Bland Shire Council has endorsed a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Evolution Mining's Cowal Gold Operations that will deliver a significant increase in annual funding for the Bland community, including major boosts to community programs, infrastructure investment and road maintenance.
The proposed planning agreement brings the total annual contribution to $710,000, combining both existing commitments and substantial new funding linked to the Open Pit Continuation Project. The new funding includes an additional $200,000 each year for the Community Infrastructure Investment Fund and a further $100,000 annual contribution to community enhancement initiatives. These new contributions sit on top of the existing $200,000 infrastructure allocation, $150,000 in community enhancement funding, and $60,000 for road maintenance already provided under the Underground Development VPA.
This uplift represents a meaningful expansion of Evolution's long‑standing support for the Bland Shire, ensuring that more funding flows directly into local projects, community organisations and essential infrastructure. The Community Infrastructure Investment Fund will continue to be held in an internally restricted reserve, supporting future capital works, while the Community Enhancement Program will provide direct support to local groups through Evolution's annual sponsorship and community funding programs.
A new Deed of Agreement (Roads) strengthens the financial arrangements for the maintenance of key haulage routes servicing the mine, following detailed negotiations and a Pavement Impact Assessment that identified a $701,000 annual impact on the Bland road network. The agreement ensures a more equitable contribution toward the upkeep of roads including Ungarie Road, Wamboyne Road, Blow Clear Road and Bonehams Lane.
Mayor Brian Monaghan said the agreement reflects a strong and collaborative relationship between Council and Evolution Cowal, delivering tangible benefits for the Bland Shire community.
"These agreements deliver more funding for local projects, greater support for community groups, and a fairer contribution toward our road network. Evolution Cowal continues to demonstrate its commitment as a genuine partner in our region, and we value the constructive way they work with Council to ensure the community shares in the benefits of mining."
The draft VPA will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days from 12 May 2026. If no submissions are received, arrangements will be made for the Mayor and General Manager to execute both the VPA and the associated Deed of Agreement (Roads).
This expanded funding package directly supports the Bland Shire Council Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, ensuring that existing and future assets are well planned, well managed and appropriately funded to meet the needs of a growing community.
