“This package provides some welcome relief for farming communities doing it tough – and we particularly acknowledge the efforts to bring both sides of politics together through the new taskforce,” SWBVA Chair and Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said.

“It’s a recognition that drought doesn’t discriminate and that a united response is in everyone’s best interests.”

SWVA also welcomed the inclusion of Corangamite Shire Mayor and Deputy Chair of Rural Councils Victoria, Cr Kate Makin, as a member of the taskforce.

“Cr Makin brings both a rural and a local government voice to the table. This is something that’s vital to ensuring support is practical and targeted,” Cr Blain said,

Our communities need to be heard by the people making decisions.”

However, SWVA warns that despite the welcome announcements, more targeted support is still urgently needed.

Farmers need direct cash support for water and feed cartage, and secure access to those resources. Without it, many will be forced to destock – and that has long-term implications for farm incomes, supply chains, and regional economies.

There’s also concern that some elements of the support package require matched funding, which many farmers and councils simply don’t have right now. 

SWVA encourage the government to ensure support is accessible and doesn’t place further financial pressure on those already doing it tough.

SWVA also acknowledges the Victorian Government’s decision to suspend the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) for all primary producers.  

“This is a constructive and welcome step, and recognises that this levy is a burden on rural communities,” Cr Blain said.

The Alliance will continue working closely with member councils, industry, local communities and government representatives to advocate for practical, immediate support and long-term drought support for South West communities.

In her capacity as Deputy Chair of Rural Councils Victoria, Cr Makin said:

“The Taskforce is a welcome acknowledgement that the drought is biting, it’s affecting huge swathes of Victoria and that more help is needed.”

“The real test will be action.”

“I’m hopeful the Taskforce can help design further measures the Victorian Government will take to support rural communities.

Media contact:  Ryan Sheales. 0402 351 412, SWVAMedia@theagendagroup.com.au

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This new levy is now baked into the Victorian Budget, delivered today by Treasurer Jaclyn Symes. The budget did very little for rural communities and the south-west.

For farmers and primary producers already doing it tough, the levy could be the last straw. Especially on top of prolonged and severe drought pressures and rising costs across the board.

This highlights the urgent need for a fair and equitable funding model that supports, rather than penalises, the communities who form the backbone of Victoria’s emergency response capabilities.

Across the SWVA region, comprising the Shires of Corangamite, Colac Otway, Moyne, Glenelg and Southern Grampians and the City of Warrnambool, there will be a doubling of payments to the state government in the transition from the Fire Services Levy to the ESVF – that’s a 100% increase, on average.  

By shifting the collection of the ESVF onto local councils, the Victorian Government is turning them into tax collectors, putting more pressure on rural ratepayers already stretched thin.

CFA volunteers, who already give their time and raise their own funds to protect their communities, are now facing higher costs. Many are walking away, and it’s putting lives and communities at risk.

With communities in our region facing a record-breaking drought, the commitment to delay the levy increase for one year for affected primary producers only serves to add to the stress and worry our farmers are facing about the future.

This tax hurts our communities, and SWVA is calling on the government to find a better way.

“It’s time for the Victorian Government to rethink this,” said Cr Ben Blain, Chair of SouthWest Victoria Alliance.

“Our communities deserve a fair go, and a fairer way to fund emergency services.” 

Media contact:  Ryan Sheales. 0402 351 412, SWVAMedia@theagendagroup.com.au

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About 200 people are expected to watch the Wannon candidates go head-to-head at Deakin University’s Warrnambool Campus on Wednesday night.

Other will be watching via a livestream at facebook.com/SouthWestAlliance.

As people registered to attend the forum they were asked to select their top three election issues from a list of ten options, adapted from past research by Roy Morgan. Attendees were also required to declare if they were an active supporter of Dan Tehan, Alex Dyson or another candidate, or unaligned. 

This has allowed organisers to crunch the numbers regarding voters’ top concerns, broken down by candidate allegiance.

