General News
6 February, 2026
Housing partnership: Council, E2E Growth targets shortage
In a major step forward on housing, the Yarriambiack Shire Council has announced a new partnership aimed at easing the region’s critical shortage.
In a major step forward on housing, the Yarriambiack Shire Council has announced a new partnership aimed at easing the region’s critical shortage.
Council chief executive Tammy Smith announced significant progress in addressing the issue at the Warracknabeal Action Group annual general meeting on Tuesday, February 3.
After describing the challenges the council had faced in obtaining funding for housing projects in the past, she said she was pleased to announce that a recent partnership had come to fruition, with E2E Growth Consultants working with the council on addressing the housing shortage.
To secure funding, the council required a committed development partner, and E2E agreed to invest in the community.
The company has purchased land in Anderson and Gould streets in Warracknabeal, as well as additional sites in Murtoa and Minyip, and this action qualified the Shire for housing funding.
There will be a three or four-bedroom home built on Anderson Street and a block of eight units on Gould Street.
E2E is also exploring additional development opportunities in Warracknabeal and Hopetoun in partnership with the council, and encourages property owners interested in selling to contact Ms Smith.
Mrs Smith highlighted E2E Growth’s proven track record, noting its recent delivery of quality housing in Ararat and its recognition as Business of the Year at the 2025 East Grampians Business Excellence Awards for building affordable and inclusive housing.
E2E Growth also received the Innovation and Change Award.
“We have welcomed E2E Growth into our community with open arms,” she said.
Mrs Smith stated that consultants project a five-year need for 50 new houses in Warracknabeal, 50 in Murtoa, and 35 in Minyip, with E2E Growth planning to deliver these homes.
WAG President Dianne Marchment acknowledged the town’s housing shortage and credited the council’s persistence.
Ms Smith said the council has applied for six separate funding streams in recent years to support housing development across the Shire.
“Each of those funding streams required extensive planning, time, and resources, and it was disheartening each time an application was unsuccessful,” Mrs Smith said.
“We recognise that we have a current housing shortfall, with demand driven from the health sector, education, and industry.
“This does not take into account the new and emerging business demands on our doorstep.
“We are heading for a housing crisis, and we need companies like E2E Growth to work with the Council to address and respond to the demand.”
Regional forecasts project that, if planned developments proceed, the Wimmera Southern Mallee could see up to 2800 new jobs created at peak in 2027.
This anticipated job growth is expected to further strain housing availability in the region.
“Those people will need somewhere to live,” Ms Smith said.
“We want to see people reside in our communities, be involved in our sporting and community groups, and participate in our schooling and educational programs.
“We want housing to support our businesses and industries, and diversity for people in our communities to age in place.”
The CEO confirmed E2E Growth would host a drop-in information session at The Local in Warracknabeal, with dates to be confirmed shortly.
In her president’s address, Ms Marchment thanked the committee for their support over the past year.
She was pleased to report that last year’s goal to improve the organisation’s governance was achieved.
"This would be the role of the committee in addition to overseeing the sub-groups, applying for grants, communicating with the council and the community, and increasing social media presence,” she said.
WAG’s committee will include executives and five committee members.
The group now oversees the Tourist Information Centre and has a bank of local volunteers who are doing a great job.
She noted that new merchandise, expected soon, will help attract visitors and support small businesses.
"One of the things that we as a committee have been working on more and more, for the last couple of years, is the communication between our committee and groups in our town,” she said.
“I think we are getting better, but it comes back to the manpower and getting people to volunteer to help with this.”
Sub-committee reports from the Christmas Festival, WAG Christmas Windows 2025, Run the Beal, Easter Festival, the Warracknabeal Tourist Centre, and the Townscape Committee were presented at the meeting.