Advocacy Agenda 2025-29

The Project The Ask
Lang Lang Truck Bypass Call to Action – estimated $57M for a dedicated bypass route for heavy vehicle trucks connecting South Gippsland’s extractive industries to the South Gippsland Highway.
Strategic Road Sealing Package State and Federal co-investment with Council to seal priority unsealed roads across Cardinia Shire to improve emergency access, community safety, and climate resilience (councils commitment subject to the adoption of the budget).
Public Transport Package Call to Action – Improved bus services and public transport connections across Cardinia Shire to reduce car dependency, support workforce participation, and connect isolated communities to essential services.
Parks and Open Space Package

State and Federal co-investment to deliver three critical open space projects that provide safe, inclusive recreation opportunities for young people and families across Cardinia’s growth corridor.

  • Officer District Park – Stage 2 ($7M)
  • PB Ronald Reserve Pakenham – Stage 1 ($10M)
  • McMullen Recreation Reserve Officer ($10M+)
Cardinia Life Regional Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium Redevelopment State and Federal co-investment with Council to deliver the $60M Stage 1 redevelopment of Cardinia Life through an equal three-way funding partnership.
Racecourse Road Duplication Call to Action – estimated $60 million to duplicate Racecourse Road between the Princes Highway and Henry Street, including a major upgrade of the intersection with the Princes Highway, removing the final major bottleneck in Pakenham’s Road network.
Sport Pavilion Equitable Access Package

State and Federal funding contributions to Council projects:

  • IYU Regional Athletics Pavilion ($8M)
  • Nar Nar Goon Reserve Pavilion ($2.1M)
  • Pakenham Outdoor Pool ($340K)
Princes Highway Safety and Connectivity Upgrades Call to Action – State and Federal funding contributions to:
  • Estimated $25M for a business case to upgrade Tynong - Bunyip Intersections
  • Signalise Toomuc Valley Road Intersection ($TBC – total project cost unknown)
  • Signalise McMullen Road Intersection ($TBC – total project cost)
Defending Native Species Package State and Federal funding contributions to Council-delivered projects:
  • Koo Wee Rup Biolink Project ($2 million over 5 years)
  • Lovers Lane Biolink, Garfield ($200K over 4 years)
  • Growling Grass Frog Management Plan ($2.1 million)
  • Southern Brown Bandicoot Habitat Restoration ($250K over 5 years)
  • Fauna Monitoring for Threatened Species ($400K over 4 years)
  • Officer South PSP Integrated Water Management ($7.1 million)
Officer Town Centre Activation Package Call to Action – Victorian Government divestment of surplus land in Officer Town Centre to enable development, alongside upgrades to Officer Train Station and construction of the Officer Bypass Arterial
Financial Sustainability of Local Government Call to Action - Additional dedicated Growth Area funding and windfall gains tax exemptions from the State and Federal Governments to support Council-led activities.
Social and Affordable Housing Call to Action – Policy and planning reforms to enable greater supply of social and affordable housing.
Strengthening Local Police Presence and Specialist Services Call to Action – Investment in locally-based police resources and specialist services to match Cardinia’s rapid population growth and rising crime rates.
Storm and Flood Resilience Package Call to Action - Investment in a connected resilience package that keeps Hills and southern Cardinia communities online, informed, and safe during severe storms and floods.
Unlocking Officer South Employment PSP Call to Action - State commitment to deliver critical transport infrastructure including the eastern legs of the Officer South Road/Freeway interchange, Thompsons Road bridge connections, and key arterials to unlock the Officer South Employment Precinct. These works enable Stage 1 and Stage 2 development, driving housing delivery and creating a major jobs hub in Melbourne’s south-east growth corridor.
South East Melbourne Airport - Planning Protections Call to Action - State Government planning protections for the future South East Melbourne Airport site to prevent inappropriate development that could jeopardise long-term aviation infrastructure.
Pakenham Revitalisation Call to Action -Continued State and Federal partnership and investment in Pakenham CBD revitalisation to build on major infrastructure delivery and create an investment-ready precinct.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Federal and State co‑investment for a Cardinia‑led rollout of public EV charging (fast and destination chargers) at priority car parks and activity centres enabling equitable access, accelerating EV uptake, and supporting tourism across a heavily car‑reliant growth municipality.