Media Release - State Election Priorities
Published on 16 April 2026
YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE STATE ELECTION PRIORITIES
Yarriambiack Shire Council has established a series of Priority Projects that it is promoting for the State Election.
Mayor Andrew McLean has stated that “the Council submitted its collection of advocacy documents to both upper and lower house State Government parliamentary representatives for the Shire's region in October of last year, urging support for these initiatives”.
Mayor McLean stated that “the details of the Shire’s advocacy efforts can be found on their website under priority projects”. While acknowledging that every town in the Shire has its own community action plan and unique projects, he emphasized that the listed projects are strategic priorities designed to deliver broad benefits across the entire municipal district.
A list of the Councils key priority projects are as follows:
All Roads Lead to Yarriambiack – Substantial investment is needed to expand our strategic road network, which will support not only agricultural operations, but also increased usage proposed from the energy and mining sectors. Additionally, funding is required for roadside tree maintenance (including lopping) to eliminate obstacles that hinder machinery movement across our network.
Yarriambiack Shire Council oversees 4,603 kilometers of roads spread over more than 7,000 square kilometers. Agriculture is the region’s main economic driver and employer. When farmers have trouble using these road networks, it creates serious obstacles for their daily operations. Mayor McLean confirmed, “Addressing this issue is urgent and a high priority for advocacy for our Council”.
Housing Advocacy – Mayor McLean stated, "Housing remains a key priority for Council, and we are consistently seeking and promoting solutions to address housing challenges. We require investment into connecting infrastructure (power, water, sewer, drainage) to support housing developments in Rupanyup, Murtoa, Warracknabeal and Hopetoun. It is recognised that a lack of connecting infrastructure poses a challenge to development in rural communities, and that substantial government investment is necessary to unlock and advance our housing opportunities”, stated Mayor McLean.
ANZAC Park – ANZAC Park Warracknabeal is a primary historical and recreational hub established to commemorate local World War I fallen soldiers. It features a historic grandstand and is the central hub for recreational activity in Warracknabeal, also supporting regional activities. Mayor McLean confirmed ANZAC Park requires a significant upgrade, and top priorities are the Netball / Tennis Courts upgrade $4 million, Warracknabeal Memorial Swimming Pool Upgrade $2.5 million, and ANZAC Park Sports Pavilion Redevelopment $9 million”.
Murtoa Recreation Reserve – The reserve has recently undergone significant improvements, including the construction of new netball and tennis courts set to be ready for the 2026 season. Mayor McLean stated that “the main goal is to build a new community centre featuring a social area, kitchen, canteen, bar, female-friendly changing rooms, umpire facilities, first aid room, administrative office, accessible toilet with baby change, additional restroom facilities, storage, landscaping, parking, solar panels, security measures, pathway lighting, and a shaded deck overlooking Lake Marma and the courts. This project is projected to cost $9 million”.
Hopetoun Former School Site – The community and Council have articulated a vision to redevelop the Hopetoun Old School site into an accommodation facility. This initiative is supported by comprehensive plans and design documentation. Additionally, the site has been designated for a 10-lot housing development, with a planning scheme amendment and subdivision process currently in progress. The total projected cost for the accommodation redevelopment is $11.98 million. Mayor McLean confirmed, “This is an exciting project because it incorporates accommodation for tourism, promoting the beautiful Wimmera Southern Mallee region, while also addressing the housing shortage.”
Beulah Supermarket – The Beulah Store was the hub of the Southern Mallee town, where it housed a supermarket, news agency, dry cleaning depot and gift shop until 2019, when a disastrous fire burnt the iconic building to the ground taking with it 122 years of history and memories. The store was privately owned, with the owners deciding not to rebuild. The community rallied, and established a make shift supermarket at the Rural Northwest Health building, however the site is not large enough to support a full range of items where residents can complete their shopping locally and within the community. Mayor McLean confirmed, “Council has provided a parcel of land, and the community along with Council is strongly advocating for funding to build a new supermarket to support Beulah and surrounding townships. While a community supermarket has been proposed and generated considerable enthusiasm, the Council will continue pursuing funding until a permanent solution is achieved”.
Additionally, the Council has invested in masterplans for several locations, including Hopetoun Recreation Reserve, Rupanyup Recreation Reserve, Minyip Recreation Reserve, Brim Recreation Reserve, Beulah Recreation Reserve, Warracknabeal Recreation Precinct, Hopetoun Caravan Park, as well as masterplans for the streetscapes of Yaapeet and Rupanyup.
Mayor McLean confirmed that, “in addition to the priority projects listed, the master plans are part of the Council's advocacy strategy, as well as its 10-Year Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, Economic Development Strategy, and Tourism Strategy”.
Mayor McLean stated, "Council has joined the Wimmera Southern Mallee Councils Alliance to advocate for regional issues that are significant to our respective communities and Councils. These efforts are distinct from our Council's specific priorities."
END OF RELEASE
Cr Andrew McLean
Mayor