• Top three issues for Non-aligned/other voters are:   Economic management, Living costs, Open and honest government.
• Top three issues for Tehan supporters are:   Living costs, Economic management, Healthcare / Immigration (tied)
• Top three issues for Dyson supporters are:   Climate change, Open and honest government, Healthcare

A full version of this image is attached:

A note on data: All figures in per cent (%). This data is based on the responses of 140 ‘general admission’ ticket holders for the forum. Each attendee was able to cast three ‘votes’ (select up to three issues). Votes have been tallied and converted into percentages. All columns equal 100%.

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Right now, there aren’t enough childcare centres, workers or available spots across the south-west. It’s making life difficult for families and employers, and acting as a handbrake on our local economy.

SouthWest Victoria Alliance is today releasing its 2025 federal election platform, which is centred around a push for more federal support to combat the shortages.

The Alliance comprises the Warrnambool City Council and the shires of Colac, Corangamite, Moyne, Southern Grampians, Glenelg and Colac-Otway, with representatives from Deakin University and Wannon Water.

“South-west Victoria is riddled with childcare deserts,” SWVA Chair Ben Blain (Mayor, Warrnambool City Council) said.

“Our childcare shortages must be a top-tier issue as we head towards the federal election.”

“We’ll be meeting with Ministers, MPs and candidates as the election approaches to make sure our childcare challenges are understood and addressed.”

The shortages stem from a combination of factors, including small and dispersed populations, staff shortages, difficulties establishing new centres and a lack of adequate incentives for providers.

In addition to more direct support and incentives for childcare operators and workers, SWVA is pushing for $5 million from the Federal Government to establish a new Childcare Centre of Excellence at Deakin University, to train the next generation of local childcare workers and design a new model for rural childcare education.

By the numbers

The below table shows how many children there are for each childcare place across the south-west.

The data comes from a 2024 Mitchell Institute analysis of places, availability and demand.

Broader calls

As part of its 2025 federal election platform, the SouthWest Victoria Alliance is also pushing for:

• Local roads and infrastructure upgrades
• The development of the Hamilton Art Gallery
• The establishment of a Local Government Sustainability Fund
• A Small Grants Program to help councils boost local wellbeing and foster community pride
• The development of a Hydrogen Innovation Plan for south-west Victoria.

Have your say

SWVA is urging all south-west families and employers to sign a change.org petition in support of more federal action on childcare.

The petition will demonstrate to MPs and candidates the level of community frustration with the current shortages and the real-world impacts of living in a childcare desert.

This petition is being launched today. You can add your support and share your story at change.org/SouthWestChildcare

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SouthWest Victoria Alliance Chair Cr Ben Blain said:

“Access to high quality health services is critical to improving outcomes and life expectancy in regional areas.”

Cr Blain, who is also the Mayor of Warrnambool City Council, was speaking in the wake of discussions around possible mergers of health services in Victoria.

“Far too many people in regional Victoria already battle the tyranny of distance to access vital services,” Cr Blain said.

“Fundamentally, we need great health services delivered in local communities and the region.

“There should be community consultation to ensure that no community goes backwards in terms of health care,” he said

“Communities understand best what their health needs are, and community members have the lived experience and insights into how to effectively structure and deliver services.

“The SouthWest Victoria Alliance understands that health service mergers are being considered by the state government.

“We want government to ensure that SouthWest Victora Alliance member councils and their communities get the opportunity to provide input before any decisions are taken.

“The SouthWest Victoria Alliance wants to ensure that no community is worse off under any changes, however we would prefer to see health services improve across the region. Communities must be included in any decision making.”

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Thank you, Minister, for your address and sharing with us some of the work the government is doing.

We look forward to strengthening our relationship with you especially considering the rich and important First Nations heritage and community in the South West. 

Let’s talk about why we have organised this event and brought you all here today. It is to make a clear statement to all of you and to parliament that South West Victoria Alliance is committed to advocating for the region. 

