Council
17 July, 2026
Mayoral Matters: Budget pressures sharpen council funding call
June has been an exciting month for Cr Ron Ismay.
There have been copious quantities of rain, and our farming community has had one of the best starts to their cropping in a very long time.
The weather has been very kind so far, and June 22 (the shortest day of the year) has rolled over, and like I said last month, the days will start to get longer and warmer. Some folks like the winter.
I would believe that there are also some that enjoy going to the dentist - but not me!
Council adopted the 2026/2027 budget at the council meeting held on Wednesday, June 24, with a strong focus on our assets, particularly our road infrastructure.
I highly recommend everyone has a look at the 2026/2027 Budget on our website here: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/annual-budget.
Unfortunately, some items have had to have a red line put through them as there simply isn’t enough money to go around.
This is something I have alluded to in many of my previous columns.
I did so in the hope of softening the blow, as we have all been aware of the funding shortfalls experienced by so many regional and rural councils.
Unless there is a change in the government funding, both State and Federal, viability will become even more difficult.
Hopefully, there may be some glimmer of change.
When I attended the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra last week, a motion was put forward by all of Australia’s 538 local Councils.
All have united at the National General Assembly to call on the Australian Parliament to deliver an immediate increase in untied funding, warning the financial sustainability of Councils and the services communities rely on are increasingly at risk.
In a powerful show of unity, delegates endorsed an emergency motion calling for fairer funding for local government and backed a joint letter to be tabled with every Member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The letter, signed by the presidents of state and territory local government associations, calls for a multi-partisan commitment to a stronger funding partnership with councils.
This would increase our funding from half a per cent to one per cent of the federal budget.
Delegates from the Victorian nine-council alliance met in Parliament House with Minister Chris Bowen, Minister Kristy McBain, and Senator Jana Stewart on a range of issues, including mining and renewables transmission lines.
The meetings discussed the impact that these projects are going to have on our shires and presented a proposal we have put together in an effort to obtain the best possible outcome for the area and our residents.
A great privilege to attend and as in the past, meet with councillors from all over the country.
I listened to and had a photo opportunity with the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC.
One to never lets a chance go by, I invited her to visit our Shire.
I also sat and chatted with Kerry Cassells, a Councillor from Moree Plains, an amazing lady with a wonderful and interesting life story and a council with some challenges.
There was a range of guest speakers on varying topics who provided great inspiration and advice.
Unfortunately, with commuting back and forth from Parliament House to attend important advocacy meetings, I missed some.
Presently, the school holiday program is in full swing with the first week of activities already completed, with great participation Shire-wide! Coming up for the second week, we have basketball clinics, cookie decorating, board games, puzzles and more.
On Friday, 10 July 2026, we have the screening of Minions & Monsters here at the NMCC in Nhill. Make sure to register your child to attend any of the upcoming sessions, as they are all FREE.
The school holiday program wouldn’t happen without our dedicated Community Wellbeing Team and funding from the Victorian Government’s Amplify and Engage programs.
Until next time, I hope everyone stays warm and travels safely during the remainder of the school holidays.