Mitchell Shire Council welcomes several positive announcements for Mitchell Shire in this year's State Budget but has raised serious concerns about the termination of the critically important Growing Suburbs Fund.
The $13.7 million investment in Broadford Primary School and funding to plan upgrades at Broadford Secondary are meaningful commitments that will support growing families and ensure local students have access to modern, fit-for-purpose learning environments.
Council is also pleased to see progress on a number of other school projects. Wallan East Primary School has been confirmed to open in Term 1, 2026, a vital development for one of the fastest-growing communities.
The upgrade to Wandong Primary is advancing, and the Beveridge Primary School upgrade has been completed. These projects are essential in meeting the needs of Mitchell's expanding population and providing families with the local services they expect and deserve.
Public transport also received some welcome attention, with additional peak hour train services to Seymour and increased bus services to Mandalay. These improvements will help ease commuter pressure and provide greater access and reliability for residents.
In terms of road infrastructure, Council welcomes continued support for the Watson Street Interchange. It is also pleasing to see the Camerons Lane Interchange appear in the budget for the first time, with $30 million in State funding committed as part of the broader Federal funding package - an important step in unlocking land and jobs in Beveridge.
However, these positives must be balanced against some significant and concerning omissions.
Council is deeply disappointed by the termination of the Growing Suburbs Fund - a decision that will have long-term consequences for high-growth areas like Mitchell.
This fund has enabled councils to deliver critical community and sporting infrastructure, and its removal, without any replacement, is a serious blow to Mitchell Shire Council's capacity to meet growing demand.
This is on top of the introduction of the new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF), which is set to significantly increase the financial burden on ratepayers in Mitchell Shire.
The Fire Services Levy generated approximately $7.08 million from Mitchell Shire ratepayers in the 2024/25 financial year. Under the new ESVF, the cost to Mitchell Shire ratepayers is expected to increase to approximately $10 million.
This increase will be felt across all sectors. Residential ratepayers will face an estimated 35% increase, commercial ratepayers will see an estimated 70% increase, and primary producers, including farmers, will be hardest hit with an estimated 150% increase.
On rail infrastructure, Council would have liked to have seen funding for the Beveridge Train Station and matched funding for the Federal Government's commitment to the Upfield Line business case. These projects are essential to supporting long-term growth, housing, and employment opportunities in the north.
It is also disappointing to see the Kilmore Bypass delayed yet again, with project completion now pushed out to mid-2027. The community has been waiting far too long for this critical project to be delivered, and further delays only increase frustration.
Council is also concerned that the funding allocated to the Kilmore Bypass is only sufficient to cover planning and delivery of the roundabout at Wandong Road and not the entire project. Council will continue advocating for additional funding for land acquisition and construction of the whole project.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said Council was pleased with investments in the Shire but was concerned by the termination of the Growing Suburbs Fund.
"We're grateful to see funding for school upgrades in Broadford, Wallan East, Wandong and Beveridge. These projects make a real difference for families and show that the Government recognises some of the growing needs of our region," he said.
"We also welcome progress on road and transport projects like the Watson Street and Camerons Lane interchanges, along with improved train and bus services. These are steps in the right direction, but they must be part of a broader, long-term investment strategy.
"What's most disappointing is the scrapping of the Growing Suburbs Fund. This fund has delivered critical infrastructure - from sports facilities to community centres - in growth areas like ours. Its removal leaves a major gap with no clear pathway to meet rising demand.
"On top of this, the introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund is deeply concerning. It shifts more cost onto local ratepayers without giving Councils any say in how it's applied. The scale of the increase - particularly for our farmers and rural residents - is disproportionate, and hard to understand.
"We support increased funding for emergency services, but it should be done in a way that's fair. Ratepayers shouldn't be footing a $3 million increase without consultation or safeguards. This levy is a massive cost burden on local households, businesses, and the people who already contribute so much to our volunteer emergency services.
"We did not see funding for Beveridge Train Station or the Upfield Line business case - despite Federal support being on the table. We do not want our community to be left behind waiting for a transport network.
"The continued delays to the Kilmore Bypass are equally frustrating. Planning and partial works aren't enough - we need full funding and a clear timeline to deliver the entire project.
"Mitchell Shire is growing fast. We need the Victorian Government to deliver the infrastructure and services to match."
