• Pet owners face higher costs as Allan Labor government doubles dog and cat registration fees from $4.51 to $9 from July 2026
  Victorian pet owners will pay more as the Allan Labor government doubles dog and cat registration fees, drawing $10 million annually, amid rising state debt and cost-of-living pressures.
• Connect with councillors, meet the Mayor monthly or present community issues directly to South Gippsland Shire Council
  Residents can engage with South Gippsland Council by chatting with councillors, attending monthly Meet the Mayor sessions, or making public presentations on community issues through scheduled consultation opportunities.
• Darren Chester praises landcare volunteers, calls for stronger government support for environmental management across Gippsland
  Darren Chester praised Gippsland Landcare volunteers during Landcare Week, recognising their environmental work while calling for stronger government support, funding and practical land management policies.
• Leongatha worker housing project delivers 14 apartments to attract essential staff and support regional growth
  Construction has begun on 14 worker apartments at Woorayl Lodge in Leongatha, providing accommodation for essential workers and families, boosting regional liveability and addressing workforce shortages through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
• Coalition minority report exposes Labor’s bushfire preparedness failures, citing fuel management, CFA capability and response shortcomings
  A Coalition Minority Report on Victoria's 2026 bushfire inquiry alleges Labor failed bushfire preparedness through poor fuel management, weakened CFA capability and inadequate emergency planning, calling for stronger mitigation and frontline support.
• Gippsland Water plants 10,000 native trees after customers back regional biodiversity and climate action initiative
  Gippsland Water is planting 10,000 native trees and shrubs after 77 per cent of surveyed customers supported the initiative, boosting biodiversity, restoring habitats and advancing its net zero by 2030 goals.
• Mayor champions twelve election priorities to secure health, roads, housing and investment for East Gippsland communities
  East Gippsland Shire Council is advocating 12 election priorities, including a new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department, improved roads, housing, emergency services and investment ahead of the 2026 Victorian Election.
• East Gippsland libraries celebrate CBCA Book Week with storytimes, competitions, costume parade and family activities from 22-28 August 2026
  East Gippsland Libraries will celebrate CBCA Book Week from August 22–28 with storytimes, competitions, crafts, a costume parade and family activities across six library branches, promoting reading and creativity.
• Traralgon will host the 2026 Victorian Tourism Conference, offering networking and growth opportunities for tourism from 11–13 August 2026
  Traralgon will host the 2026 Victorian Tourism Conference from August 11–13, giving tourism operators opportunities to network, learn industry trends, explore AI, boost bookings and showcase Gippsland to delegates.
• Bass Coast residents can help shape new policy guiding future naming of council-managed public places
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Place Naming Policy, outlining a transparent process for naming public places while recognising local history, Traditional Owners, cultural heritage and commemorating women.
• Bass Coast marketing workshop equips local creatives with practical skills, networking opportunities and industry support
  Bass Coast Shire Council hosted a marketing workshop for more than 50 local creatives, offering practical promotion strategies, expert advice, networking opportunities and connections with council staff, media and industry supporters.
• New coastal rail trail links Woolamai to Inverloch with spectacular Bass Coast cycling adventure experiences
  The new 14km Wonthaggi–Inverloch Trail extends Victoria's only coastal rail trail to 37km, connecting four towns through stunning coastline, heritage sites, beaches, cafes and countryside for an unforgettable cycling adventure.
• The Nationals accuse Labor of failing Australian exporters after higher US tariffs and weaker trade negotiations
  Matt Canavan criticised Labor after the United States imposed 12.5 per cent tariffs on some Australian exports, accusing the government of weak trade negotiations and inadequate action on forced labour.
• Bass Coast jobs and careers expos return to connect job seekers and employers at Wonthaggi Town Hall on 6 August and Berninneit on 11 September 2026
  Bass Coast Local Jobs and Careers Expos return to Wonthaggi and Phillip Island, connecting job seekers with employers, training providers and support services while showcasing local vacancies, career pathways and business opportunities.
• Community invited to shape future of Roberts Court Bushland Reserve through draft master plan feedback by 20 August 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a draft master plan for Roberts Court Bushland Reserve, balancing recreation, conservation, cultural heritage and long-term environmental management before final endorsement later this year.
