RCV welcomes Coalition’s commitment to work with regional councils

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MEDIA RELEASE

27 February 2026

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) has welcomed the Victorian Coalition’s first housing policy announcement, particularly its commitment to work directly with councils to build new homes and support sustainable growth across regional Victoria.

RCV Chair Cr Ben Blain, Mayor of Warrnambool, said recognising councils as partners in housing delivery was essential to restoring confidence in home ownership.

“Housing delivery requires genuine partnership with regional councils who understand their communities,” Cr Blain said.

However, Cr Blain warned any housing ambition must be matched with infrastructure investment.

“Regional councils have land ready to unlock for housing development, but without investment in enabling and trunk infrastructure – water, sewerage, power, roads and drainage – homes become less affordable,” Cr Blain said.

“That is why RCV is calling for a dedicated $1 billion Regional Fund to underwrite the infrastructure that gets homes built faster, invests in the liveability regional Victorians deserve, and supports long-term economic growth.”

Cr Blain said a dedicated regional fund would also return investment for community infrastructure such as creative, sporting and transport precincts that underpin liveability, and help fast-track job-creating precincts that have stalled since the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund was scrapped in 2023 by the Victorian Government, leaving a significant gap in regional development policy.

“The discontinuation of the RJIF took a proven economic driver out of local economies,” Cr Blain said.

“RCV is seeking practical, funded commitments that can be implemented quickly and deliver measurable benefits for economic growth that benefits the entire state.”

 

Billions for Crooks, none for the regions

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February 2026

OPINION

If this were a medieval tale, I suppose I’d be cast as Robin Hood.

Not because I wear green tights or roam Sherwood Forest – but because I’m standing outside the gates of power asking why the treasure collected from the people isn’t finding its way back to them.

According to allegations now emerging, up to $15 billion from Victoria’s metropolitan Big Build may have been funnelled through the CFMEU to bikie-linked interests.

In the old legend, the Sheriff of Nottingham took from the many and protected the powerful.

In modern Victoria, regional communities are wondering whether something similar is happening – whether money raised from taxpayers across this state went into vast metro projects, only to be siphoned away from the public good.

And while this was happening, regional Victoria was being told there wasn’t enough money for our projects.

In 2022, just prior to an election, we were promised the Commonwealth Games, then told they would cost around $7 billion – too much. The Games were dumped and Victorians paid hundreds of millions so others could host them.

In 2023, the Victorian Government scrapped the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund – an investment program that once allowed councils to partner with the Commonwealth and private sector to deliver the infrastructure that underpins homes, jobs and liveable communities.

Now it’s practically government folklore, but for decades it was practical governance.

It helped deliver community hubs, sporting facilities, revitalised town centres and economic precincts. It was how regional Victoria turned opportunity into delivery.

We desperately need it back.

But we aren’t storming the castle for $15 billion, and I won’t be wearing tights.

Instead, we are proposing a transparent plan for $1 billion investment in regional Victoria.

One billion dollars – to restore a Regional Fund that unlocks up to 300,000 homes by funding the pipes, poles, roads and services that make development possible.

One billion dollars – to back investment-ready economic drivers like the inland port in Wodonga, the Circular Economy Precinct in Ballarat, the Clean Energy Centre of Excellence in Warrnambool and the Aerospace Technology Precinct in Latrobe.

One billion dollars – to build the community infrastructure that attracts families and businesses.

Stop taking from regional Victoria and start giving back. It’s not like we’re not already contributing.

We generate more than 25 per cent of Australia’s global food and fibre exports. The Regional Movers Index shows our cities leading population growth as people choose opportunity beyond the capital.

Robin Hood wasn’t about rebellion. He was about correcting imbalance when the system lost its way. In every good legend, the imbalance is corrected.

Regional Victoria is ready to build homes, create jobs and drive growth.

All we are asking is that the wealth collected from Victorians is used for Victorians – openly, responsibly and in places ready to turn it into happily ever after. The End.

Cr Ben Blain is Chair of Regional Cities Victoria and Mayor of Warrnambool

 

 

Victorian bushfires: Statement from RCV Chair Ben Blain

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10 January 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) extends its deepest thanks and unwavering support to the volunteer firefighters of the Country Fire Authority, alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, State Emergency Service volunteers and all emergency services responding to the current bushfire emergencies across our state.

These fires are unfolding in fast-moving, unpredictable and dangerous conditions. For many CFA volunteers, this is not only a professional and physical test, but a deeply personal one. Across regional and rural Victoria, volunteers are fighting fires to protect their neighbours and communities, even as their own homes and families remain under threat. Their courage, selflessness and endurance over many days and nights of sustained response represents the very best of Victoria.

We also acknowledge the extraordinary work of local governments across regional Victoria. Councils have activated emergency response plans, established evacuation centres, and are providing safe shelter for residents and their pets, often at very short notice. Local governments are coordinating food relief, welfare support and community services for people who have been displaced or who may have lost their homes, working in conjunction with community organisations and state agencies.

At times like this, the strength of regional Victoria is found in its people – volunteers, frontline workers, councils and communities standing together under immense pressure.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected. RCV stands with our member cities and their communities as this situation continues to evolve.