We are determined to make the most of what we have to uplift our communities.  

Our region has some remarkable strengths, from a deep seaport at the Port of Portland, to a world recognized UNSECO World Heritage site Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, to the global tourist attraction of the Great Ocean Road. 

We also are a significant agricultural producer – our region accounts for 23% share of national milk production. I note we have some industry in the room with us today. 

SouthWest Victoria Alliance advocates strongly for projects and policies that address disadvantage and create opportunities across the region.

We are committed to making sure people have the housing, education, job opportunities, access to childcare and healthcare they need to live a happy, healthy and prosperous life.   

Our refreshed vision we are launching today has three key pillars: 

Environment 

We know energy transition and renewable energy is in our region and will be growing. 

We need a comprehensive Energy Transition Plan for the region, to understand training needs, future employment opportunities and infrastructure and community needs.  

Other environment opportunities for our region include: 

The Hydrogen Opportunity via a Clean Energy Training Hub led by Deakin University and 

Development of a Sustainable Water Strategy. Planning for future water needs and usage is key for agricultural growth and tourism opportunities like geothermal. 

Community 

Childcare is a significant issue. Right now Corangamite Shire is in a situation where they are trying to find a new provider in Timboon so that the community doesn’t lose child care services, 

 Specifically the development of a Centre of Excellence to train more early years educators and address the workforce shortage in the region.  

Housing is also a priority. We need more housing in the region. There are a number of examples of Key worker housing projects in the region using successful models already implemented  

In regards to workforce, businesses and councils struggle to recruit qualified staff.  

We want to develop, with government, strategies to address workforce shortages for businesses and for councils. 

Future Opportunity 

With 2 billion litres of milk production in the region, we will be advocating that the industry is supported; 

Our agriculture sector needs to be supported to grow and innovate. Investment in enabling infrastructure, roads and transport infrastructure.  

New tourism is also a priority – exploreing ways to support emerging tourism sectors like geo-thermal and highlighting and linking our First Nations history and community. 

High-value agriculture – enabling infrastructure is needed, roads and other transport infrastructure. 

Our ask to the politicians in the room is engage with us, visit the region, connect with our communities and learn about our potential. 

For the stakeholders from across the region, our door is open. Connect with us on social media, we want to understand what your priorities are and how we can help you achieve your aims. 

We want to be a key regional voice and amplify the needs and successes of our communities and continue to promote the ‘best of the south west’. 

With that message for Spring Street, I am now pleased to introduce the Leader of the Opposition and Member for Hawthorn John Pesutto, to share some of his reflections. 

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You can find the Vision for the SouthWest Victoria Alliance here.

SouthWest Victoria Alliance Chair Cr Ben Blain said:

“I am immensely proud of the job our delegation members performed today in briefing ministers, MPs and the opposition about the SouthWest Victoria region and the needs of our communities.”

“Our representatives were strong advocates for their region, so that ministers and others understood immediately the needs and issues facing communities.

“Ministers and MPs were open to hearing about our region and our priorities. I believe that this is an important step in having our issues addressed by Spring Street.

“We are certain that communities in the SouthWest Victoria region are now better understood in the halls of power than before.

“SWVA has opened an important dialogue with Spring Street that can only bring benefits to the region.

“SWVA has called on government and opposition MPs to consult on issues that impact communities in SouthWest Victoria and we believe that they will do that.

“And not just as a result of the work of this compelling delegation to Parliament today, but from the ongoing relationships SWVA is forming with Ministers, MPs and senior bureaucrats who are aware that the best results come from meaningful consultations with communities and their leaders.”

