The Weebar Road roundabout, Stage Two of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail and the construction of a second oval in Trafalgar are among Baw Baw Shire's key advocacy priorities for 2026.
Baw Baw Shire Council endorsed its key advocacy priorities ahead of the upcoming Victorian State Election at Wednesday's Council Meeting, outlining a clear list of critical projects and investments needed to support the region's future growth, safety and liveability.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson launched the advocacy priorities with a strong message to the State Government – we deserve our fair share of Government investment.
"This year it is the Victorian State Election so our focus over the coming months will be on advocating for commitments from the State Government as we cannot deliver these major projects alone," Cr Wilson said.
"Council is calling on the State Government to fund $4.4 million for the construction of the Weebar Road roundabout.
"This will not only provide greater safety and improved traffic movement but also unlock the early delivery of an additional 2,521 homes in alignment with state and federal housing targets.
"Council is calling on the State Government to commit up to $7 million for the planning, development, and construction of Stage Two of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail.
"This Neerim to Noojee extension will feature a new 12–13 km shared-use trail extending from Neerim to Noojee, completing the Rokeby–Noojee Trail corridor.
"This final stage will deliver a fully off-road path for walkers and cyclists through scenic rural and forested terrain, linking into the existing trail over the Noojee Trestle Bridge, the tallest remaining wooden railway bridge in Victoria, and continuing into the historic township of Noojee.
"Baw Baw is growing and changing, and these priorities reflect the investments we need to ensure our region continues to thrive well into the future.
"These projects are ready to go. Baw Baw is ready to go. We just need the funding to make them happen."
Council's new advocacy priorities include:
Intersection upgrades
Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government to fund and prioritise the upgrade of critical intersections including the roundabout at Weebar Road in Drouin, Burke and Howitt Street in Warragul and Princes Way and Wellwood Road in Drouin.
Business Attraction
Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government to commit to greater investment in regional business, tourism, and recreation projects to support local economic development.
Paths and Trails
Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government to make available more funding streams that assist in investing in paths and trails infrastructure and to commit up to $7 million to assist in funding the planning, development, and construction of Stage Two of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail.
Sporting Infrastructure
Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government for sports infrastructure funding and policy initiatives to support the necessary sports infrastructure required for our growing community.
Financial assistance
Baw Baw Shire is asking the Federal Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to 1% of federal taxation revenue whilst maintaining existing funding streams and to continue annual increases in Roads to Recovery (R2R) funding to both bring the funding to a level where councils can properly maintain and repair their road networks, and to keep pace with rising costs.
Peri Urban Status
Baw Baw Shire is asking the State and Federal Governments to recognise peri urban councils in policy and in funding programs to support peri urban councils to plan, prioritise and appropriately fund major infrastructure.
Councillors will join Council Officers at Farm World at Lardner Park from today to kick start a vocal and visible advocacy campaign with the community.
Community members are encouraged to drop by the Baw Baw Shire Council marquee and join the advocacy campaign by signing a number of pre-written digital letters which will then be forwarded to the relevant Government representatives.
For more about Baw Baw Shire Council's advocacy priorities, visit Advocacy Priorities
