Swan Hill Rural City Council has acknowledged the Victorian Government's 2026/27 Pre-Election Budget, noting its focus on cost-of-living relief, essential services and a return to an operating surplus, while calling for stronger investment in regional infrastructure and growth.
Council welcomed measures supporting households, farmers, and ongoing investment in health, education and housing. However, noted that the Budget lacks specific, targeted investment for regional communities at a time when municipalities like Swan Hill are facing growing pressures across housing, workforce capacity, safety and essential services.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said regional Victoria must receive fair and equitable investment to ensure communities remain safe, connected and economically resilient.
"While we welcome support for families and essential services, this Budget falls short of what is needed to support growing regional communities like ours.
"We also recognise the continued investment in regional roads, however this is largely playing catch-up after years of underfunding. While it is welcome, it highlights the ongoing gap between metropolitan and regional infrastructure investment," Cr King said.
Council highlighted the Tooleybuc Bridge planning and design funding announcement as a positive step forward, noting it is an important project for cross-border connectivity and regional freight efficiency.
"Our highest priority remains a new Swan Hill Bridge - a once-in-a-generation project that is critical to freight efficiency, road safety, emergency access and cross-border connectivity. This is not a nice-to-have; it is essential infrastructure for our border communities and agricultural sector that helps feed the nation.
"We are calling on the Victorian Government to commit the additional $100 million required to get this project underway and to prioritise it as the next major investment along the Murray River," he said.
Council acknowledged the record investment in road maintenance but stressed the importance of delivering visible, on-the-ground improvements across the municipality, particularly on key freight routes and high-risk intersections.
Cr King said upgrades to the Murray Valley Highway and targeted safety improvements at key intersections, including Gray and Campbell Streets and Murlong and McCallum Streets, remain critical priorities.
Council also welcomed increased investment in policing and early years services but noted a lack of new school and kindergarten infrastructure commitments for the Swan Hill region.
"We have seen a range of school and kinder announcements across the State, but unfortunately there is very little that directly supports our region's growing demand.
"That gap is significant when you consider population growth and workforce pressures in regional communities like ours," Cr King said.
Council also raised concerns about the structure of cost-of-living measures, noting that while assistance is welcome for households, it comes at a time when Victoria continues to carry the highest taxation burden in Australia for businesses.
"While cost-of-living relief is important, there is a broader conversation to be had about long-term economic sustainability.
"Victoria remains the highest taxed state in Australia when it comes to the cost of doing business, including payroll tax and land tax. That impacts investment, job creation and ultimately regional growth," Cr King said.
Council warned that housing availability remains one of the most significant barriers to workforce attraction and retention.
"Housing is one of the biggest barriers to attracting and retaining workers in our region.
"We are seeking targeted support, including $15 million for key worker accommodation, investment in essential infrastructure for small towns, the release of surplus government land, and support for innovative housing solutions," he said.
Council noted the Budget's investment in children's health initiatives but emphasised that regional areas require the infrastructure and services to support these outcomes locally.
Cr King said completing the Swan Hill Hospital redevelopment remains a critical priority.
"Swan Hill District Health services a cross-border population of around 35,000 people. It is vital that it is properly funded to meet current and future demand.
"It is vital that it is properly funded to meet current and future demand. Additional investment is urgently needed to upgrade ageing infrastructure and expand services including dialysis, oncology and acute and sub-acute care," he said.
Council also continues to advocate for investment in shovel-ready projects that support liveability and economic growth, including the Swan Hill Sporting Hub, Ken Harrison Recreation Reserve, riverfront masterplans in Swan Hill and Robinvale, a Youth, Families and Children's Hub, and the Nyah Riverfront.
While acknowledging the financial pressures facing the State, Council reinforced that regional communities must not be overlooked.
"Regional Victoria cannot be left behind," Cr King said.
"We will continue to advocate strongly to ensure our community receives its fair share of investment to support growth, safety, liveability and long-term prosperity," he concluded.
Click here to find out more about the Victorian State Budget 2026/27.
