⏱️ This edition of the West Vic Brolga newsletter is a five-minute read.
Good morning Western Victorians, Darcie with you this morning 👋🏻
Your headlines today:
🛑 Vacant blocks Corangamite Shire can’t sell;
🚘 New parking limits and inspectors in Port Campbell;
🏡 The $5 million dollar rates problem facing Hepburn Shire;
🏨 The old bank for sale in Avoca - vault and all.
Quick hits: Zara has collected a few things to keep you entertained this October 🍿
In the Southwest 🌊
In a town with steady growth in recent years and a 1.6 percent unemployment rate, Corangamite Shire councillors expected an eight-lot subdivision of a chunk of its vacant land in Timboon would soon sell.
But after being put up for sale two years ago, with the cheapest block priced at $170,000, the council has failed to land a single sale at Timboon Trestle Estate and is now seeking a developer to take on the lots.
What happened: Councillors backed a Request For Proposal (RFP) at last Tuesday’s meeting, allowing developers to submit detailed plans and prices to build housing at the Timboon Trestle Estate.
The background: The estate went to market in June 2024, with the first 90 days of sale reserved for potential buyers who would build housing for key workers in the shire’s most important industries, such as agriculture.
🚗 Why Corangamite reckon it’s a fine time to introduce parking limits and inspectors in Port Campbell
Port Campbell will become the first town in Corangamite Shire to introduce timed parking and fines for overstayers.
The background: Council staff conducted a review from December 2025 to January 2026 to gauge peak traffic behaviour and provided councillors with 13 recommendations, including:
Introducing a two-hour parking limit in Lord Street;
Five 30-minute spaces near the general store;
Seasonal four-hour parking along the foreshore, and;
New bus parking and loading zones.
Last Tuesday, councillors voted to adopt recommendations from the review.
The changes follow the coastal town’s major streetscape overhaul, completed in April last year.
What councillors said: Councillor Jamie Vogels moved the motion, adding an extra point to the recommendation, which required the council to review the streetscape project and parking changes in one year.
“Obviously, when it's all new, it's mayhem, and people don't like change,” he told the Brolga. “But once it's been in for a season or two, then we can have a look and say, ‘Well, these are the things that are actually working, and these aren't’.”
Vast fields of yellow are a common sight in West Vic at the moment, and Zara went out to find out why.
In the Central Highlands ⛰
Ratepayers living in the Hepburn Shire owe their council almost $6 million, and it could impact council services if it isn’t rectified soon.
What happened? At the Hepburn Shire Council meeting on September 22, council reviewed a long-term financial plan. During the review, council debt was partially attributed to ambitious infrastructure projects, but largely linked to unpaid rates numbering in the millions of dollars.
The council has plans to investigate the current collection processes, and navigate legislative changes about following up debt in court.
The plan: Council outlined several steps moving forward, including:
Working collaboratively with ratepayers to ensure debts are paid, including supporting community members enduring financial hardship;
An internal review of the council’s Revenue Collection and Financial Hardship Policy;
In future, commencing court action for properties who have been given 24 months notice including payment options available.
A century-old bank is on the market in Avoca, but the owners assure buyers it’s been “de-banked” - aside from the historic vault that remains at the centre of the home.
What’s selling: Built in 1912, the Old Bank of Victoria is built in “Italianiante Victorian” style, a form of architecture defined by tall windows, low-pitched roof, balconettes and inspired by Renaissance Italy.
As the gold rush unfolded throughout Melbourne and Victoria in the late 1800s, the Italianiante style became more popular. The building is constructed from 400,000 locally-made bricks, and the interior features Baltic and Kauri pine, along with a cedar staircase.
I spoke to two farmers that employed a special philosphy in how they farm, and how it’s increasing soil health and resilience in trying times.
And that’s another Wednesday wrap-up completed - Z will be with you again bright and early Friday with more local news 🗞
As always, please get in touch with any thoughts, comments, feedback or news tips you have for us. Just reply to this email.
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Cheers,
Darcie