Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino MP statement on lessening movement restrictions and staying COVIDSafeThere's still work to do, there's still our state to keep safe and every Victorian needs to help to keep everyone COVIDsafe. By news@gippsland - 9th June 2021 - Back to News Make no mistake - our collective efforts over these past few weeks have changed the course of this outbreak. As individuals, as families and as a community, we have again done an incredible thing: protecting our state with grit, guts and determination. Thanks doesn't seem enough, but I'll say it anyway. To every Victorian for following the rules, for doing the right thing, and for doing it with kindness and compassion - thank you. 
Acting Victorian premier James Merlino MP said that, as always, we'll make sure we keep people updated on how we're tracking, providing more detail and more certainty as soon as we can Staying COVIDSafeFor staying home and staying safe. For ordering in and taking out. For Zoom calls and virtual catchups. And for looking out for each other. As much as we've achieved - this isn't over. And it's up to all of us to protect this precious thing we've worked so hard for. That means staying COVIDSafe - most importantly, getting tested if you have any symptoms. It's singlehandedly the biggest contribution we can make, ensuring that if the virus is circulating - we catch it early. Whether you do it for your family, your mates or your state - if you're sick, get tested. We've always said that when we could safely ease the rules, we would. And if we could make things even just a little easier, we wouldn't waste a minute. It's why, on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, we can take some first safe steps. That means metropolitan Melbourne will move to almost the same settings currently in place across regional Victoria. And regional Victoria will move towards further easing. From 11:59pm Thursday 10 June, the five reasons to leave home will no longer apply in metro Melbourne, and the existing 10-kilometre limit will be increased to 25 kilometres. Pictures from Committee for Gippsland website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity amid Labor’s mismanaged renewable energy transition
Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity as Labor mismanages the renewable energy transition, delaying projects, electricity reliability, raising prices, causing gas shortages, and threatening jobs and households. - Victorian budget delivers cost of living relief, transport discounts, regional investment and services support
Victorian Budget delivers cost-of-living relief, including rego discounts, cheaper transport, and major investments in health, education, regional infrastructure, and community services. - Victorian government confirms Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will remain at Phillip Island with ongoing event support
Bass Coast Council welcomes Victorian Government confirming Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will stay at Phillip Island, rejecting Albert Park move, ensuring ongoing funding, supporting tourism, jobs, and regional community benefits beyond 2026. - Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government. - Latrobe City urges the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety urgent activation of Traralgon Bank Street and Princes Highway traffic lights
Latrobe City Council urges Victorian Ministers to urgently activate the Bank Street–Princes Highway traffic lights in Traralgon, addressing safety concerns after completed works remain non-operational since 2018. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts. - Darren Chester calls on Victorian government to prioritise rebuilding Sale College amid safety, ageing infrastructure concerns
Darren Chester has urged the Victorian government to prioritise a new single-site campus for Sale College, citing deteriorating facilities, safety concerns, and long-standing community frustration. - Darren Chester accuses Victorian Labor of endangering Gippslanders by delaying Mallacoota-Genoa road upgrades
Federal Member Darren Chester warns Victorian Labor’s inaction on Mallacoota-Genoa Road, despite $10 million funding, endangers Gippslanders, leaving critical safety upgrades delayed and road conditions increasingly unsafe. - Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy. - Bass Coast Shire Council joins Victorian councils urging review of mandatory separate kerbside glass recycling bin policy
Bass Coast Council joins 35 Victorian councils urging the State Government to review mandatory glass recycling bins, seeking flexibility, transparency, cost-effectiveness and alignment with existing Container Deposit Scheme initiatives. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Gippsland Offshore Wind Alliance welcomes Victorian funding for Port of Hastings terminal, supporting offshore wind growth and energy transition
Gippsland Offshore Wind Alliance welcomes $124.5 million Victorian funding for Port of Hastings renewable energy terminal, supporting offshore wind development planning and port infrastructure capacity. - Mayor Jodie Ashworth responds to Victorian Budget, welcoming support but seeking stronger long-term investment
Mayor Jodie Ashworth welcomes parts of the Victorian Budget but says East Gippsland remains underfunded, calling for stronger long-term investment in key regional infrastructure priorities. - DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026. - Camp Woolamai chosen as finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards with voting open until 26 June 2026
Cape Woolamai is a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. Bass Coast Shire Council is encouraging locals and visitors to vote, recognising the town’s outstanding visitor experiences and tourism commitment. - Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow. - Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents. - Baw Baw Council extends Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026 supporting leadership continuity
Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026, ensuring strong leadership and continuity while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery. - Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience. - Baw Baw Shire Council extends Acting CEO Mick Cummins’ leadership through 2 January 2026 during CEO’s absence
Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Mick Cummins’ Acting CEO role until 2 January 2026, supporting the organisation while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery. - Melina Bath statement wishes year 12 students across Eastern Victoria success in exams and future endeavours
Melina Bath wishes all Year 12 students in eastern Victoria good luck for exams, encouraging pride in achievements, resilience, and success in future studies, work, or apprenticeships. - Baw Baw Shire appoints Sally Jones as acting CEO, leading council during temporary transition period
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Ms Sally Jones as Acting CEO from 6 January to 3 February 2026, supporting leadership during CEO Tilla Buden’s medical leave. - East Gippsland Council and farmers welcome the $2.75M boost for feral pig control under the Victorian government's Protecting Biodiversity program
East Gippsland Shire Council and farmers welcome $2.75 million for feral pig control, focusing on public land, local employment, and coordinated efforts to protect agriculture, biodiversity, and regional communities. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Mick Cummins as Acting CEO to guide organisation through transition
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Mick Cummins as Acting CEO until mid-December. Cummins brings extensive local government experience and will support organisational priorities as Council reviews longer-term arrangements, Mayor Kate Wilson said. - Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors. - Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia. - Tim Bull calls for State Budget investment in Gippsland East health, police, roads and community infrastructure amid rising debt concerns
Tim Bull has called for the State Budget to deliver key Gippsland East investments in health, police, fire services, roads, and community infrastructure amid rising Victorian debt. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Danny O’Brien said the state’s fuel price app is ineffective, though price transparency tools like Servo Saver can help strained household budgets
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges state and federal governments to secure regional fuel supply, warning rising costs, panic-buying, and supply restrictions threaten farmers, transport, essential services, and local households. - Tim Bull states that the Parliament Prize will help students learn democracy and share fresh community ideas
Students across Gippsland are encouraged to enter the 2026 Parliament Prize by sharing ideas on community issues in a 90-second video, promoting civic engagement and understanding of Victoria’s democratic process. - Tim Bull calls on the state government to prioritise commercial fishers in fuel supply efforts amid ongoing shortages
Tim Bull urges State Government to prioritise fuel access for commercial fishers, highlighting their economic and food production role, while seeking federal excise relief amid rising costs and industry pressures. - Danny O’Brien says the State Budget overlooks Gippsland priorities, with limited regional infrastructure funding
Danny O’Brien says the State Budget overlooks key Gippsland priorities, despite some funding for essential local projects, highlighting ongoing gaps in regional infrastructure investment and service delivery. - Bass Coast Council lobbies state government on key regional priorities ahead of 2026 election talks
Bass Coast Council meets state government leaders to advocate for funding across tourism, sport, infrastructure, coastal protection and major regional development priorities ahead of the 2026 election. - Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson criticises State Budget for favouring metro community connectors funding over regions
Latrobe City Mayor urges fair State Budget funding, criticising metro focus of Community Connectors program and calling for stronger regional support and engagement on community safety. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Tim Bull announces retirement ahead of November state election after 16 years in Parliament and ministerial service
East Gippsland MP announces retirement from November State Election after 16 years in Parliament, reflecting on service, gratitude to staff, colleagues, community, and commitment to continuing representation until stepping down. - Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways. - East Gippsland hotels and publicans recognised as finalists in 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards for Excellence across multiple categories
East Gippsland hotels and staff are finalists in the 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards, recognising community spirit, hospitality excellence and local contributions across multiple categories. - Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to obtain licences as new state licensing scheme is enforced from 1 February 2026
Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to comply with Victoria’s new licensing scheme, aiming to curb illegal sales, organised crime, and ensure consistent enforcement for safer regional communities. - Tim Bull criticises sudden last-minute VLine reductions from six to three carriages, causing tension due to limited rolling stock
Victorian country train passengers are forced to stand up to four hours after last-minute carriage cuts, with MP Tim Bull urging PSOs and additional services to protect booked seating. - Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s ensured failure by hastening coal plant closures without planning baseload power replacements
