Council & Politics
7 March, 2026
Council to lobby for key projects
PYRENEES Shire Council says it intends lobbying all candidates in the lead-up to this year’s state election to ensure funding is secured for important local projects. Priority projects include the northern Pyrenees pipeline, further funds for Beaufort Caravan Park and the redevelopment of the old Beaufort Primary School.
With an election due in November, council has released a list of its priority projects and is hoping to secure as many commitments as possible from the major parties ahead of election day.
Council CEO Jim Nolan said advancing the Northern Pyrenees Pipeline Project is the most important on council’s agenda in terms of economic and agricultural benefit.
“This project has the opportunity to be a game changer for the northern part of the Pyrenees and neighbouring councils to provide water security for the farming enterprises and towns covered in this area.
“It has the potential to create significant economic uplift in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Council is seeking $5 million for detailed design and preconstruction work to make the pipeline project “shovel ready”.
Following the initial design work, a further $160 million would be required to roll out the project.
Two projects in Beaufort are also on council’s agenda.
They will be seeking commitments for $3 million to complete the Beaufort Caravan Park Master Plan which will benefit the visitor economy and short stay worker accommodation.
Council also hopes to secure $3.6 million to transform the old Beaufort Primary School into a community hub.
Mr Nolan admits if he had to flip a coin, he would like to see the caravan park completed.
“It’s a council owned asset and it’s an opportunity to grow the visitor economy. There is already a plan for this, it’s a $3 million ask to complete that masterplan.
“Accommodation for visitors in the Pyrenees is something that is lacking. But if I was a betting person, I’d probably say the primary school will come in over the top,” Mr Nolan said.
Council is also seeking commitments to fund new netball courts at Waubra, bridge upgrades and replacements and improved funding to run the Shire’s libraries.
Mr Nolan said council is also seeking a significant increase in the government’s contribution to the Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program as well as a commitment to complete fire recovery works to replace assets destroyed in 2024 Bayindeen fire.
“We’re not only keen to meet up with the candidates but we’ll also be heading to Parliament House to meet with ministers and advisors. We are determined to get a good deal for our ratepayers,” Mr Nolan said.
Read More: Avoca, Beaufort, Landsborough, Moonambel, Waubra, Snake Valley, Redbank, Lexton, Evansford, Amphitheatre