• Community satisfaction survey shows Baw Baw Shire Council reversing declining trend through broad improvements overall
  Baw Baw Shire Council's annual Community Satisfaction Survey shows significant improvements, reversing previous declines. Strongest ratings were for libraries, public spaces and waste management, while roads and planning improved.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for greater public land investment ahead of 2026 Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging greater public land investment before the 2026 Victorian election to improve pest control, environmental management, tourism infrastructure, local jobs and long-term community outcomes.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $120M for new Bairnsdale hospital emergency department before state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking a $120 million election commitment for a new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department to meet rising demand, reduce delays and improve regional healthcare services.
• Free Sustainable Living Series webinar to help Gippsland residents build smarter, greener and more climate-resilient homes from 30 July to 13 August 2026
  A free Sustainable Building and Renovating webinar series will help Gippsland residents create comfortable, efficient homes through expert advice on design, materials, resilience, water management and sustainable building practices.
• Liberals promise faster gas exploration approvals to boost local supply, cut energy costs and strengthen Victoria’s energy security
  The Liberal and Nationals pledged to boost Victoria's gas supply by fast-tracking exploration approvals, reducing red tape and inviting industry proposals, aiming to lower energy bills, improve supply security and create jobs.
• National Tree Day highlights trees restoring waterways, farms and healthy catchments across West Gippsland together
  West Gippsland CMA is celebrating National Tree Day by highlighting how thousands of native trees are restoring waterways, protecting Corner Inlet, improving biodiversity, reducing erosion and strengthening healthy catchments across the region.
• New Newborough CFA station opens, giving volunteers modern facilities to strengthen emergency response and community safety
  Newborough CFA volunteers have moved into a new purpose-built station featuring improved facilities, supporting emergency response as the town grows through the Victorian government's emergency services investment.
• New worker accommodation helps Riviera Fresh expand production, attract staff and support regional growth statewide
  Two new worker houses funded through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund will help Riviera Fresh attract staff, expand production, ease labour shortages and support Gippsland's growing fresh produce industry.
• World Drowning Prevention Day urges Victorians to unite for safer waters and reduce drowning deaths globally
  Life Saving Victoria is marking World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25 with statewide events, urging communities to improve water safety and support the global goal of reducing drowning deaths by 35 per cent by 2035.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new 'Dogs in Public Places Guidelines for 2026–2029' across municipality
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Dogs in Public Places Guidelines 2026–2029, establishing evidence-based rules for dog access on council land while balancing recreation, community safety, and environmental protection.
• Bass Coast Shire Council endorses $55,000 partnership to showcase Western Port marine environment through science and community engagement
  Bass Coast Shire Council has endorsed a $55,000, one-year partnership with Western Port Down Under to showcase Western Port marine environment through education, citizen science, and community engagement.
• East Gippsland Shire Council retains management of livestock exchange following independent review and industry support
  East Gippsland Shire Council will retain council management of the Livestock Exchange after an independent review found the current model best supports regional farmers, industry needs, and long-term sustainability.
• Gippsland Water completes Erica and Rawson water main upgrade to improve supply reliability for communities
  Gippsland Water has upgraded the Trigger Creek water main supplying Erica and Rawson, improving drinking water reliability, replacing ageing infrastructure, and reducing the risk of future supply interruptions.
• One Gippsland builds global partnerships and investment opportunities at 2026 World Cities Summit in Singapore
  One Gippsland showcased Gippsland at the 2026 World Cities Summit in Singapore, strengthening international partnerships, promoting regional innovation, and creating opportunities for future investment, sustainable development, and economic growth.
• Victorians left paying for Commonwealth Games promises while Scotland hosts the 2026 event instead
  Victoria's cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games left taxpayers with a $589 million bill, delayed regional projects, and unfulfilled infrastructure promises, drawing criticism over the handling of the abandoned event.
• Wellington Shire Council presses state opposition on roads, rail, farming and regional investment priorities for future
  Wellington Shire Council met Victorian Opposition leaders to advocate for better roads, rail services, farming support, tourism investment, and funding commitments to strengthen the region's economy and future development.
• New Great Southern Rail Trail attractions boost tourism, events and visitor experiences through Koonwarra and beyond
  New attractions, signage, public art, and a running festival along the Great Southern Rail Trail aim to boost tourism, support local businesses, and enhance visitor experiences across South Gippsland.
• Buln Buln Recreation Reserve celebrates new lighting upgrade improving safety, training capacity and community sport access
  Buln Buln Recreation Reserve has unveiled a $350,000 LED lighting upgrade, improving safety, accessibility and capacity for training and competitions, supported by Baw Baw Shire Council and the Victorian government.
