The priorities were launched at the Beveridge Community Update at the Greater Beveridge Community Centre on Wednesday 29 July.
Council's 5 State Election priorities are:
- Beveridge Train Station
- Kilmore Secondary School
- Greenhill Recreation Precinct
- Kilmore Bypass
- Hilldene Employment Precinct
Together, these projects would provide better transport connections, local education and recreation opportunities, safer roads and new regional jobs across Mitchell Shire.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said the priorities were based on long-term planning, clear evidence and strong community need.
"These aren't projects for a distant wish list. They're practical priorities with clear next steps that governments can act on now," Cr Dougall said.
"Housing and infrastructure must be planned and funded together. Our residents need more than rooftops - they need reliable transport, local schools, safe roads, places to stay active and opportunities to work closer to home.
"Council has done the planning, developed the projects and made the case. We're now asking every party and candidate to tell the Mitchell community whether they will commit to delivering them."
Beveridge Train Station - Build Beveridge Station
Council is calling for a commitment to deliver Beveridge Train Station, either through $165 million to fund the full project or an initial $15 million commitment for planning and design.
Beveridge has 11,696 residents in 2026 and is projected to reach 112,187 by 2046, but the community has no direct rail connection. Beveridge Station is already identified in the Victorian Government's 30-year infrastructure plan and would improve access to employment, education, health care and essential services while reducing pressure on local roads and the Hume Freeway.
As part of the Beveridge Train Station priority, Council launched its Build Beveridge Station campaign and community petition at the Beveridge Community Update.
The campaign calls on the community to add its voice and show State Election candidates that Beveridge Station must be delivered now, rather than decades after the community has been established.
"The population is already here, Beveridge Station is recognised in the State's own long-term infrastructure plan and the project can move forward now.
"Through Build Beveridge Station, we're asking residents to stand with Council and send a clear message to every side of politics: the time is now to build Beveridge Station."
Greenhill Recreation Precinct
Council is seeking a State Government funding partnership to deliver Stage 1 of the Greenhill Recreation Precinct in Wallan.
Council has purchased the land and completed essential pre-planning work for the precinct, which would serve Wallan, Beveridge and surrounding communities.
Stage 1 options range from a $92 million multi-purpose indoor stadium or $96 million regional indoor aquatic centre to a $218 million integrated aquatic, stadium and gymnastics facility.
The precinct would provide local access to aquatic and indoor recreation facilities, community sport, programs and events while supporting health, wellbeing and social connection.
The Victorian Government has already contributed $5 million to kick off the project.
Hilldene Employment Precinct
Council is seeking $25 million to unlock the Hilldene Employment Precinct near Seymour, including $3 million for detailed design and $22 million for enabling infrastructure.
Council owns the land and has confirmed investor interest, with businesses either operating at the precinct or ready to move in once the necessary infrastructure is delivered.
With direct access to the Hume Freeway and proximity to Puckapunyal, the precinct is well placed to support logistics, manufacturing and defence-related supply chain businesses, creating local jobs and attracting significant private investment to regional Victoria.
Kilmore Bypass
Council is calling for the State Government to fund land acquisition for the Kilmore Bypass and provide a clear pathway towards construction.
The route alignment and Public Acquisition Overlay have been completed, and construction of the Northern Highway and Epping-Kilmore Road roundabout is underway. The next step is acquiring the remaining land before further development makes the bypass more difficult and expensive to deliver.
The bypass would remove heavy freight vehicles from Sydney Street, improve safety and congestion, support more efficient freight movement and create opportunities to revitalise Kilmore's historic town centre.
Kilmore Secondary School
Council is calling for a State Government commit to delivering a secondary school for Kilmore and then to purchase land, design and construct.
Kilmore is Victoria's largest town without a public secondary school, with more than 1,200 secondary school-aged children living locally. Students currently travel to Wallan, Broadford and further afield, placing pressure on families and neighbouring schools.
Kilmore's population has reached 12,991 and is projected to reach 24,910 by 2046. A local public secondary school would improve educational access and equity while reducing the need for students to travel outside their community each day.
"These priorities cover different parts of Mitchell, but the challenge is consistent across our Shire," Cr Dougall said.
"Infrastructure and services must grow with communities, not follow years later when the gaps have become harder and more expensive to fix.
"Council cannot deliver projects of this scale alone. We will continue working constructively with all sides of politics, but our community needs firm commitments and certainty of investment from the next State Government."
