More Funding to Support a Stronger Future for Murrindindi

Published on 14 April 2025

Murrindindi Shire Council has welcomed $320,000 in funding from the Victorian Government’s Forestry Transition Program enabling Council to work closely with local communities and businesses to progress key priorities identified through the Shaping Murrindindi’s Future Local Development Strategy and Context Analysis Report.

The funding includes:

• $200,000 to support the work of local Innovation Working Groups and further develop strategic actions across up to six innovation areas. While Council has been actively progressing four areas – farm forestry, renewable energy and the circular economy, health and aged care, and tourism – we remain open to developing new priorities based on community ideas and opportunities identified through the context analysis process.
• $120,000 to develop a shire-wide Health, Mental Health and Aged Care Workforce Strategy, to help close the gap in service delivery, attract and retain local services and health workers, and meet the growing needs of our dispersed and ageing population through collaborative models and shared services.

Mayor Damien Gallagher said the funding builds on the strong foundations already laid by the community through the Innovation Working Groups. It also builds on the collaborative work of Council, the local hospitals, and the aged and disability care providers through the Murrindindi Health Network.

“This grant allows us to keep the momentum going on projects that create long-term secure jobs in our shire. It’s about backing local ideas, strengthening local economies, and ensuring our communities have the services and opportunities they deserve,” Cr Gallagher said.

“We’re particularly pleased to be investing in the future of healthcare in our region. This work will help our residents get the care they need, when and where they need it – and that we’re creating local pathways for skilled employment.”

The Shaping Murrindindi’s Future initiative previously received $300,000 in funding, which has supported skill-building activities, community workshops, and the appointment of a dedicated Community Capacity Building Officer.