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Howard Government failure to commit over Lakes Entrance Community Services Precinct helps no-one but Peter McGauran; Rowe

Jane Rowe ALP candidate for Gippsland

Labor Candidate for Gippsland, Jane Rowe has questioned an election promise by the Federal Government to part fund the ‘Lakes Entrance Community Services Precinct’ saying it was ‘about time the project had been given the green light’.

By Jane Rowe - 6th November 2007 - Back to News

Howard government failure to commit over Lakes Entrance Community Services Precinct helps no-one but Peter McGauran; Rowe

Labor Candidate for Gippsland, Jane Rowe has questioned an election promise by the Federal Government to part fund the ‘Lakes Entrance Community Services Precinct’ saying it was ‘about time the project had been given the green light’.

"The Lakes Entrance Health Community along with partnering agencies such the East Gippsland Shire Council spent literally hundreds of hours putting together applications urging the Howard Government to contribute in a similar way to the State and Local Government"  said the former Mayor of East Gippsland

Ms Rowe said that, while she had no doubt the community would welcome a commitment to fund the facility, they had every right to be a ‘bit peeved’ that the local Member and the Howard Government had ‘held the matter over’ till the caretaker period.

"The stalling turns a ‘guarantee to fund’ which should have been made when the Howard Government were still sitting into a last minute ‘National Party election promise’; quite a different thing altogether."  Ms Rowe said.

"If Peter McGauran cared for the people of Lakes Entrance as much as he did for his own political future, he would have got the guarantee of funding before John Howard called the election"  an angry Ms Rowe said.

"The simple reality is that the Howard Government had sufficient funding available in existing ‘Regional Partnerships’ budget.  The hard work had already been done by the Lakes Entrance Community, East Gippsland Shire Council and the medical and allied health groups of East Gippsland."  Ms Rowe said

"We in local government had made a significant contribution, the State Government had committed upwards of $1 5 million and then the Federal Government waited until after calling an election to ‘promise’ funding."

"The funding should have been approved some time before the election was called and the people of Lakes Entrance have every right to question the cynicism of the Local Member, Peter McGauran in holding the funding over to a caretaker period"

However the Labor Candidate said a Rudd Labor Government had already committed to fund regional health and community centres and she was confident of processing an application from Lakes Entrance in double time if elected.  She said such projects would be supported by key Rudd Commitments:

• $220m for super clinics to provide creating positive working environments for doctors and health professionals particularly in rural areas;
• Strong commitment to improve Indigenous health, including Labor’s $260 million Indigenous Early Childhood Package.
• Commonwealth Dental Health Program which will fund up to 1 million consultations and treatments through public dental services, benefiting the many rural communities who do not always have private dental services.

"I can assure the Lakes Entrance Community that as a local Member I will do what I can to deliver on this Lakes Entrance Community Services Precinct in the same way I did as Mayor and Councillor; and I won’t wait until an election is called to do it!"  Ms Rowe concluded.

Media Contact: Jane Rowe 0424 157 584

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: howardw@aapt.net.au

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• East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day
  East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• West Gippsland Arts Centre opens 2027 exhibition applications for artists and creatives across all visual disciplines and genres
  West Gippsland Arts Centre is inviting artists across visual disciplines to submit expressions of interest for its 2027 exhibition program, with submissions closing October 12, 2026.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
  High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
  South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Anthony Petherbridge as third new director following organisational restructure
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Anthony Petherbridge as Director Community and Planning Services following its restructure, joining two new directors and bringing extensive strategic planning and executive-level local government experience.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• Danny O'Brien says bushfire inquiry exposes Labor neglect, leaving CFA volunteers under-resourced for escalating firefighting challenges
  Danny O'Brien says a parliamentary bushfire inquiry confirms CFA volunteers face declining numbers, ageing equipment and inadequate support, urging Labor to implement recommendations before the next fire season.
• Liberal Nationals introduce bill to repeal Labor's firearms laws and abolish national gun buyback scheme
  Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has introduced a Bill, seconded by Andrew Wilcox, to repeal Labor’s firearms laws, restore previous Commonwealth regulations and abolish the stalled National Gun Buyback Scheme.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
  The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.