Council
2 April, 2026
Moyne to lobby for evidence-based action
MOYNE Shire Council has formally endorsed five priority projects and policy positions it will take to candidates and parties ahead of the November 2026 Victorian State Election.
Council will also support regional, rural and state advocacy partnerships respectively through its associations with the South West Victoria Alliance, Rural Councils Victoria and Municipal Association of Victoria.
The projects and policy positions, drawn from the Moyne Action Plan 2025-2026, represent the council’s most shovel-ready, evidence-based investments.
Moyne Shire Council mayor councillor Jordan Lockett said the priorities span road safety and productivity, community infrastructure, youth services and a policy framework to ensure Moyne communities benefit from the renewable energy transition on their doorstep.
“Moyne Shire makes a significant contribution to this state in agriculture, tourism and, increasingly, in clean energy,” he said.
“These projects reflect what our communities need.
“We’re not asking for anything that isn’t justified on the numbers and on the evidence.”
Endorsed priority projects include five major investments, including the Woolsthorpe-Mortlake Link – a 33km east-west corridor sitting at the heart of the VicGrid South West Renewable Energy Zone.
Council will advocate on the basis the road is essential for the construction and ongoing maintenance of approved energy projects and for agriculture.
The shire will also push for a community benefits policy for alternative energy projects, which would establish a formal policy framework requiring energy developers to deliver tangible local benefits.
With the State Government having streamlined planning and designating the VicGrid South West Renewable Energy Zone in Mortlake and surrounds, it appears likely the government will fast-track the development of renewable energy projects within the region.
The shire, in response, will argue communities hosting significant renewable energy infrastructure must share in the returns.
In addition, the upgrade of Bartons Road in Nullawarre, the replacement of the Port Fairy footbridge and funding for the Koroit Youth Space will round out the priorities.
Cr Lockett said the priorities provided pragmatic solutions for areas of need in Moyne Shire.
“Each of these projects has a clear, evidence-based case,” he said.
“The road upgrades are about productivity and safety, not amenity.
“The footbridge responds directly to planned infrastructure works.
“The youth space meets the needs of a growing community, and the community benefits policy reflects a simple principle: if a community hosts significant energy infrastructure, it should share in the return.”
Council intends to progress a separate funding case to both Federal and State Governments for aquatic infrastructure across the shire based on the findings of the Aquatic Facilities Strategy, which is currently in progress.
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