State Budget lets Skipton down during recovery from January fires
Published on 08 May 2026
Council has expressed strong disappointment the State Budget overlooks recreation reserve upgrade funding for bushfire-struck Skipton.
Significant clean‑up and recovery work is still needed after the January Streatham-to-Skipton bushfires.
Mayor Cr Kate Makin said the lack of funding for the vital facility sends a discouraging message to residents working hard to rebuild.
“Skipton and surrounding communities are still in recovery mode after the January fires, and our people continue to feel the impacts every day,” Cr Makin said.
“To see the State Budget again overlook funding for the reserve is deeply disappointing.”
Cr Makin said the reserve is not just a sporting facility, but an essential hub for wellbeing, connection and recovery after emergencies.
“Funding for the upgrade is critical to community recovery and to rebuilding long‑term resilience,” she said.
“After events like the January fires, people need safe, fit‑for‑purpose places where they can come together, support one another and begin to heal. The rec reserve plays that role.”
Cr Makin said Council has raised these needs directly with the State Government.
“Council has met with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and our local Member for Rippon, Martha Haylett, and others, to clearly outline the importance of the reserve and the ongoing recovery needs of the community,” she said.
“Despite those discussions, and the clear evidence of need, this Budget leaves Skipton no better off. Our community continues to feel unheard.”
While the Budget includes recovery funding for other parts of the state, smaller regional communities like Skipton again miss out on meaningful investment, even after major emergencies, Cr Makin said.
“Recovery doesn’t end when the fires are put out.
“If we are serious about resilience, we must invest in the facilities that help communities recover and prepare for future events. Skipping over projects like this only delays that work.”
Mt Elephant Ward Cr Nick Cole said the importance of the facility can’t be underestimated.
“It’s more than a sporting hub. With the fires and the floods, it’s a community hub and relief centre. Government agencies use it as well.
“During the fires this year they opened the kitchen and used it making meals for people in the fire-affected areas.
“People have camped there during floods because their homes are in low-lying areas.
“The toilets aren’t up to scratch… It’s an integral part of the community up there but it seems to be being ignored.
“Skipton’s been battered enough. Council is again calling on the Government to prioritise the Skipton Recreation Reserve upgrade in future funding allocations.”
Skipton Football Netball Club Secretary Simone Smith said:
“Since 2017 we have been advocating and lobbying hard for a redevelopment at the Skipton Recreation Reserve to service the whole community.
“We have missed out on two election commitments and now three State budget bids, not including numerous grant applications.
“We have remained apolitical throughout this process but it seems that both State and Federal governments continue to ignore the urgency and necessity to fund this important infrastructure.
“Not only do we have girls changing in cars because our change room facilities are male-only, the social rooms are an important meeting place for all residents of the community.
“It is the place for isolated and fire affected farmers to gather and debrief, share, relax and decompress.
“It is the place for families to come together to help ease the load on those experiencing tough times.
“Our community has shown great strength and compassion towards each other in the most extreme of circumstances: floods, fires and being forgotten!
“This legacy build is an investment in our community, our town’s viability and sustainability and would demonstrate recognition of the incredible volunteer work and participation in Skipton sport and recreation for men and women.
“We just don't know why we haven't been supported yet for this project that's a game changer for our region. Our community asks why not? What else can we do? And don't keep forgetting us.”
Cr Makin reassured Skipton district residents Council had not forgotten them.
“The community has shown incredible strength throughout the recovery process.
“Our recovery team are out there supporting people every day and Council will continue to advocate strongly until Skipton receives the support it needs to recover fully and build resilience for the future.”
For more on the proposed Skipton Recreation Reserve upgrade, click here.