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Published on 28 July 2025
The announcement that Trentham has been named as Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town comes as no surprise to the many visitors who flock to the area. These things do not just happen but are largely due to the events and tourist businesses in the area and the friendly reception that visitors get when they visit. It is great to see businesses benefit from what has been a lot of hard work in recent difficult times. A huge well done to all involved.
Back to more mundane things. It is important that we all realise the huge impact upon our landscape, and more importantly our farmers, of the huge transmission lines that are dissecting our Shire. We can all make submissions, and I urge everyone to have their say. Do not think for one moment that it only affects the farmers who are directly impacted or leave it to others. If you need help, please reach out to council officers or contact one of the groups who are living and breathing this project every day.
Remember, this is not about opposing renewable energy but ensuring that these lines are put underground where they will be safer and have less impact. Who wants to come from the other side of the world to visit what has been described as the most intact remnants of our gold mining history, that produced so much of the world’s gold, only to gaze upon ugly intrusive powerlines? Our Shire and region is dependent upon our rich farmland and once it is gone, it is gone forever.
Recently Council has celebrated our new plans for future reconciliation with Traditional Owners. As part of that we have signed an MOU with Djaara Timbers who have reopened the old Dwyer’s Sawmill on the outskirts of Daylesford. Trees that are useful and need to be removed because of damage in our parks or on our roads, will be made available to make valuable items and teach traditional skills. Previously most of this timber would require chipping and be wasted. This partnership venture is the first in Australia according to DJAARA.
The fight must also continue regarding what Council considers an unfair and unaffordable Emergency Services Volunteer Fund that in itself seems fair that all properties contribute. How that levy is collected and how it is apportioned is a huge problem, especially for farmers who will be asked in many cases to fork out tens of thousands of dollars. You may well ask is this column all about farmers? Our farmers are experiencing real problems with a severe drought along with a host of other issues. The impacts of this drought will affect future breeding stock and the viability of our farms well into the future.
Cr Don Henderson, Mayor