General News
9 March, 2026
Hopetoun in council news
Yarriambiack Shire Council’s update on projects and advocacy efforts dedicated to Hopetoun.
Mayor Andrew McLean said he was pleased to announce the new affordable residence on Garrard Street was under construction, and the council anticipated it to be completed by June 2026.
HOUSING
“This will be the final house constructed using Regional Infrastructure Funding allocated for the development of seven affordable homes across the Shire.
"We look forward to this property contributing to alleviating the housing shortage,” he said.
“Dunmunkle Lodge will assume management of the home upon its completion.”
KERBING
Council spokesperson also said the kerb and channelling have recently been completed in Murdoch Street, which will improve access to the Hopetoun Powerhouse complex, a highly utilised and valued community asset.
“A concrete footpath has been constructed along Lascelles Street.
An additional section, approximately 115 metres north of the roundabout and south of Murdoch Street is scheduled for completion in the coming months,” said Cr McLean.
NETBALL LIGHTING
Furthermore, the netball lighting project at Hopetoun Recreation Reserve is set to be completed in the next few weeks.
This will provide improved lighting for netballers during training sessions and enable twilight or evening games to take place.
HOPETOUN SWIMMING POOL
The Hopetoun Swimming Pool redevelopment, including upgrades to the changerooms, has begun.
The major pool improvements will take place during the scheduled shutdown period this year.
At the Council meeting on 11 February, Hydrilla Pty Ltd was appointed to carry out the major repairs at $1.631 million.
Since this amount exceeded the original budget, Council redirected funds from other areas to ensure the project could go ahead.
Mayor McLean stated, “We acknowledge the significance of this project, as the pool is an aging Council-owned facility that requires substantial investment and is greatly valued and frequently used by the community.”
The Council is currently in the process of selling its two former depot sites on Cumming Street in Hopetoun.
Proceeds from these sales will be allocated to address the funding shortfall for the Swimming Pool project.
HOPETOUN SCHOOL
With respect to advocacy efforts, the Hopetoun Former School site remains a priority project.
The former State School building, previously managed by Neighbourhood House, is now under the stewardship of the Hopetoun and District Historical Society. Council continues to own and provide in-kind support to ensure the building remains accessible for community use.
Council has plans to transform the old primary school buildings into accommodation facilities, which will necessitate an investment exceeding $11 million to bring the project to completion.
Mayor McLean confirmed, “As Council does not have the available funds for a co-contribution, we are actively investigating partnership opportunities to advance this development”.
“Currently, the site is undergoing a planning scheme amendment to facilitate rezoning, while a housing subdivision project - comprising nine lots - is in progress, with contractors engaged in preparatory work”, continued Mayor McLean.
“Discussions are ongoing with a developer to identify effective strategies to enable and support housing growth within the Shire”.
GOLF CLUB
Council is also backing efforts to secure a new clubhouse for the Golf Course, acknowledging the club’s growth and increasing membership.
Council has successfully secured approximately $2 million in Safer Local Roads and Streets Program, which will fund school precinct safety upgrades across five townships, with Hopetoun included as part of the program.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
“Council Officers are continuing to focus on road maintenance works, and the community can stay up to date on the works being completed across the Shire via the Grader Update that is published each week”, Mayor McLean confirmed.
The Council faces significant challenges in managing and maintaining its 4,603 kilometres of roads, 102 kilometres of footpaths (constructed and unconstructed), 86 kilometres of kerbs and channels, and 89 buildings, all within the constraints of limited funding and heavy dependence on grants.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
According to Mayor McLean, “Our Asset Management Strategy indicates that over the next decade, there will be a $63 million renewal gap for our assets.
"This means our assets are deteriorating much faster than we have funds available to maintain their condition.”
Mayor McLean added, “We recognise this as a major concern that will greatly affect our community now and in the future.
"We are actively advocating for increased funding to support our rural communities and their essential assets and infrastructure.”
ADVOCACY
“Although there is much to appreciate about residing in our remarkable Shire and region, we remain committed to advocacy and prioritising the ongoing needs of our communities, ensuring that Yarriambiack Shire receives appropriate recognition and attention."