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Baw Baw Council endorses key 2026 advocacy priorities, including Weebar Road roundabout, Rokeby-Noojee Trail, sports infrastructure and regional investment

Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed its 2026 advocacy priorities, including Weebar Road roundabout, Rokeby-Noojee Trail, Trafalgar oval, intersection upgrades, sporting infrastructure, business attraction, and peri‑urban recognition.

By news@gippsland - 26th March 2026 - Back to News

The Weebar Road roundabout, Stage Two of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail and the construction of a second oval in Trafalgar are among Baw Baw Shire’s key advocacy priorities for 2026. Baw Baw Shire Council endorsed its key advocacy priorities ahead of the upcoming Victorian State Election at Wednesday’s Council Meeting, outlining a clear list of critical projects and investments needed to support the region’s future growth, safety and liveability.

Baw Baw Shire 2026 advocacy priorities focus on intersections, business attraction, paths and trails, sporting infrastructure, financial assistance, and recognition of peri‑urban councils

Investment priorities advocated

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson launched the advocacy priorities with a strong message to the State Government - we deserve our fair share of Government investment. "This year it is the Victorian State Election so our focus over the coming months will be on advocating for commitments from the State Government as we cannot deliver these major projects alone."

"Council is calling on the State Government to fund $4.4 million for the construction of the Weebar Road roundabout. This will not only provide greater safety and improved traffic movement but also unlock the early delivery of an additional 2,521 homes in alignment with state and federal housing targets. Council is calling on the State Government to commit up to $7 million for the planning, development, and construction of Stage Two of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail," Cr Wilson said.

Trail extension announced

Cr Wilson said, "This Neerim to Noojee extension will feature a new 12–13 km shared-use trail extending from Neerim to Noojee, completing the Rokeby–Noojee Trail corridor. This final stage will deliver a fully off-road path for walkers and cyclists through scenic rural and forested terrain, linking into the existing trail over the Noojee Trestle Bridge, the tallest remaining wooden railway bridge in Victoria, and continuing into the historic township of Noojee.

"Baw Baw is growing and changing, and these priorities reflect the investments we need to ensure our region continues to thrive well into the future. These projects are ready to go. Baw Baw is ready to go. We just need the funding to make them happen," Cr Wilson said.

Council’s new advocacy priorities

Intersection upgrades

Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government to fund and prioritise the upgrade of critical intersections including the roundabout at Weebar Road in Drouin, Burke and Howitt Street in Warragul and Princes Way and Wellwood Road in Drouin.

Business Attraction

Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government to commit to greater investment in regional business, tourism, and recreation projects to support local economic development.

Paths and Trails

Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government to make available more funding streams that assist in investing in paths and trails infrastructure and to commit up to $7 million to assist in funding the planning, development, and construction of Stage Two of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail.

Sporting Infrastructure

Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government for sports infrastructure funding and policy initiatives to support the necessary sports infrastructure required for our growing community.

Financial assistance

Baw Baw Shire is asking the Federal Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to 1% of federal taxation revenue whilst maintaining existing funding streams and to continue annual increases in Roads to Recovery (R2R) funding to both bring the funding to a level where councils can properly maintain and repair their road networks, and to keep pace with rising costs.

Peri Urban Status

Baw Baw Shire is asking the State and Federal Governments to recognise peri urban councils in policy and in funding programs to support peri urban councils to plan, prioritise and appropriately fund major infrastructure.

Councillors will join Council Officers at Farm World at Lardner Park from today to kick start a vocal and visible advocacy campaign with the community. Community members are encouraged to drop by the Baw Baw Shire Council marquee and join the advocacy campaign by signing a number of pre-written digital letters which will then be forwarded to the relevant Government representatives. For more about Baw Baw Shire Council’s advocacy priorities, visit Advocacy Priorities page.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Darren Chester joined Wellington Shire representatives to welcome 57 new citizens at The Wedge ceremony
  Wellington Shire welcomed 57 new Australian citizens at The Wedge, with Federal Member Darren Chester and council representatives celebrating their milestone and contributions to Gippsland communities.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Regional ambulance response times deteriorate across Eastern Victoria under Labor, Melina Bath demands answers from Carroll government
  Melina Bath has criticised deteriorating ambulance response times across eastern Victoria, saying every local government area is worse than 12 years ago and calling on Labor to restore timely emergency care.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
  Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
  Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria.
• Latrobe City Business Festival returns with free October events connecting businesses, employers, job seekers and industry partners
  Latrobe City’s 2026 Business Festival runs October 14–23, offering free jobs expos, workshops, networking, professional development and business events connecting employers, workers, students and industry.
• Morwell Rose Festival returns with blooms, aerial acrobatics, night lights, workshops and family entertainment from 6-7 November 2026
  Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
  Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries.
• Katie Noonan brings intimate 'Alone But All One' tour to Cowes for regional Australian audiences on 10 October 2026
  Katie Noonan brings her intimate Alone But All One tour to Cowes’ Berninneit October 10, with interview opportunities September 23 and ticket giveaways available for audiences through Gippsland.com.