Council joins united push for more investment into rural communities

As part of its advocacy efforts ahead of the November State Election, Northern Grampians Shire Council has joined other councils in pushing for rural communities to get a better deal from Spring Street. 

Rural Councils Victoria’s (RCV) official ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign pushes for increased State Government investment in roads, community infrastructure, economic development and housing, as well as broader reforms to make councils more financially sustainable. 

Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop said joining the campaign was a ‘no brainer’. 

“Our council has been advocating on behalf of our community for all this and more, so it makes sense to take a ‘strength in numbers’ approach,” she said. 

Cr Hyslop said at the heart of the campaign was a proposal for a $1-billion Rural and Regional Victoria Productivity and Growth Fund to turbocharge investment in pools, libraries, sporting facilities and housing infrastructure. 

“The call for this fund goes hand in hand with our Advocacy Prospectus 2026, which includes a multi-million-dollar aquatic redevelopment for Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre among our top priorities,” she said. 

“A stadium and gym redevelopment, bike path, athletic track and netball court upgrades also feature, based on feedback from consulting our community. 

“Forming partnerships – such as the Wimmera Southern Mallee Council Alliance and Northwest-9 alliance – is part of our strategy for a stronger push to ensure our community’s needs are included in the development of regional plans and strategies.  

“We firmly support RCV’s campaign to invest in our region and the rest of regional Victoria.” 

As part of this campaign, council has installed high-visibility signs at key investment facilities, is meeting with MPs and candidates, and is asking the community to get involved by talking about the projects with their friends and families and on social media.  

Cr Hyslop encouraged community members to add their voice to the campaign online here.

Rural Councils Victoria chair Cr Rob Amos said the ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign was ultimately about fairness and respect. 

“Rural areas power the Victorian economy, but many communities continue to face significant challenges including deteriorating roads, housing shortages and ageing infrastructure,” he said. 

“We deserve our fair share of investment in infrastructure, services and community facilities. 

“Local councils are on the frontline delivering services and infrastructure that communities rely on every day, but we can’t do it alone. 

“Whoever wins power in November must invest more in rural Victoria.” 

The detailed policy recommendations underpinning the ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign can be found on the RCV website.   

The proposals are focused on practical solutions and positive investment in rural Victoria. 

“We want to work constructively with all political parties and candidates to deliver better outcomes for rural communities,” Cr Amos said.