Council Advocates for Rural Roads Funding and Jeparit Weir Funding

Published on 02 July 2026

Hindmarsh Shire Council plays a strong role in advocating for change, support, and additional funding for its priority projects within the Shire. With a small rate base and significant assets, funding road maintenance and replacement of significant assets requires additional funding from State or Federal Governments.

Council has recently been strongly advocating for funding to replace the Jeparit Weir, as well as a dedicated rural Council fund that can be spent on maintaining and improving roads and facilities within Hindmarsh Shire.

Jeparit Weir Replacement

The Jeparit Weir was constructed in 1902 and although maintenance has been kept up, there is a point where full replacement is required. A detailed feasibility study was completed on the Jeparit Weir earlier in 2026. The findings from this study confirmed that the existing weir structure is in very poor condition, at its ends of life, and should be fully replaced to protect communities and reduce flood risks. The estimated replacement cost is $5.4 million.

Some of the major funding programs like the Federal Governments Disaster Ready Fund requires Council to contribute 50% of the project cost. With rate revenue of approximately $10.6M it is impossible for Hindmarsh Shire to even fund 50% of the project cost. Hence support from State and Federal Government is required, and that is why Council is actively looking for funding opportunities for replacement of this weir structure.

Hindmarsh Shire Mayor Cr Ron Ismay said “The CEO, Director Infrastructure Services, and myself recently met with the Federal Minister for Water’s Senior Adviser to discuss the Jeparit Weir and funding avenues available. This was the first of many conversations that will be held with both Federal and State Government officials.”

Cr Ismay continued “Council has recently submitted an application through the Federal Governments Disaster Ready Fund for the required designs and engineering specifications. Should this application be successful this will be another step forward towards replacement of the Jeparit Weir.”

Dedicated Rural Council Fund

Council, along with neighbouring Councils, have been strongly advocating for a dedicated rural council fund that enables small rural councils funding to maintain their significant assets and continue to deliver services expected by the community that are received in larger centres.

Hindmarsh Shire receives a bottom-quartile of the total Financial Assistance Grant allocation across Victoria (62 out of 79), yet in relation to geographic area, Hindmarsh is the sixth largest geographic area and has the twelfth largest road network.

Without meaningful reform and increased federal support, local governments will face declining asset and road condition, reduced service levels, and increasing financial risk – outcomes that ultimately affect the wellbeing and safety of communities.

Council believes that community members should not be disadvantaged because of where they choose to live.

How has Council been advocating?

Council has prepared advocacy documents on these two priorities (see attached at the bottom of this page). During the recent National General Assembly in Canberra, Hindmarsh Shire Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay, met with Minister McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories), Minister Bowen (Minister for Climate Change and Energy), and Senator Stewart to discuss rural funding, the implications of renewables and mining on our communities, and challenges faced by rural councils.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said “The ability to meet with Ministers McBain and Bowen, and Senator Stewart during the National General Assembly allowed for discussion regarding the funding constraints Hindmarsh Shire Council faces, the impacts of renewable energy and mining projects on our region, and the need for funding to enable Council to maintain existing assets including roads and replace the Jeparit Weir”.

Cr Ismay continued “Council will continue to advocate on behalf of our community at every opportunity.”

Cr Ismay concluded “Advocacy is critical to ensuring Hindmarsh Shire’s priority projects remain front of mind with decision makers. These projects are important to the safety, liveability, and future sustainability of our communities, and Council will continue to pursue every opportunity to secure the funding needed to deliver them.”

For more information, please contact Monica Revell, Chief Executive Officer on (03) 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer

Jeparit Weir Replacement Advocacy Document(PDF, 4MB)
Dedicated Rural Council Fund Advocacy Document(PDF, 1009KB)