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• $54.4m in infrastructure works investment

• $22.7m of infrastructure works funded by grants

• $36m allocated to asset renewal

• $7.7m for roads, $4.3m for bridges

• $15m for open space, recreation and community facilities

East Gippsland Shire Council will place emphasis on renewal and practical projects that can be delivered within available capacity as part of its 2026/27 infrastructure program.

Announced as part of Council’s Budget on 23 June, the program highlights a $54.4 million allocation to deliver next year’s infrastructure works, with $31.8m funded through Council operations and $22.7m from grants and external contributions.

Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said that over the past five years, Council had significantly increased its infrastructure program, with this investment supported by external funding and shaped by the community’s recovery and resilience needs following the Black Summer Bushfires.  

“In 2026/27, we aim to deliver an infrastructure program of $54.4m. This reflects the continuation and completion of several major externally funded projects,” Ms Weigall said.

“It also places greater emphasis on renewal and practical projects that can be delivered within available capacity.

“The program will better align investment with delivery capacity, including improved staging of multi-year projects and stronger management of funding carried forward. This approach helps us focus on maintaining and renewing essential infrastructure, delivering projects that are achievable, and making the best use of available funding.

“In line with our principle of making the most of existing assets, $36m is allocated to asset renewal. Securing external funding remains critical as councils are expected to deliver more with fewer resources.”

This year, Council adopted a new approach by engaging with the community early – before the draft budget was developed – to ensure community priorities directly informed decision-making.  

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said this early engagement provided clear guidance on what matters most and helped shape investment across services and infrastructure.

“We thank everyone who contributed. Community feedback highlighted that maintaining core services and local infrastructure is a priority,” Cr Ashworth said.

“The community consistently identified roads, footpaths and drainage as key areas of importance, along with expectations around cleanliness, amenity and the day-to-day services that support liveability across our towns.

“This feedback has directly informed budget decisions and helped focus investment where it will deliver the greatest impact. It has helped balance service expectations within our financial constraints, and ensures resources are directed to priority services and infrastructure.”

Cr Ashworth said key investment areas include roads, aerodromes, bridges, drainage, open space and community facilities.

Infrastructure projects summary:

• Resealing and resheeting roads - $7.7m

• Bridges- $4.3m

• Drainage - $2.4m

• Recreation and sporting facility upgrades including the WORLD Precinct (soccer) - $6.4m

• Parks, open space and streetscapes, including Krauatungalung Walk Stage 2 - $5.2m

• Renewing existing assets - $36m

• Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre re-roofing Stage 2 - $390,000

• Connleys Road (Omeo) upgrade - $1.1m  

• Fire safety upgrades at caravan parks including Bemm River, Omeo, Bairnsdale Riverside and Marlo - $570,000

• Marine and foreshore asset upgrades, including Metung Boardwalk - $1m

• Lakes Entrance Indoor Stadium design completion - $500,000  

• Marine Parade Stage 2 and Church Street (Lakes Entrance) pedestrian crossing - $1m

• Installation of generators at community facilities - $400,000

• Bairnsdale Airport Runway extension and lighting upgrade - $13.2m

• Bairnsdale Airport Taxiway C rehabilitation - $4.3m

Cr Ashworth said $15m will be invested in open space, recreation and community facilities, reflecting a focus on maintaining essential infrastructure while maximising external funding opportunities.

The Budget also includes approximately $880,000 extra for additional fuel costs across Council services, including road maintenance, parks and gardens, and waste collection.

“Factors such as inflation, higher fuel and insurance costs, and rising expenses associated with delivering essential services have required careful and considered decision‑making,” Cr Ashworth said.

“Delivering services to a large and dispersed region is an ongoing challenge. We often require duplication of services and infrastructure to ensure all communities are supported. This comes at a cost that must be balanced against our commitment to support communities.

“This is a capital work program that continues our commitment to putting the community first. It has been developed over many months, with significant contributions from community, officers and Councillors.”

The Budget aligns with Council’s Plan and Community Vision, directing available resources to priority areas identified through community engagement and strategic planning frameworks.  

The adopted 2026/27 Budget and supporting fact sheets will be available on Council’s website and at serviced centres and libraries.

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