West Wimmera backs call for greater investment in rural Victoria

Published on 17 September 2026

West Wimmera Shire Council is joining a statewide campaign calling for greater investment in rural communities ahead of the November Victorian election.

Council is supporting Rural Councils Victoria’s ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign.

The campaign is calling for increased State Government investment in roads, community infrastructure, economic development and housing.

It is also calling for broader reforms to make councils more financially sustainable.

At the heart of the campaign is a proposed $1 Billion Rural and Regional Victoria Productivity and Growth Fund.

The fund would support investment in pools, libraries, sporting facilities and housing infrastructure across rural and regional Victoria.

West Wimmera Shire Council Mayor Tim Meyer said rural communities needed a greater share of State Government investment.

Rural Victorians account for 25 per cent of the population in this state, and we’re currently only getting about 11 per cent of the infrastructure funding out of the State Government,” he said.

“We have been short-changed left, right and centre.

“Our roads are showing it. Our lack of housing is showing it. The lack of investment is showing it.”

Cr Meyer said the proposed $1 billion fund was an important starting point, but more investment was needed.

“I am very supportive of this, but I do believe we are selling ourselves a bit short by only asking for $1 billion,” he said.

“You’ve got to realise that rural Victoria needs even more – I think this is only the starting point, but we’ve got to start somewhere.”

Rural Councils Victoria chair 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.”

Community members can add their voice to the campaign at RuralCouncilsVictoria.org.au/invest

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