Community
25 June, 2026
Funding highlights need for greater investment
MEMBER for Lowan Emma Kealy has praised the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns fund as making a meaningful contribution to rural communities, but called for greater investment to be made.
As Western District Newspapers reported last week, the state government announced round three of the Tiny Towns fund would see $20 million flowing into the regions, including a $20,700 allocation to Moyne Shire Council for the Mortlake Market Square safety upgrade which will enhance Market Square.
Ms Kealy welcomed the funding, saying she had worked alongside local committees and volunteers to help those applying to secure more than $720,000 in state government funding for 21 projects across the Lowan electorate.
She said the outcome was a testament to hours of work from volunteers and committees to submit applications and advocate to the state government for their communities.
“I’m so proud to have worked with our communities to help fight for and deliver our fair share of funding,” Ms Kealy said.
“These projects show what can be achieved when local communities are given the opportunity to lead.
“The ideas come from local volunteers who know exactly what their town needs, and it’s great to be able to support these communities to make their ideas become a reality.
“Every upgraded hall, community space, sporting facility or tourism asset helps strengthen the social fabric of our small towns and keeps our communities vibrant.”
Ms Kealy praised the fund as highlighting the difference small investments can make in country towns.
She said it was vital the funding for rural areas continued to flow into the future, citing the funding as an example of why the Coalition pledge to deliver 25 per cent of all infrastructure funding to the regions would be beneficial.
“The Nationals understand that rural and regional communities deserve their fair share of government funding, which is why we’ve announced a Fair Share Guarantee,” Ms Kealy said.
“Rural and regional Victoria has 25 per cent of the state’s population, so it’s only right and fair that we get 25 per cent of Victoria’s infrastructure funding.
“The Nationals fight tooth and nail to deliver for our rural and regional communities, and it’s exciting to think we’ll be able to deliver even more for country people by forming government in November.
“I congratulate everyone who played a role in advocating for these important local projects, and look forward to seeing these exciting developments completed.”
Read More: local