The Victorian Labor Government should not force Horsham Rural City Council to choose between bushfire recovery and its fair share of funding for other important community infrastructure.
The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has backed Horsham Rural City Mayor Brian Klowss in calling for the government to ensure funding provided to rebuild community assets following the January bushfire does not come at the expense of other funding opportunities.
“Natimuk had the terrible misfortune of being hit by a devastating fire. That should not now become a reason for our entire municipality to miss out on other infrastructure funding,” Ms Kealy said.
“Bushfire recovery funding should be additional. It should not be used by Labor as an excuse to knock Horsham Rural City Council out of other grant programs, or tell our communities they have already had their share.
“Previous bushfire-affected communities have rightly received dedicated funding streams to rebuild damaged community assets. Natimuk and our broader region deserve the same treatment.”
Ms Kealy said she had raised the issue directly with the responsible minister and would continue pushing for a fair outcome for all fire-affected communities across Lowan.
“The experience at Carranballac Recreation Reserve shows just how difficult this recovery process already is. The reserve was destroyed by fire in January, yet the reserve committee is facing enormous frustration trying to get approval to rebuild because the reserve sits on government-owned land,” she said.
“On top of that, the funding available is simply not enough to get the job done.
“Then there are facilities like the Mirranatwa tennis courts. They weren’t destroyed by fire, but they played a significant role as a gathering place during the 2025 Grampians fires that impacted so many communities. Despite this, the state government has knocked back multiple grant applications to upgrade the courts.
“Recovery isn’t just about replacing what burned – it is about helping communities recover, reconnect and remain strong.”
Ms Kealy said country communities should not be forced into a contest where funding to recover from one disaster meant missing out somewhere else.
“This is another example of a Labor Government that simply does not understand rural and regional Victoria,” she said.
“The Nationals’ Fair Share Guarantee would ensure regional Victoria receives at least 25 per cent of new infrastructure investment, because where you live should not determine whether your community gets the infrastructure it deserves.”