THE Mitchell Shire Council has taken a strong stance on the Kilmore Bypass, publicly calling on all political parties to commit towards the next stage of the much-needed link.
Council is calling on all parties and candidates contesting the 2026 Victorian State Election to commit to funding the next critical stage of the Kilmore Bypass.
The preferred route alignment has been confirmed, and a Public Acquisition Overlay is in place to protect the land needed for Stage 1. However, the Victorian Government continues to list the bypass as a planning project with no current plans for construction.
The next step is funding to acquire the remaining land, followed by a clear and funded pathway towards construction.
Kilmore’s population has reached 12,991 and is projected to double over the next 20 years. Heavy vehicles travelling through Sydney Street continue to create safety and congestion concerns for local traffic, pedestrians, businesses and visitors.
The bypass would remove heavy freight traffic from Kilmore’s town centre, support more efficient freight movement along the Northern Highway corridor and create opportunities to revitalise the historic main street.
It would also support the delivery of new housing by providing the transport infrastructure needed to accommodate growth and helping to ease congestion associated with new development.
Construction of the Northern Highway and Epping-Kilmore Road roundabout is underway and is a welcome first step in improving safety and traffic flow along this important corridor.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said the bypass was a long-standing priority for Council and the Kilmore community.
“The Public Acquisition Overlay is a significant milestone, it protects the route and gives the community greater certainty about where the bypass will be built,” he said.
“The roundabout at the Northern Highway and Epping-Kilmore Road is also a great first piece of work and a welcome investment in Kilmore’s transport network. We now need to build on that progress by moving the bypass forward.
“The community has waited a long time for this project and understands exactly what is at stake. Heavy freight continues to move through the heart of Kilmore while the town’s population keeps growing.
“The route is confirmed, the corridor is protected and key planning approvals are in place. What Kilmore needs now is funding to acquire the remaining land and a clear pathway to construction.
“The bypass is not only about freight. It will help support the delivery of much-needed housing while managing the additional traffic and congestion that comes with development.
“It would also help realise Council’s vision for Kilmore by showcasing the heritage of Victoria’s oldest inland town and strengthening its appeal as a visitor destination.
“Without funded land acquisition, there can be no reliable construction timeline. Every further delay risks making the project harder and more expensive as development continues.”
