THE 2025-26 Victorian State Budget is due to be handed down on Tuesday, 20 May with most pundits expecting it to be austere considering the state's ballooing debt.
Wangaratta council CEO Brendan McGrath said he anticipated a conservative budget.
"We have advocated for funding to upgrade the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, a critical route for several hundred thousand vehicles annually, and a growing regional tourism destination," Mr McGrath said.
"It's crucial that core funding for services such as libraries, performing arts, and art galleries is maintained.
"Additionally, competitive funding programs to support development and essential community infrastructure would be ideal."
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Nationals MP for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has a lengthy wish list for the electorate, despite Victoria's current financial situation.
He listed the 'promised' $11.7 million for the next stage Wangaratta High School redevelopment at the top of his list, along with the upgrade of Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, and the urgent maintenance for all regional and rural roads, along with construction of a timekeeper’s box for the Bright Football Club, support for Wangaratta CFA Group Headquarters, upgrade of Myrtleford CFA facilities, Mount Beauty Police Station upgrade, infrastructure improvements for Myrtleford's Mountain View Childcare Centre, and a new bowls green for Moyhu Bowling Club.
"These investments are critical to support safety, education, sporting infrastructure and community services across Ovens Valley," Mr McCurdy said.
One Nation upper house MP for Northern Victoria Rikki-Lee Tyrell said she had recently held a meeting with the mayor, councillors and CEO of the Rural City of Wangaratta to discuss the council’s main infrastructure priorities in the lead-up to the state budget.
"Generally, I'm looking for the budget to cut red tape and reduce unnecessary regulative requirements on business to lower the cost of doing business for our small business owners, the cost of which is ultimately passed on to the consumer," Ms Tyrell said.
More specifically she listed the Wangaratta-Whitfield Rd upgrade and the Wangaratta Organics Processing Plant upgrade as priorities.
"While an announcement has been made that repairs will be carried out on a few sections of the road from Oxley to Whitfield; a full upgrade is required including widening and improving blind spots," she said.
"Cost is not determined and will depend on the extent of works, but council are seeking funding from both the state and federal governments for the project.
"The Wangaratta Organics Processing Plant upgrade will increase the processing capacity of the current plant from 12,000 tonnes of organic material per annum to 25,000 tonnes per annum.
"This will allow the facility to service other councils in the Hume region.
"It is estimated that the project will create 10 full-time jobs during construction and five full-time jobs post-construction and inject an additional $3.3m into the local economy each year.
"The location of the plant will save local councils an estimated 33 per cent on organic waste costs per year.
"Rural City of Wangaratta is seeking funding of $8m for the upgrade."
