It enjoys strong private sector and government partnerships. Council is determined that Central Goldfields be a ‘community with choice’.