Council Launches 2025 Federal Election Advocacy Campaign

Published on 04 April 2025

Murrindindi Shire Council has launched its 2025 Federal Election Advocacy Campaign, calling on all federal candidates and parties to back practical, place-based solutions that will deliver equity, resilience, and opportunity for rural communities. This builds on our ongoing advocacy for our community with a focus on seeking Federal level support for our community.

Under the banner "A Fair Go for Murrindindi", the campaign outlines nine clear advocacy priorities, each requiring urgent federal investment or policy reform.

“We’re not asking for handouts – we’re asking for a level playing field,” said Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher. ‘By ‘level playing field’, we don’t mean asking for tens of millions for major cultural centres. We’re advocating for fair and reasonable investment in the fundamentals: essential health services, safer roads, and access to local tertiary and vocational training, so our young people can build futures in the communities they call home. We’re also seeking support for growth-enabling infrastructure that strengthens the viability of our local economies and supports long-term regional resilience.”

Key priorities include:

$49 million for Lake Eildon tourism activation, through infrastructure upgrades and precinct development that will drive long-term regional economic growth.

$40 million for safer, more accessible visitor infrastructure to improve safety, inclusivity, and economic outcomes along key tourism routes and townships.

$10 million for resilient road infrastructure to restore and upgrade our 720 km unsealed road network, critical to reducing some of the highest rates of road trauma in Victoria.

$8.8 million for Enabling infrastructure in Yea and Alexandra, to unlock hundreds of hectares of land for residential and industrial development, stimulating local jobs and housing supply.

Fair and sustainable funding for rural councils like Murrindindi, including a rebalanced Financial Assistance Grants model that reflects our high service costs, low revenue base, and the scale and complexity of rural service delivery.

Tailored health funding and service models, to address the major gaps in aged care, mental health, and primary health services across Murrindindi. Our population is ageing, our young people are isolated, and our services are stretched beyond capacity.

A Regional University Study Hub in Murrindindi to lift tertiary participation, tackle skills shortages, and keep our young people connected to opportunity.

Strengthening Telecommunications for Safety, Resilience and Growth to remove vulnerabilities for residents, businesses and visitors in Murrindindi Shire posed by poor internet connectivity and mobile blackspots

Cr Gallagher emphasised that the 2025 Federal Election is a pivotal moment to reshape how rural councils are supported. “We’re ready to work with government to deliver outcomes that matter – not just for Murrindindi, but for the future of regional Australia.”

Council is urging all election candidates and MPs to review the advocacy platform and commit to real action. “Together, we can unlock the full potential of our Shire – for today, and for generations to come,” Cr Gallagher said.

“I encourage everyone to raise the priorities with the candidates, as our collective voices will have greater impact.”

Learn more about "A Fair Go for Murrindindi" advocacy campaign