The Victorian Auditor-General warns a "disorderly energy transition" could cause power shortages, soaring prices, and job losses, with Labor’s accelerated coal closures and mismanaged renewable planning worsening the crisis. - Melina Bath says Labor’s energy transition mismanagement is driving higher prices and household cost-of-living pressures
Eastern Victorian households face rising electricity and gas prices, with ABS data showing sharp increases and Labor blamed for mismanaging the energy transition. - One Gippsland urges new major event to replace MotoGP, boosting tourism and regional economy
One Gippsland urges the 2026 Victorian budget to replace MotoGP with a new major event, boosting tourism, jobs, and economic growth while supporting cultural, nature-based, and renewable energy initiatives. - One Gippsland welcomes Budget support for regional education, health, roads and skills, noting tourism gaps
One Gippsland welcomes Victorian 2026-27 Budget initiatives aligning with its advocacy, highlighting improvements in education, health, skills, roads and regional services, while noting gaps in tourism and regional cost-of-living equity. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts Seniors Festival 2025, featuring free events and activities celebrating connection, creativity and positive ageing
Baw Baw Shire celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival October 2025 with free events, workshops, garden tours, and activities, encouraging seniors to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy free public transport across Victoria. - Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions. - South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun. - West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects. - Tim Bull slams delays rebuilding Heyfield bus shelter, urging government to fulfil commitment and restore essential infrastructure
Tim Bull has criticised the Victorian government over delays rebuilding Heyfield’s Mary Street bus shelter, saying the community has waited nine years despite repeated commitments to restore it. - East Gippsland Water expects no summer restrictions, yet climate change makes long-term conservation vital
East Gippsland Water predicts sufficient rainfall this summer, making restrictions unlikely, but warns climate change and future droughts mean ongoing water conservation remains essential for communities. - Tim Bull calls for more train carriages and bus services to match free public transport amid overcrowding concerns on Gippsland routes
Tim Bull is calling on the Victorian government to match free public transport with more trains and buses, addressing severe overcrowding and service capacity issues in Gippsland. - Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - Baw Baw Council secures $173,000 grant to launch annual Noojee Truffle Festival 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council has secured a $173,000 Victorian Government grant to launch a three-week Noojee Truffle Festival in 2026, boosting tourism, local produce, and sustainable economic opportunities. - Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs. - Darren Chester tables petition signed by 1300 Gippslanders urging governments to progress Traralgon bypass
Darren Chester has tabled a petition urging federal and Victorian governments to progress the long-delayed Traralgon bypass, backed by over 1300 Gippslanders, calling for funding, design completion and construction. - East Gippsland Council confirms compliance with 2025-26 rate cap, maintaining responsible financial management and community support
East Gippsland Council has confirmed compliance with the 2025–26 Victorian rate cap, keeping increases below the 3% limit to ease cost-of-living pressures while maintaining essential services. - Independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool awarded to ensure safe operation for community and staff
Council has commissioned an independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to identify risks, necessary repairs, and upgrades, keeping the community informed while the pool remains closed. - Woodside Recreation Reserve receives $387,750 LED lighting upgrade improving safety, access, and evening sports opportunities for local community
The Woodside Recreation Reserve will receive a $387,750 LED lighting upgrade, improving safety, sustainability, access, and evening sports opportunities, funded by the Victorian Government, Wellington Shire Council, and local partners. - Darren Chester urges immediate European Carp control virus release by 2028 to protect Australian waterways
Darren Chester urges urgent action against European carp, supporting the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s push to release the carp herpes virus by 2028 to protect waterways and native biodiversity. - Community invited to join Walhalla project working groups shaping tourism and business opportunities for World Heritage future
Baw Baw Shire Council invites community members to join Tourism, Infrastructure, or Business Support Project Working Groups for Walhalla, helping shape sustainable development linked to the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid. - Tim Bull says policy supports Victoria Police, improves safety and holds fleeing drivers accountable for dangerous pursuits
The State Liberal and Nationals plan proposes tougher laws to hold offenders accountable for dangerous police pursuits, strengthening community safety and supporting Victoria Police operations. - East Gippsland Shire Council opposes glass bin rollout, warning of higher costs and backing container deposit recycling expansion
East Gippsland Shire Council opposes mandatory glass recycling bins, warning the Victorian Government plan would increase household waste costs and support a more effective container deposit scheme instead. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events. - Tim Bull credited Darren Chester for securing post–Black Summer funding but criticised Labor’s mismanagement delaying the recovery project
Tim Bull has criticised delays to the Mallacoota–Genoa Road upgrade, saying the Victorian government has wasted funding on consultants while failing to deliver long-promised bushfire recovery works.
|
|
