The State Government says its 2026–27 State Budget will deliver cost-of-living relief, health funding and infrastructure investment across the state, although there appears to be limited direct funding allocated specifically to East Gippsland.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced measures including free public transport until the end of May, half-price public transport for the remainder of the year and a 20 per cent registration rebate, alongside expanded support for free school uniforms, dental care and food relief services.
The Budget also includes funding for an additional 4000 children’s surgeries, 45,000 specialist appointments, more Free TAFE places and increased investment in police and youth crime prevention programs.
While the government highlighted major health upgrades for centres including Geelong, Melton, Werribee and Shepparton, there was little direct mention of new large-scale projects or major infrastructure spending for East Gippsland communities.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the Budget delivered some welcome regional investment but largely missed East Gippsland.
“The $20 million ‘Future Regions’ program is a great example of good intent and understanding of the challenges and opportunities in both regional Victoria and East Gippsland,” she said.
“This program will support enabling infrastructure for new housing, upgrading community facilities and attracting more private investment. However, the problem is that it lacks the level of investment that can make a difference. Through Rural Councils Victoria, we had lent our support to a call for a $1 billion Rural and Regional Victorian Productivity and Growth Fund to provide long-term support for these activities.
“The pre-budget announcements of car registration discounts will help a small amount, while investment in planning for a new home for the Lakes Entrance CFA, Genoa-Mallacoota Road works, and the increase in roads funding are all welcome. We are a critical freight and tourism route; everyone knows more is needed.”
Cr Ashworth welcomed the targeted support for primary producers, alongside continued free TAFE access and training support programs and local business and event attraction for regional areas but stressed council will continue advocating for fairer long-term investment.
“Council proactively put forward a range of community projects for budget consideration. While not funded in the budget, in an election year we look forward to some of those projects receiving support in the months ahead.
“We will now focus our attention on advocating to the government, Opposition and election candidates on long-term priorities including road funding, a new emergency department at the Bairnsdale Hospital, better rail connectivity, infrastructure funding to support housing growth, improved public land management, emergency services levy policy change, community infrastructure, and grant programs we can access for our projects on behalf of the community.”
