Growing Central Goldfields

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Whilst the COVID pandemic has brought with it many challenges, the Central Goldfields Shire community is experiencing growth in new businesses and development applications.
Several new businesses have opened their doors in the past two months – High Street Maryborough Podiatry, Burgz – Maryborough; Barber – Nolan Street, Maryborough, with several more set to open their doors shortly – Pedro’s Ink in Maryborough, Cocoa Rhapsody and A.J. Skin in Carisbrook.
A new gym development is also planned in Dunolly. Council has also seen a consistent number of planning permit applications, with 24 permits approved during July and August.
The permit assessment process is also much faster and can be attributed to the new application tracking software that was introduced in 2021. Council has also approved four development permits for Homes Victoria in the past 12 months.
Once constructed, this will see 10 additional dwellings in Maryborough.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said it was wonderful to see the growth despite the impact the pandemic had brought to the small business community.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant increase in people leaving Melbourne to relocate to rural and regional centres. Locally, here in the Central Goldfields Shire, this has led to demand for houses and, in some cases, new business opportunities.
“We expect this population growth to increase over the coming years as individuals and families realise the economic benefits of living and running a business in a regional and rural community. There’s no doubt that the opportunities to working remotely from a city office has also helped drive this trend.
“Last month we welcomed the announcement by the Victorian Government that $630,000 will be invested in the Talbot Futures Structure Planning and Wastewater Upgrade project.
“This is a project that will not only benefit Talbot but the entire municipality. It will mean we can tap into opportunities from a rapidly growing Ballarat, through the passenger rail growth corridor, which is a key Council priority.
Central Goldfield Shire Economic Development Officer Brian Gould said Council was committed to making it as easy as possible for residents to access permits for business purposes.
“Last year we introduced the Better Approvals Process – a new, streamlined permit application process making it quicker and easier for new and existing businesses to get the permits they need to operate.
“I work with our community to determine what permits, exemptions or prohibitions apply across our statutory planning, building, environmental health and local laws departments. Currently we are receiving around two to three new business enquiries via each week.”
Pedro’s Ink owner Peter Duffy said he was grateful to Council for all of their help, guidance and support with starting this business venture.
“I lived in Carisbrook when I was young, and moved to Melbourne where I started my tattoo Apprenticeship and worked at my craft for over 15 years.
“A year ago I decided to follow my dreams of moving back to the fantastic town of Maryborough to raise my children in the country and open a quality, clean, friendly and professional tattoo shop in the heart of town.
“I decided instead of letting covid get us down- the family should stick together, grab a paintbrush and start renovating through these lockdown periods- making the ‘glass half full’ and ending up with a shop we could all be proud of.
“I thank everyone in the community for being so supportive and i look forward to giving my 100% and spreading a little happiness in these difficult times.
“Most people get tattoos that represent something very special and close to their heart, like loved ones who’ve passed, or to represent their beautiful children or grandchildren.
I am honoured to be a part of something so meaningful to the clients. This creates a bond between the artists and clients that is very special, and i am so grateful to be a part of something so important to them.
“A big thank you to all of Maryborough for your much love and support. It’s such an honour to be a part of this community.”
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