Woodend locals will soon need to travel to Kyneton to access Macedon Ranges council services following the announced closure of the Woodend Customer Service Centre.
The closure will be effective January 1, 2026, which will mean all enquiries like payments, requests for services and other council information will need to be done online, or in person at the Kyneton Administration Centre.
The Woodend Customer Service Centre, located within the Woodend Community Centre, will close, however all other services operating out of the community centre will still be operational.
The closure was endorsed at the August council meeting, after council officers have ongoingly been monitoring the decline of customer attendance since the operating hours were dropped to two days a week in 2023.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said at the meeting he understands some residents may be upset with this decision.
“There will be some community members in Woodend in particular who are disappointed in this report and resolution,” he said.
“But when you look at the numbers and the fact that we have one service centre in the east ward, one in the south ward and two in the west ward, it does make sense and delivers operational efficiencies and a saving of almost $40,000 for the organisation and ultimately the ratepayer.”
The Woodend Customer Service Centre has been under review since 2022, which has seen a continued decline in visitors which prompted the reduced hours.
Residents can still access council services at the Romsey Hub, and Gisborne and Kyneton’s Administration Centres.
More information: mrsc.vic.gov.au/About-Council/News/Latest-News/Woodend-customer-service-closure
