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Nationals Plan To Reduce Rate RisesA plan put forward by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Province PETER HALL would help to reduce the need for annual municipal rate increases. By Peter Hall - 6th June 2006 - Back to News With local Shires all budgeting for rate increases in the 2006/07, Mr Hall said Local Government should receive a percentage of GST revenue.
"The Nationals have released a Local Government Policy Discussion Paper which proposes a percentage of GST revenue be provided directly to councils," Peter Hall said.
"Our plan is to start with 1% of GST revenue and increase it to 3% over a period of time. The end result would be more money for local councils to carry out important infrastructure improvements without the need to increase rates."
Mr Hall said the proposal had been well received throughout Victoria and has urged the Bracks Government to listen to the concerns of rural and regional Victorian councils.
All State Governments throughout Australia receive the full benefit of the revenue raised from the GST and Mr Hall believes local councils should receive a fairer share in the future.
"Local councils throughout our region are finding it difficult to keep up with the increasing demands for services; cost shifting from other levels of government; and maintenance of basic infrastructure like roads and bridges," Mr Hall said.
"Under The Nationals proposal, the State Government would provide a set percentage of GST revenue directly to councils to spend according to local priorities.
"There would be ‘no strings attached’ and the locally elected councillors would be responsible for setting priorities.
"In the first year, the system would generate about $100 million extra funding for local government throughout Victoria, increasing to $300 million.
"The Nationals are very aware of the difficult financial situation facing rural and regional councils throughout the State.
"Melbourne Labor should adopt this common sense policy in the interests of country Victoria.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness. - East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming 1 October 2026, allowing access to other networks during eligible natural disasters
East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming, activated by Telstra, Optus and TPG on October 1, 2026, allowing access to other networks for essential calls, texts and limited data during eligible disasters. - East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts. - East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity. - East Gippsland Jobs Expo connects job seekers with employers, training providers and career opportunities across the region on 8 October 2026
East Gippsland Jobs Expo on October 8 will connect job seekers with employers, training providers and employment services, showcasing local career pathways and workforce opportunities across the region. - East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies. - East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand. - 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. - South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character. - 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. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on future of local aquatic facilities and swimming pools before 6 December 2026
South Gippsland Council is seeking community feedback on the future of aquatic facilities, with ageing infrastructure, changing visitation, rising costs and renewal needs under consideration. Feedback closes December 6. - East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants. - 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 Council seeks community feedback on general local law review before 2027 expiry, submit by 2 October 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its General Local Law review, covering public spaces, safety, amenity and local activities, with consultation open until Friday, October 2. - East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities. - East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
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