2026 Victorian Election Advocacy Priorities

The Priority

Delivered in partnership with Northern Grampians and Central Goldfields Shires, this project will provide fit-for-purpose water infrastructure to support up to nine towns and approximately 2,500 rural landholders and businesses.

The Ask

$5 million for detailed design and planning to progress the project to shovel-ready status.
(Future capital construction cost estimated at $160 million)

The Benefits

• Improved water security for farmers
• Reduced drought impacts
• Protection of agricultural jobs
• Healthier natural environment
• Increased economic investment and regional growth

The Priority

Upgrades to the Beaufort Caravan Park including additional cabins, a community kitchen, improved amenities, road access upgrades, new powered sites and renovation of ensuite facilities.

The Ask

$3 million

The Benefits

• Supports tourism and the visitor economy
• Provides additional accommodation for regional workers
• Offers potential emergency accommodation
• Modernises a valued community asset

The Priority

A master plan has been developed to transform the former Beaufort Primary School into a vibrant community hub.

The Ask

$2.6 million for remediation works to make the historic buildings compliant and fit-for-purpose.

The Benefits

• Creation of a vibrant multi-use community hub
• Potential housing development opportunities
• Protection of vacant heritage buildings currently subject to vandalism

The Priority

Reinstatement of campgrounds, walking trails and visitor infrastructure damaged by the February 2024 Bayindeen–Rocky Road fire, which burned approximately 22,000 hectares across farmland, residential areas and state forest.

The Ask

Completion of government works including the reopening of the Ferntree, Bails, and Middle Creek campgrounds.

The Benefits

• Restoration of key nature-based tourism assets
• Support for the regional visitor economy
• Ongoing community recovery

The Priority

Support renewal of more than 2,000 kilometres of local roads and 150 bridges beyond Council’s financial capacity.
Twenty-six bridges currently have load limits restricting efficient farm-to-market access.

The Ask

Untied funding support (bridge upgrades estimated to exceed $10 million)

The Benefits

• Safer and more reliable road infrastructure
• Improved freight access for agricultural producers
• Greater resilience for rural transport networks

The Priority

Large areas of Pyrenees Shire have limited access to stock and domestic water supply, particularly during drought and emergencies.

The Ask

Funding support (over $500,000 required for priority locations)

The Benefits

• Improved access to emergency, stock and domestic water
• Support for drought-affected communities
• Strengthened firefighting and recovery capability

The Priority

Several townships have insufficient power supply to operate community facilities and sporting infrastructure. Priority locations include the Avoca Recreation Reserve.

The Ask

$4 million

The Benefits

• Improved recreation infrastructure
• Enhanced sports lighting
• Increased participation in community sport and activities

The Priority

Upgrade of the Waubra Recreation Reserve to improve facilities for the local community.

The Ask

Funding to implement the Waubra Recreation Reserve Master Plan, including detailed planning for facility and netball facility upgrades

The Benefits

• Improved community and recreation infrastructure
• Increased sport participation
• Support for communities impacted by renewable energy infrastructure

The Priority

Pyrenees Shire Council operates libraries in Beaufort and Avoca. Victorian Government funding contributions have declined in real terms.

The Ask

• Increase Victorian Government funding to library services
• Commit to ongoing indexation

The Benefits

• Maintains current service levels
• Supports literacy, education and lifelong learning
• Strengthens community connection

The Priority

Council has experienced multiple emergencies including fires, floods, drought and storms, placing significant pressure on resources.

The Ask

• Increase Victorian Government MERP funding from $60,000 to $250,000 per annum
• Commit to ongoing indexation

The Benefits

• Builds Council capacity to respond to emergencies
• Supports community recovery following disasters

The Priority

Recent disasters have created significant financial impacts for Council, while current funding programs contain gaps and administrative complexity.

The Ask

Direct untied emergency management funding.

The Benefits

• Helps offset disaster-related financial impacts
• Ensures Council can maintain business-as-usual services while responding to emergencies

The Priority

The ESVF replaced the Fire Property Services Levy in 2025 and has increased costs significantly for rural landowners.

The Ask

Abolish the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy or, at an absolute minimum, ensure Councils are not responsible for its collection.

The Benefits

• Reduces financial burden on rural landowners
• Provides fairer funding arrangements for emergency services