Council
4 February, 2026
Roads, services top West Wimmera Shire Council's 2026 agenda
Reliable roads, strong services and careful financial management sit at the heart of West Wimmera Shire Council priorities for the year ahead. Asked by The Wimmera Mail-Times, a spokesperson said the council’s must-do focus was delivering reliable services and infrastructure that underpin daily life across the shire.
Maintaining and renewing roads, community facilities and essential assets, along with careful financial management, are key to ensuring services remain sustainable into the future, the spokesperson said.
“Council was also advocating to the Victorian Government for changes to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy, highlighting the disproportionate impact the levy can have on rural councils, farmers and ratepayers, and calling for fairer arrangements that better reflect local risk and capacity to pay,” they said.
“Supporting community wellbeing is another must-do priority. Council works with partners to strengthen social connection, improve safety and support healthy, resilient communities.
“This includes fire preparedness activities, roadside and vegetation management, and programs and events that bring people together and reduce isolation.”
The spokesperson said that, alongside core responsibilities, there were also projects that reflected community aspirations and future opportunities.
External funding has been sought for a range of community facility improvements, including the Serviceton Bowls Club upgrade, a new scoreboard at Harrow Recreation Reserve, and design work for the Edenhope Swimming Pool.
Planning also continues for longer-term initiatives such as the Kaniva Tourism and Wellbeing Precinct, town centre improvements and broader regional connections like the Wetlands to the Desert project.
The project aims to enhance liveability, recreation, tourism and economic activity, subject to funding and partnerships being secured.
“Council continues to seek community input to ensure priorities align with what matters most to residents across West Wimmera Shire,” the spokesperson said.