Liberal Party Member Visit
Published on 02 October 2026
Wimmera Councils Unite to Present State Election Priorities
Mayor Andrew McLean, Deputy Mayor Corinne Heintze and Chief Executive Officer, Tammy Smith joined representatives from Horsham Rural City Council, Hindmarsh Shire Council and West Wimmera Shire Council in Horsham this week to meet with Member for Western Victoria Region, Ms Bev McArthur MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Minister for Small Business, along with David Davis MP, Shadow Minister for Arts and Creative Industries, Shadow Minister for Energy Emissions Reduction and Shadow Minister for Resources.
The meeting provided an opportunity for councils across the Wimmera Southern Mallee to present their key advocacy priorities ahead of the upcoming Victorian State Election, with a strong focus on infrastructure, housing, regional services and community wellbeing.
Yarriambiack Shire Council highlighted several critical projects and policy priorities that require State Government support to strengthen the region's economy, improve liveability and ensure rural communities can continue to thrive.
Mayor Andrew McLean said the meeting was an important opportunity to present a united regional voice and demonstrate the significant opportunities that exist across Yarriambiack Shire.
"Yarriambiack has enormous potential for growth, but to unlock that potential we need strategic investment from the State Government."
"Our roads remain our highest advocacy priority. While we welcome the Coalition's commitment of $1.5 million annually over four years through the Country Roads and Bridges Program, much more investment is needed to strengthen our transport network, improve freight efficiency and address roadside vegetation issues that restrict the movement of modern agricultural machinery."
Mayor McLean said housing infrastructure remains one of the greatest barriers to growth in rural communities.
"Communities such as Warracknabeal, Murtoa and Hopetoun are ready for housing development, but the cost of essential infrastructure including power, water, sewer and drainage is often prohibitive. We need a funding approach that recognises the unique challenges and higher costs faced by rural communities."
The Council also advocated for several shovel-ready community infrastructure projects, including upgrades at ANZAC Park in Warracknabeal, development of a new community facility at Murtoa Recreation Reserve, redevelopment of the former Hopetoun school site and the establishment of a permanent supermarket in Beulah.
"These projects are community-led, well planned and ready to deliver significant social and economic benefits. Investment in these facilities will support participation, tourism, community wellbeing and future growth."
Mayor McLean emphasised the need for more flexible funding arrangements to ensure regional projects can proceed.
"Rural councils and communities cannot deliver projects of this scale alone. Funding programs need to allow State investment to leverage Federal funding so that important projects are not delayed or lost because of funding limitations."
The Council also called for continued support for integrated early years facilities and workforce attraction initiatives to address educator shortages across regional Victoria.
"Access to childcare and kindergarten services is vital for attracting and retaining young families. Continued investment in integrated early years facilities and workforce incentives is crucial to the long-term sustainability of our communities."
Mayor McLean also highlighted the importance of maintaining recreational water as a critical resource for regional communities.
"Recreational water must be recognised as a high-security priority. Our lakes, creeks and weir pools support environmental outcomes, community wellbeing, tourism and liveability. These benefits cannot be overlooked when water management decisions are made."
Yarriambiack Shire Council thanked Ms McArthur and Mr Davis for their time and engagement and looks forward to continuing discussions with all political parties and candidates in the lead-up to the State Election.
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Mayor Andrew McLean
Yarriambiack Shire Council