General News
26 April, 2026
Council lists priorities
Warracknabeal is at the centre of the Yarriambiack Shire Council’s push ahead of the State Election, with major advocacy focused on housing, Anzac Park upgrades and broader infrastructure projects expected to benefit the whole municipality.
Yarriambiack Shire Council has identified a series of Priority Projects it is promoting for the election, with mayor Andrew McLean saying Council had already taken its case directly to State Government representatives.
“The Council submitted its collection of advocacy documents to both upper and lower house state government parliamentary representatives for the Shire’s region in October of last year, urging support for these initiatives,” he said.
He said residents could view the full details of the advocacy campaign online.
“The details of the Shire’s advocacy efforts can be found on their website under priority projects,” Cr McLean said.
While each township has its own local priorities, Cr McLean said the projects are being designed to deliver wider benefits to the community.
While acknowledging that every town in the shire has its own community action plan and unique projects, he emphasised that the listed projects are strategic priorities designed to deliver broad benefits across the entire municipal district.
For Warracknabeal, two of the most significant priorities are housing and the future of Anzac Park.
Cr McLean stated that the Council required investments to support more housing across different towns in the shire.
“Housing remains a key priority for Council, and we are consistently seeking and promoting solutions to address housing challenges,” he said.
“We require investment into connecting infrastructure (power, water, sewer, drainage) to support housing developments in Rupanyup, Murtoa, Warracknabeal and Hopetoun.”
The housing push is especially important for Warracknabeal, where a lack of essential connecting services continues to hold back development and limit opportunities for growth.
Council says investment in basic infrastructure would help unlock new residential projects and address housing shortages affecting local communities.
Anzac Park in Warracknabeal also features prominently in the Council’s election platform.
The site is one of the town’s most important historical and sporting precincts, serving as both a place of remembrance and a major recreation hub.
Cr McLean confirmed Anzac Park requires a significant upgrade, and top priorities are the Netball / Tennis Courts upgrade $4 million, Warracknabeal Memorial Swimming Pool Upgrade $2.5 million, and ANZAC Park Sports Pavilion Redevelopment $9 million.
Council says these projects would strengthen Warracknabeal’s ability to host local and regional sport while also preserving a key community landmark.
Upgrades to courts, the swimming pool and pavilion would improve facilities for players, families, clubs and visitors, while supporting the town’s role as a service and activity centre for the wider region.
Beyond Warracknabeal, the Council is also pushing for major road investment through its “All Roads Lead to Yarriambiack” campaign.
“Addressing this issue is urgent and a high priority for advocacy for our Council,” Cr McLean said.
Council oversees 4,603 kilometres of roads across more than 7,000 square kilometres, and says better roads are critical for agriculture, which remains the region’s biggest employer and economic driver.
The shire is also calling for funding for roadside tree maintenance, including lopping, to remove obstacles that restrict the movement of machinery.
“Addressing this issue is urgent and a high priority for advocacy for our Council,” Cr McLean said.
Other major projects on the Council’s advocacy list include a $9 million community centre at Murtoa Recreation Reserve, the $11.98 million redevelopment of the Hopetoun former school site into tourist and housing accommodation, and ongoing support for a permanent supermarket solution in Beulah after the town lost its historic store in a 2019 fire.
Additionally, the Council has invested in master plans for several locations, including Hopetoun Recreation Reserve, Rupanyup Recreation Reserve, Minyip Recreation Reserve, Brim Recreation Reserve, Beulah Recreation Reserve, Warracknabeal Recreation Precinct, Hopetoun Caravan Park, and master plans for the streetscapes of Yaapeet and Rupanyup.
Cr McLean said the Council was also working with neighbouring municipalities on broader regional advocacy.
“Council has joined the Wimmera Southern Mallee Councils Alliance to advocate for regional issues that are significant to our respective communities and Councils,” he said.
“These efforts are distinct from our Council’s specific priorities.”