Among those that SWVA representatives met were:

The Hon. Melissa Horne (Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety)

The Hon. Natalie Hutchins (Minister for Women, Minister for Jobs and Industry, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples)

The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny (Minister for Planning, Minister for the Suburbs)

The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas (Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services)

The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio (Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission)

Mr John Pesutto (Leader of the Opposition in Victoria, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs)

Ms Jacinta Ermacora (MLC Western Victoria, Member, Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee)

Among the regional priorities discussed were:

• Environment
  • Energy transition plan for the region, to understand training needs, future employment opportunities and infrastructure and community needs.
  • Develop the Hydrogen Opportunity via a Clean Energy Training Hub
  • Development of a Sustainable Water Strategy

• Community
  • Childcare – Development of a Centre of Excellence to train more staff and address the workforce shortage.
  • Housing – expansion of key worker housing projects in the region using successful models already implemented
  • Workforce – develop with government strategies to address workforce shortages

• Future Possibility
  • New tourism – explore ways to support emerging tourism sectors like geo thermal
  • High- Value agriculture – enabling infrastructure is needed, roads and other transport infrastructure.

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The delegation of 60 – which includes mayors, CEOs, councillors and community leaders – is taking part in six high-level meetings.

SouthWest Victoria Alliance Chair Cr Ben Blain said:

“Representatives of SouthWest Victoria Alliance (SWVA) are travelling to Melbourne to impress upon ministers, shadow ministers, government and opposition MPs and senior bureaucrats the vital contribution that the region makes to the state’s economy.

“SWVA representatives are advocating for the investment that the region needs to ensure our communities continue to thrive and contribute to the Victorian and Australian economies.”

“SWVA’s vision for the region has three main themes: Environment, Community and Future Possibility.

“This vision and its themes gives SWVA the opportunity to speak with state and federal governments to call for a range of investments for our communities.”

On Jobs and training, Cr Blain saidSWVA needs help to:

• Understand what the future jobs are and what the future demand for these jobs will be
• Define what training is needed in the region to train people locally
• Understand what our existing workforce and training capacity is
• Ensure and define how women, first nations, young people and other specified groups can be a part of the energy transition and employment
• Examine what else is needed in our region, such as housing, infrastructure and other investments.

Cr Blain said: “The SWVA region should be key to developing the hydrogen opportunity, which would mean the development of a Clean Energy Training Hub that would place Deakin University at the heart of research and training for this emerging sector.”

“This would also help us gain a greater understanding of future workforce potential.”

Cr Blain said: “Working with government to development a sustainable water strategy is crucial.

“Planning for future water use is key to sustainable growth. Understanding agricultural demands in the region is important to supporting industry.

He said: “An effective water strategy would also provide opportunities for an enhanced tourism sector. Geothermal is a future industry that should be explored.”

“Childcare access is a significant issue with some families unable to access childcare. This has significant flow on effects to people being able to work or even being able to continue to live in the region,” Cr Blain said.

SWVA is advocating to government for:

• Greater childcare planning is needed to understand the workforce gaps, demand of childcare and pressure points in the region.
• Deakin University is a key player and will work to develop a Centre of Excellence to train staff and look at solutions such as a workforce pilot program linked to free TAFE training.

Housing

“The SouthWest, like many regions, is facing a housing crisis with people not being able to come to the region for education and employment opportunities because there is not adequate housing,” Cr Blain said.

Workforce

“Businesses and councils across the region struggle to attract and retain skilled workers. The lack of adequate housing, childcare and other support service plays a significant role in this.

“We want to work with government to ensure Councils and businesses struggling to find skilled workers get the support they need to attract and retain workers,” Cr Blain said.

FUTURE POSSIBILITY

“We see a future for the SouthWest where innovation and growth go hand in hand. The region wants to be at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism, unlocking new possibilities for a more prosperous future and deeper connection with the world beyond our region,” Cr Blain said

New Tourism

“Geothermal and other eco-tourism will be a key part of the future. Government support is needed to develop these sectors.

“Cultural tourism will also be important. There is a rich First Nation history in the SouthWest region and there needs to be a greater celebration and promotion of these key assets. Support for the development of linkages between sites is needed.

