Southern Grampians Shire Council

17/08/2026

Lonsdale Street - Project Update

At last week's Council meeting, a contract variation to enable demolition works at 90-92 Lonsdale Street to be safely completed was approved.

For further details and to listen to the full discussion from the 11 August Council meeting of Councillors and Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability, Marg Scanlon, watch from the 29.53 minute mark: https://youtu.be/qO39sx5yXYE.

To read the full media release: https://www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/About-Council/News-and-Media/Media-Releases/Lonsdale-Street-Contract-Variation-Approved.

With recent rainfall leaving the Lonsdale Street site too soft, both the contractors and Council continue to monitor conditions to allow heavy machinery to operate safely while removing the final concrete pad.

Thank you for your patience as we continue working towards the next chapter for this important precinct.

14/08/2026

Get out of the way it’s Rampage and Radar!

Rampage is a terrible getaway driver, but an excellent dog, and little Radar is honestly just happy to be along for the ride.

When they’re planning their escapades, Rampage is the brains of the operation while Radar just brings the vibes.

Both of these awesome dogs have tons of personality, Rampage is clever and curious and interested in everything while Radar is a happy, affectionate, cheeky chappie.

And they’re still just pups! She’s 10 months old and he’s 9 months so they’ll be able to fit in anywhere that will have them.

We’d absolutely love to send them both to the same home, but we can always be flexible if it looks like a good fit.

If you’d like to get in on their schemes, or just want to meet them for a no-obligation play, check out our website for all the details here: https://www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Pets-Animals/Animals-for-Adoption

Our PER number is PER BR 100718

14/08/2026

13/08/2026

H5N1 detected in Southern Grampians: What you need to know

A single greater crested tern found in Hamilton this week has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza.

While the risk to human health remains very low, we’re asking our community to remain vigilant and help authorities monitor the situation.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife:

AVOID
Do not touch sick or dead wildlife or areas they may have been in contact with.

RECORD
Take note of what you see and where you saw it. If it is safe to do so, photos or video can also help authorities.

REPORT
If you see the following, please report:
• A single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal
• Five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species

Reports can be made to Agriculture Victoria or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Signs of avian influenza in birds can include sudden death, difficulty standing or flying, tremors, lack of coordination, breathing difficulties, swelling around the eyes or head, and unusual behaviour.

Poultry owners are also encouraged to review their biosecurity measures, including limiting contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, keeping facilities clean and practising good hygiene when handling birds or eggs.

Council is working with relevant state agencies and supporting community awareness across the Southern Grampians.

For more information and to report sick or dead wildlife, visit Agriculture Victoria – H5N1 avian influenza.

12/08/2026

You may notice some asphalt deterioration at the French Street Raised Pedestrian Crossing. Council is aware of the issue and rectification works have been scheduled.

The works are planned for the September school holidays, from Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October 2026, to minimise disruption to school operations.

The road is expected to be closed for approximately two weeks to allow sufficient curing time for the new asphalt and help prevent asphalt failure.

Please be aware that traffic detours will be in place during the road closure.
This work is covered under the original contract and will be performed at no additional cost.

12/08/2026

**Around the Towns with Council - Cavendish**

This month, Council will visit Cavendish for an evening of conversation, connection and community feedback.

The Around the Towns with Council Community Catch Up program is continuing to roll out across the Shire, bringing local government directly to the communities it serves.

If you're part of the Cavendish community, we'd love to see you at our Neighbours Night on Tuesday 25 August at 6:00pm. Join us for a light supper at the Bridge Cafe, share your ideas and chat with us about the local priorities and projects that matter most to your community.

11/08/2026

**Lake Hamilton Solar Light Update**

A system reset of selected solar lights at Lake Hamilton will take place at midnight Wednesday 12 August.

The affected lights are located along the southern perimeter near the spillway and car park, and will remain off until dusk Thursday 13 August.

The good news is that all other Lake Hamilton lights will remain on as normal.
The reset is needed ahead of upcoming motion sensor works, which will improve the system’s responsiveness and connectivity.

This maintenance work is being completed under manufacturer’s warranty. Thanks for your patience while we carry out this work.

11/08/2026

Welcome to the 11 August meeting of the Southern Grampians Shire Council

09/08/2026

This information has been provided by DEECA and is being shared to help keep our community informed. For the latest information on avian influenza (bird flu), please visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

H5 bird flu update: 8 August
There are increasing detections of H5 bird flu in the state. In addition to known locations in Portland, Nelson, Yambuk, Clyde and Apollo Bay, there have now been detections in Port Fairy, Warrnambool, Allansford, Tyrendarra and Logans Beach.

You can help by continuing to:
- AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
- RECORD what you see, including location, species, how many
- REPORT to DEECA online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Report clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
Report even one sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin).

We will assess each report and decide if testing and sampling are needed based on location and species type. Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.

Reminder: A poultry housing requirement for flocks of 50 or more birds is in place in coastal and southern Victorian shires, including metropolitan Melbourne.

We will continue monitoring the situation and provide further information as it becomes available.

More information: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

07/08/2026

Some people do a light jog before race day... Others treat the treadmill like it owes them something!

Peak week energy: 100%

✅One last treadmill session!
✅One last stair climb!
✅One exhausted onlooker!

Best of luck to everyone tackling the trails this weekend.

Meet you at the Peaks!

Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre - HILAC Peaks & Trails Visit Southern Grampians