An additional $100 million is needed to commence the construction of the new Swan Hill Bridge. Council urges the Victorian State Government to prioritise this project as the next major infrastructure investment along the Murray and commit funding towards its delivery.

Council sincerely thanks the Federal Government for its $60 million contribution and encourages continued advocacy to help bring this essential project to fruition.

Objective: Secure commitment to deliver new Swan Hill Bridge as the next major infrastructure investment along the Murray River.

What we need:

• Securing an additional $100 million funding required to commence construction.

We will:

• Demonstrate cross-border economic, freight, tourism, and community benefits.
• Arrange joint advocacy with Murray River and Balranald Shire Council, industry partners, and regional stakeholders.
• Facilitate site visits for Ministers and candidates to reinforce readiness and urgency.

Council asks the Government to continue the successful Roads to Recovery program and provide further funding to upgrade critical road infrastructure, ensuring safety and efficiency across our region.

Murray Valley Highway

Key upgrades identified in the Central Murray Regional Transport Strategy include pavement widening, shoulder sealing, additional passing lanes north of Nyah, improved intersections, and rest stops. These improvements will reduce conflicts between freight, buses, caravans, and other vehicles, enhancing safety and travel times.

Gray & Campbell Street Intersection

Similar concerns were raised about this intersection, with significant input from the community. These dangers highlight the critical need for prioritised improvements to ensure safer travel for residents and visitors.

Murlong & McCallum Street Intersection

Community feedback highlighted the dangers at this notorious Swan Hill intersection. Alarmingly, many incidents and near misses remain unreported, underscoring the urgent need for safety upgrades.

A total of 452 surveys were completed by our community on the two intersections.

Arterial Roads

In line with the Grattan Institute’s findings, Council calls for greater investment in arterial roads. Addressing these infrastructure gaps is vital to providing safe, efficient, and equitable transport options for our community.

Objective: Upgrade dangerous State managed intersections and key regional roads to support safety, freight efficiency, and economic activity.

Key priorities:

• Traffic lights at Gray & Campbell Streets in Swan Hill.
• A roundabout at Murlong & McCallum Streets in Swan Hill.

We will:

• Use strong evidence to create pressure.
• Host high-impact on-site Ministerial visits

Objective: To deliver the Riverfront and Recreation Reserve Masterplans, unlocking vibrant, accessible spaces that benefit the whole community.

What we need:

• $8 million for a new Swan Hill Sporting Hub
• $3 million to complete the Robinvale Riverfront Masterplan - remaining projects
• $5 million to complete Swan Hill Riverfront Masterplan - remaining projects
• $4 million to deliver a Swan Hill Youth, Families and Children's Hub
• $10 million to deliver Ken Harrison Recreation Reserve Masterplan
• $1 million to deliver Nyah Riverfront Masterplan projects

We will:

• Promote shovel-ready masterplans.
• Link investment to health, wellbeing, and regional liveability outcomes.
• Use on-site tours to demonstrate ageing facilities and community demand.

Objective: Improve housing availability, key worker accommodation, and small-town development.

What we need:

• $15 million for key worker accommodation
• Release of surplus government land
• $5 million for water/sewer infrastructure in small towns
• Support for local land development and innovative housing solutions

We will:

• Promote Council’s proven delivery model (e.g., Robinvale homes, McCartney Court).
• Demonstrate economic impacts of housing shortages on agriculture, horticulture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
• Advocate for policies supporting workers, including overseas workers.

The lack of affordable housing hinders economic growth, particularly affecting seasonal workers, as only 60–70 homes are built annually - far below demand.

Additionally, Council urges the Government to review surplus land holdings and consider releasing these assets to Council for future housing and community project developments.

Council has successfully delivered eight homes in Robinvale, with ten more currently under construction at McCartney Court, supported by a $5 million State Government grant. A $5 million application has been submitted to fund 15 new dwellings in Swan Hill. However, more support is critically needed to meet the region’s escalating housing and economic demands.

Council has taken proactive steps by forming the Housing Action: Greater Swan Hill Committee and collaborating with dedicated partners to overcome housing challenges.

Objective: Support Swan Hill District Health to secure investment to complete the full Swan Hill Hospital upgrade.

We will:

• Collaborate with Swan Hill District Health.
• Emphasise the hospital’s vital role supporting a 35,000-person cross-border catchment.

Serving a catchment of 35,000 people, including a cross-border community of both Victorian and NSW residents, Swan Hill District Health faces significant challenges with outdated and inadequate infrastructure. While progress has been made with $65.7 million invested - $35.7 million from the Victorian Government and $30 million from the Federal Government - modernising the emergency department, further work is essential.

Additional funding is urgently needed to replace ageing facilities in key areas, including Dialysis, Oncology, and the acute and subacute wards. These upgrades are vital to ensuring the hospital can continue delivering high-quality healthcare and meet.