Published: 20 May 2026
Council has launched its advocacy campaign in the lead-up to the 2026 State election, calling for urgent investment in essential projects and services to support the shire's rapidly growing community.
Headlining Council's advocacy campaign in 2026 are key priorities that will support the shire's growing population and improve the quality of life for those who live, work and play in the shire. This includes the redevelopment of the shire's only aquatic and recreation centre, essential parks and open space projects, critical road projects, improved public transport and the shire's first-ever higher education facility.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Brett Owen said community needs were at the centre of Council's advocacy priorities in the lead-up to the election.
"As one of Victoria's fastest growing municipalities, Cardinia Shire welcomes an average of three new households every single day," Mayor Owen said.
"More than 135,000 people currently call Cardinia Shire home, and our population is expected to grow by almost 40,000 people over the next decade.
"Growth of this scale needs investment in infrastructure and services to ensure our shire remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.
"We're focussed on the projects that matter most – the ones that will support our growing community and make everyday life better across the shire."
Overview of advocacy priorities:
Cardinia Life regional basketball and gymnastics stadium redevelopment
Co-investment from the State and Federal governments is needed to deliver the $60 million stage one redevelopment of Cardinia life through an equal three-way funding partnership. This stage would deliver four new indoor courts, a 1,500-seat show court, brand new dedicated gymnastics facility and refurbished foyer, changerooms, and car park.
Parks and open space package
Co-investment from the State and Federal governments is needed to deliver three critical open space projects that provide safe, inclusive recreation opportunities for young people and families across Cardinia Shire's growth corridor:
- Officer District Park: $7 million to deliver a regional level skate park, mountain biking track and a cafe to one of the region's most popular parks.
- PB Ronald Reserve, Pakenham: $10 million for a major upgrade of central Pakenham's main park, including a new event stage and lawns, expanded skate park and outdoor gym, and additional picnic shelters and barbecues.
- McMullen Recreation Reserve, Officer: $12.6 million for planning and delivery of a brand new reserve catering to the high growth sport of soccer, as well as lawn bowls and cricket.
Lang Lang truck bypass
Council is seeking $57 million from the State and Federal governments to begin planning and construction of a dedicated truck bypass in Lang Lang. Council has already acquired land to establish an alternative route that connects quarries directly to the South Gippsland Highway for easy access to construction sites across the city.
Strategic road sealing package
Funding support from the State and Federal governments is needed to seal priority unsealed roads across the shire to improve emergency access, support safer travel and provide reliable exit routes for communities in disaster-prone areas.
Local higher education
Council is urging the State Government to partner with existing TAFE providers to deliver Cardinia Shire's first-ever higher education facility. Securing a dedicated TAFE site now would open doors for young people, and help build the skilled workforce needed in for industries facing labour shortages.
Public transport package
Council is calling for improved bus services, upgraded bus stops and stronger public transport connections to make it easier for people to get around Cardinia Shire. This is particularly important in regional areas such as Koo Wee Rup, Lang Lang and the Dandenong Ranges, where limited public transport can restrict access to work and education. Expanded bus routes in growth areas like Officer are also needed to service new housing estates and reduce reliance on private cars.
Mayor Owen said Council was committed to working collaboratively with other levels of government to achieve the best outcomes for the Cardinia Shire community.
"Council is ready to play its part, but we can't do it alone. We need investment and a shared commitment from other levels of government to keep pace with our shire's rapid growth," Mayor Owen said.
"We want to work with other levels of government to plan, fund and deliver the infrastructure and services our community needs and deserves. We're seeking funding commitments for our priority projects so our community can see real improvements on the ground, sooner.
"By working together and investing now, we can support a brighter future for Cardinia Shire, ensuring our shire remains a great place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come."
