Rural Councils Victoria has welcomed a new State Government funding package to boost productivity, economic activity and liveability across country Victoria.
The $20 million ‘Future Regions’ program unveiled in the Victorian Budget looks to support enabling of infrastructure for new housing, upgrading of community facilities and the attraction of more private investment.
The focus aligns with Rural Councils Victoria’s call for a $1 billion Rural and Regional Victoria Productivity and Growth Fund to provide long-term support for these same activities.
RCV Chair and Campaspe Shire Councillor, Rob Amos said the new fund was a welcome investment.
“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.”
Today’s 2026/27 Victorian Budget also features other welcome measures, including;
- Â $1.5m to attract local businesses and events to regional areas;
- $4.9m to help farmers embrace electrification and reduce on-farm emissions;
- $2.1m to speed up the environmental impact assessments for renewable energy and affordable housing projects.
Chair Amos said the already-announced roads funding boost would also be welcomed across rural Victoria, through additional investment was still needed.
“We’re hoping this is just the start,” he said.
“With the election looming we’ve developed a comprehensive platform of proposed investments and reforms to support and strengthen rural communities.”
“Because when rural Victoria prospers, the whole state thrives.”
