Advocacy

Councils deliver the services communities rely on, yet receive just 3.5% of Australia’s tax revenue.

Around 80% goes to the Federal Government and 17% to the states.

With limited ability to raise our own income, councils rely on grants, budget decisions and election commitments to fund vital infrastructure and services.

With the State election in November, 2026, we’re calling on State and Federal governments, parties and candidates to back our key local priorities.

ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY 

  • Extend the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline to the Central Goldfields
  • Build better and safer State Government owned roads
  • $10 million to deliver a new Maryborough industrial precinct
  • $5 million to revitalise and activate the Maryborough CBD
  • $3 million to continue activating the Maryborough Railway Station

HEALTHY, CONNECTED AND SAFE COMMUNITIES 

  • Better Internet and mobile phone coverage
  • Five trains each way on weekdays between Maryborough and Ballarat
  • $2.5 million for ‘Go Goldfields’ to continue its award-winning work supporting children and families with programs such as The Nest
  • Establish a “Learning Hub” to provide facilities and opportunities that improve access to higher education
  • Operational funding for Central Goldfields Art Gallery
  • State incentives to recruit and retain essential workers

INFRASTRUCTURE THAT SUPPORTS GROWTH AND LIVEABILITY 

  • More affordable housing
  • $40 million to implement a sewerage system for Talbot
  • $8 million to upgrade the iconic Princes Park Grandstand
  • Upgrade Maryborough Aerodrome to support growth in regional aviation 
  • $10 million to repair and refurbish the historic Maryborough Town Hall 
  • $5 million to complete redevelopment of the Maryborough Outdoor Pool

RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY 

  • Relocate and improve facilities for the Maryborough SES 

We look forward to working with both levels of government to secure the funding we need to achieve our 2031 Community Vision to be “an inspiring, thriving and prosperous community of choice." 

 

 

 

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