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Community Newsletter Autumn 2026
Pyrenees Shire Council has identified 12 key advocacy priority projects ahead of the 2026 Victorian Election and is calling on all political parties to support critical investment in rural communities.
These priorities highlight the infrastructure, services and initiatives needed to strengthen local communities and support the region’s future growth.
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.
$5 million for detailed design and planning to progress the project to shovel-ready status.(Future capital construction cost estimated at $160 million)
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.
$3 million
A master plan has been developed to transform the former Beaufort Primary School into a vibrant community hub.
$3.735 million for remediation works to make the historic buildings compliant and fit-for-purpose.
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.
Completion of government works including the reopening of the Ferntree, Bails, and Middle Creek campgrounds.
The Benefits
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.
Untied funding support (bridge upgrades estimated to exceed $10 million)
Large areas of Pyrenees Shire have limited access to stock and domestic water supply, particularly during drought and emergencies.
Funding support (over $500,000 required for priority locations)
Several townships have insufficient power supply to operate community facilities and sporting infrastructure. Priority locations include the Avoca Recreation Reserve.
$4 million
Upgrade of the Waubra Recreation Reserve to improve facilities for the local community.
Funding to implement the Waubra Recreation Reserve Master Plan, including detailed planning for facility and netball facility upgrades
Pyrenees Shire Council operates libraries in Beaufort and Avoca. Victorian Government funding contributions have declined in real terms.
Council has experienced multiple emergencies including fires, floods, drought and storms, placing significant pressure on resources.
Recent disasters have created significant financial impacts for Council, while current funding programs contain gaps and administrative complexity.
Direct untied emergency management funding.
The ESVF replaced the Fire Property Services Levy in 2025 and has increased costs significantly for rural landowners.
Abolish the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy or, at an absolute minimum, ensure Councils are not responsible for its collection.
Other advocacy group campaigns Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils
Rural Councils Victoria
Municipal Association of Victoria