• East Gippsland businesses invited to complete survey shaping economic priorities, investment and future regional growth planning
  East Gippsland Shire Council is inviting businesses to complete its Business Insights Survey, helping identify challenges, growth opportunities and priorities for future investment, economic development and regional advocacy.
• Tap and go payment rolls out across Victorian buses, making public transport easier for passengers statewide
  Tap and go payments are rolling out across Victoria's myki-enabled buses, allowing passengers to pay with bank cards, smartphones or smart watches while maintaining myki as an alternative option.
• The Nationals criticise Labor police recruitment announcement, demanding action on shortages, crime and regional policing resources
  The Nationals say Labor's Gippsland police recruitment announcement lacks detail and comes too late, arguing Victoria needs more officers, stronger laws and better support to address crime and staffing shortages.
• Bass Coast Community Awards celebrate outstanding volunteers, leaders and organisations strengthening local connections and community spirit
  Bass Coast Shire Council honoured five outstanding individuals and organisations at the 2026 Community Awards, recognising volunteers, leaders and community groups whose dedication strengthens connections and community spirit across Bass Coast.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures VicHealth funding to boost health, wellbeing and inclusion for local young people
  Baw Baw Shire Council has secured $200,000 from VicHealth’s Partners in Place initiative to deliver community-based health and wellbeing programs, empowering children and young people to help shape healthier, more connected neighbourhoods.
• East Gippsland calls for stronger road funding ahead of 2026 Victorian state election commitments
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging stronger state funding for regional roads, backing a $1.5 billion package to improve safety, freight efficiency, resilience and long-term infrastructure maintenance ahead of the 2026 election.
• East Gippsland unveils 12 key priorities ahead of 2026 Victorian election campaign for regional investment
  East Gippsland Shire Council has outlined 12 advocacy priorities for the 2026 Victorian Election, seeking investment in roads, health, housing, emergency services and infrastructure to support the region's long-term growth and resilience.
• Gippsland Water invites customers to join people’s panel shaping future services and fair water pricing
  Gippsland Water is inviting customers to join its People’s Panel, where 50 participants will help shape future services and pricing, with successful members receiving $1,000 for completing five sessions.
• Gippsland Water invites customers to join people’s panel shaping future services and fair water pricing
  Gippsland Water is inviting customers to join its People’s Panel, where 50 participants will help shape future services and pricing, with successful members receiving $1,000 for completing five sessions.
• IMMERSIVE program sparks lasting creative growth, confidence and opportunities for East Gippsland artists and community
  East Gippsland Shire Council's IMMERSIVE program exceeded expectations, supporting 68 creatives, creating 22 paid opportunities and inspiring lasting creative projects, with more than 80 per cent continuing beyond the initiative.
• New oval lighting boosts Buln Buln Recreation Reserve for sport, training and year-round community participation
  Buln Buln Recreation Reserve has new LED oval lighting, funded through a $250,000 Victorian government investment, improving safety, extending training opportunities and supporting year-round sport, recreation and community participation.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge $5B to repair roads and eliminate one million potholes statewide
  The Liberals and Nationals have pledged $5 billion to repair Victoria's roads, eliminate one million potholes, improve maintenance, establish Better Roads Victoria, and boost accountability if elected at the next state election.
• Local children join opera Australia for Don Giovanni performance at GPAC on 21 July 2026
  Fifteen Latrobe City schoolchildren will perform alongside Opera Australia in Don Giovanni at GPAC, gaining professional stage experience while showcasing emerging local talent on July 21.
• Melina Bath says Glasgow Games revive memories of Victoria's cancelled Commonwealth Games and lost regional opportunities
  Nationals MP Melina Bath says the Glasgow Commonwealth Games highlight Victoria's cancelled regional Games, arguing Gippsland lost major economic opportunities while taxpayers were left carrying a $569 million cost.
• Melina Bath urges farmers to prioritise safety, wellbeing and lead by example during Farm Safety Week campaign
  Melina Bath is urging farmers to prioritise safety and wellbeing during Farm Safety Week, encouraging stronger safety practices, leadership and community support while recognising farming remains one of Australia’s highest-risk industries.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft Public Transparency Policy before consultation closes 12 August 2026
  Council is inviting community feedback on its Draft Public Transparency Policy, outlining access to council information and Freedom of Information requirements. The policy is available for review, with submissions closing Wednesday 12 August 2026.
• Three South Gippsland community projects were officially opened, celebrating recreation, tourism, heritage and other updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council opened three community projects, announced grants, events and awards, sought public feedback, and encouraged residents to engage, prepare for emergencies and support local initiatives.

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