General News
12 May, 2026
Peak bodies at odds on rural cash
FARMERS and rural councils have taken opposite stances on Tuesday’s Victorian Budget that is predicted to push state debt to $200 billion within three years.
FARMERS and rural councils have taken opposite stances on Tuesday’s Victorian Budget that is predicted to push state debt to $200 billion within three years.
The election year Budget had no new commitments to Loddon Shire communities waiting for support to start Inglewood’s $5 million streetscape project and build an ambulance station in Wedderburn, a promise ditched by the Government earlier this year.
Victorian Farmers’ Federation acting president Peter Star said: “Farmers and regional Victorians have been extremely vocal in their opposition to the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund Levy changes. They’ve been left in the dark as to its future and we’ll be continuing to call for it to be scrapped entirely.”
“The much-hyped $1.04 billion for road repairs and resurfacing is a step in the right direction, but fails to deliver the level of investment required to fix Victoria’s deteriorating road network.
“The Budget has been sold as Victoria’s vision for the future, but is lacking when it comes to detail for regional Victoria.”
However, he said the VFF welcomed $5.9 million for farmer and rural mental health support, wellbeing and safety; $7.6 million biosecurity investment; $4.9 agricultural sector electrification and emissions reductions; $12.7 million to build more CFA fire stations; $75 million for the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund; and $127 million to improve the flow of regional freight rail.
But Rural Councils Victoria chair Rob Amos said the $20 million Future Regions would boost productivity, economic activity and liveability across country Victoria. “This shows the Victorian Government understands the challenges facing rural communities and councils,” he said.
“An investment of $20m represents a decent first step. It’s a good start.
“Ahead of the 2026 election, we’re urging all major parties to commit to a much bigger productivity and growth fund to provide significant and sustained support to country communities.”
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said the Budget “delivers real outcomes across our region, including major school upgrades and cost of living relief”.
“No matter if you’re a family in Beaufort, Wedderburn, or Linton, you will be supported in this budget - including through 20 per cent off your car rego, free breakfast clubs in schools, and free kinder.”
Questioned on the absence of Loddon commitments, Ms Haylett said: “Labor has delivered real outcomes for communities across the Loddon Shire, including school upgrades in Wedderburn, Inglewood, Tarnagulla, and Bridgewater.”
Read More: Loddon Shire