Council
11 May, 2026
Council welcomes boost
The Yarriambiack Shire Council has welcomed the Victorian State Budget’s $20 million “Future Regions” program, saying it will help support new housing, community facility upgrades and private investment across regional Victoria.
The program will fund enabling infrastructure for new housing, upgrades to community facilities and initiatives designed to attract more private investment into regional areas.
Yarriambiack Shire Council mayor Andrew McLean said the municipality was already well placed to pursue funding opportunities through the program.
“Yarriambiack Shire already has several grant applications prepared for infrastructure projects to support housing development in Hopetoun, Warracknabeal, and Murtoa,” he said.
“I hope that rural Victoria, specifically Yarriambiack Shire, will be given priority when allocating this funding, noting that construction costs in rural areas often hinder development and unfairly impact the outcomes of funding applications.”
The council has also expressed support for the State Budget’s $1.5 million initiative to attract local businesses and events to regional areas.
Cr McLean said smaller rural communities must receive a fair share of the funding.
“We are seeking a dedicated allocation for rural communities, ensuring that funding is not concentrated in major regional centres at the expense of smaller rural areas,” he said.
While the council welcomed the positive budget measures, Cr McLean said further investment remained critical for Yarriambiack Shire and rural Victoria more broadly.
“We recognise that despite the positive steps in the recent budget, rural Victoria, and especially Yarriambiack Shire, still requires more investment,” Cr McLean stated.
“We are optimistic that the next election, no matter which party is successful, will bring significant funding for our local roads, housing, and community infrastructure.”