High Value Agriculture

“Enabling infrastructure is key to supporting the agriculture industry. Roads and other infrastructure need to be sufficient to safely transport goods,” Cr Blain said.

“Innovation support, trying new innovative and more sustainable practices come at a cost for producers. Supporting the agriculture sector to innovate through targeted grants will ensure the sector is able to grow sustainably,” he said.

Conclusion

“In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the SouthWest stands as an example of what could be achieved if we work together to prioritise the environment, future possibilities and people.

“Our tight-knit communities value the bonds forged over many years, ensuring that everyone is cared for and no one is left wanting. This is a region that works together and is ready to work to tackle our challenges and welcome new members into our communities,” Cr Blain said.

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SouthWest Victoria Alliance Chair Cr Ben Blain said:

“The SouthWest Victoria Alliance welcomes $150 million to upgrade the Maroona to Portland Rail line as part of a $540 million investment to improve the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s interstate freight rail network.

Cr Blain said: “The 173 kilometre-long track connects the western half of Victoria to the national rail freight system and to the deep-sea Port of Portland, which is vital for the SWVA region’s export trade.

“We hope that the $150 million upgrade will be sufficient to fully re-sleeper the whole line so that the current 20km/h speed limit can be restored to 80 km/h and cut the six-hour rail journey to and from the Port of Portland in half.

“We hope that the upgrade will significantly cut the number of freight trucks using the region’s roads, taking some pressure off roads that are already substandard,” Cr Blain said.

Cr Blain said SWVA also welcomes $12 million for the Bridgewater Road and Portland Ring Road intersection upgrade.

“There are height restrictions of the Bridgewater Road bridge over the Portland Ring Road. This means some trucks, such as those transporting oversized loads, are using local roads in Portland instead.

“Residents have raised long-term safety concerns as truck volumes increase. We welcome the federal investment that will lead to a safer outcome for the community,” Cr Blain

Cr Blain said: “We cautiously welcome $20.7 million to improve engagement with communities impacted by the energy transition and accelerate the delivery of key energy projects.

“The energy transition is a reality, but we must ensure that the engagement is genuine and that communities are rewarded with a government that listens and with good well-paid long-term local jobs.”

Cr Blain said: “We also welcome the support for regional airports.

“Our region has several airports that have the potential to be passenger hubs and bring more people and prosperity to SouthWest Victoria region.

“In more general terms, we welcome a budget that eases some of the cost-of-living pressures our communities are facing,” Cr Blain said.

Media enquiries: Seamus Bradley | seamus@theagendagroup.com.au  | 0410 256 902

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SouthWest Victoria Alliance Chair Cr Ben Blain said: “Struggling families need all the help they can get at the moment and we welcome any measure that lightens the burden.

“However more needs to be done, many families across the SouthWest are struggling to find childcare, affordable housing and every family needs improvements in critical transport infrastructure.

SWVA was pleased to see:

• $41 million to continue additional train services for the Warrnambool and Echuca Lines.
• Funded upgrades for the Cobden Technical School
• $4.2 million to upgrade community football and netball facilities in rural and regional areas.
• $18 million to plan for offshore wind generation

Cr Blain said: “Any planning done for offshore wind needs to be done in true collaboration with affected communities and any developments must benefit our communities. 

“We support our communities and understand there a range of views across the SWVA region.

“Our focus is that the proper processes are followed, that community consultations are undertaken and the views of the region are taken into account.

“We welcome any measures that seek to uplift our region through community benefit schemes. Our communities should see benefits from any projects happening in the region, this should feature in early planning.

“We believe that investment into training, industry development and job creation should be a key feature of any community benefit measures.

SouthWest Victoria is an important regional economic driver, and it is disappointing not to see further direct investment in our region.

Media enquiries: Seamus Bradley | seamus@theagendagroup.com.au  | 0410 256 902

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