Federal action required to drive regional growth

Greater Ballarat region leaders have united ahead of the upcoming 2025 federal election to seek bi-partisan commitments to drive investment in infrastructure and services for their communities.

Mayors and CEOs from the six Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils (GBAC) have agreed on regional priorities that require federal action on housing, transport, digital connectivity and local government financial sustainability.

The quarterly GBAC Committee meeting took place in Hepburn today where the City of Ballarat and Central Goldfields, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Moorabool and Pyrenees Shires discussed changes required to drive an equitable share of funding in the region.

GBAC Chair and Ballarat Mayor Councillor Tracey Hargreaves, says regional communities are growing rapidly and require additional strategic investment and policy support.  

“We are seeking bi-partisan support for measures that will ensure our residents and businesses have access to adequate housing, transport, digital connectivity and infrastructure services required to drive this region’s prosperity,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“This is about fairness and equality for the increasing number of people who are choosing to live, work and spend their time in our regional and rural areas.”

GBAC is urging all political parties to commit to the following principles to address key challenges:

Housing: Urgent investment in critical infrastructure connections in new housing developments.

Transport: Upgrading major roads, enhancing public transport links, and improving freight networks.

Digital infrastructure: Investment to accelerate mobile and broadband service expansion to bridge the regional connectivity gap.

Financial sustainability: A fairer funding model that reflects the true cost of providing local government services.

GBAC discussions have focused on securing Federal Government infrastructure funding to help unlock housing supply in growth areas and ease pressure on Melbourne’s urban sprawl.  

A multi-year infrastructure investment program would support regional housing development and deliver critical services like water, sewerage and roads.

Cr Hargreaves said upgrades to major transport corridors including the Western and Midland Highways would improve safety, reduce congestion and support economic growth.

“Transformative infrastructure projects and regionally significant priorities are critical to ensuring regional industries and communities can thrive and achieve their potential,” Cr Hargreaves said.

GBAC is also calling for a Federal Government commitment to create a regional digital infrastructure fund to address patchy mobile coverage and slow internet speeds which are impeding access to essential services like telehealth.

The GBAC alliance covers more than 12,000 square kilometres and was established to address historical underfunding and to secure the infrastructure and services necessary for sustainable growth.  

Quotes attributable to GBAC Committee Mayors:

Cr Grace La Vella, Central Goldfields Shire Council Mayor

“We need the Federal government to ensure a fairer distribution of funding so that our region can continue to grow and thrive. Securing Federal and State Government investment has never been more important for local government and so we are excited to present our priorities for this region. Together we know what we need to help support our communities and our hope is that by joining together with our neighbouring councils the Federal Government will stand up and take notice.”

Cr Sarah Hayden, Golden Plains Shire Council Mayor

“Strategic federal investment is essential to support the region’s rapid growth and ensure its communities thrive, now and into the future. Our region is experiencing significant population growth, and we need federal leadership to ensure our infrastructure and services keep pace. Investment in transport, housing and digital infrastructure is just not an economic necessity, it’s about maintaining the quality of life for our residents and supporting local businesses.”

Cr Don Henderson, Hepburn Shire Council Mayor

“The Hepburn Shire, and surrounds, will greatly benefit from increased investment and support from federal government. Our residents and businesses deserve federal investment in regional housing developments, major transport networks, digital infrastructure and equitable funding that will ensure the long-term success of our region. The time to act is now—adequate federal support for regional towns is long overdue. All parties in the upcoming federal election need to commit to supporting local government.”

Cr Paul Tatchell, Moorabool Shire Council Mayor

"The region is growing quickly, and we need strong federal support to match that growth with the right infrastructure and services. Strategic investment in transport, housing and digital connectivity isn’t just about economics – it’s about making sure our communities continue to be great places to live and work. We’re calling for national leadership to help our residents and businesses thrive now and into the future."

Cr Tanya Kehoe, Pyrenees Shire Council Mayor

“The Pyrenees Shire Council requires investment in infrastructure for transport, digital communication, housing, water, power, and sewer to enable development in our townships and to create economic opportunities for growth and prosperity in agriculture, viticulture, and tourism.”