Council & Politics
8 September, 2026
Nationals pledge help for country councils
THE Nationals say they are backing rural councils like Northern Grampians Shire with a plan to deliver fair funding to tackle the growing backlog of deteriorating local roads and bridges across country Victoria.
Rural Councils Victoria has called for $288 million over four years, warning councils simply cannot keep carrying the enormous cost of maintaining the local road network without greater support from the state.
Victoria’s rural councils are responsible for about 134,000 kilometres of roads, carrying school buses, farm machinery, grain trucks, milk tankers, emergency services and families every day.
Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, said the organisation’s call highlighted a problem The Nationals had been raising for years.
“Country Victorians don’t care who owns the road. They just want it to be safe,” Ms Kealy said.
“Our councils maintain an enormous road and bridge network with small populations and limited rate bases, and they simply cannot do it alone.
“When councils are telling us they need help, the state government should listen.”
“Local roads and bridges aren’t optional infrastructure – they are essential to our food supply, our regional economy and the safety of country communities.”
Ms Kealy said the Nationals have already committed $5 billion to repair and rebuild Victoria’s state road network.
“Rural councils have made it very clear what they need. The Nationals are listening.
"It's time rural regional Victoria got its fair share, which is exactly what The Nationals fight for every single day.”
Read More: Stawell