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Allan Labor government invests more than $44M in Eastern Victoria schools, public transport, safety, energy relief, and servicesHelping Eastern Victorian families with school costs, sport, and travel - because every child deserves to learn, play, and thrive without financial barriers. By news@gippsland - 21st May 2025 - Back to News The Allan Labor Government is focused on what matters most to families in Eastern Victoria, delivering real help with the cost of living and more investment in frontline services. We want young Victorians to have everything they need to succeed. It's why this Budget invests more than $44 million to upgrade schools across the Eastern Victorian Region, including: - $6.6 million to upgrade Lakes Entrance Primary School
- More than $500,000 to refurbish change rooms and toilets at Lakes Entrance Secondary College in Gippsland East
No one should miss out on the things that make school fun. But the cost of camps, school sports and excursions can be too much for some families in Eastern Victoria. That's why we're increasing the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund to help families with a Health Care Card or concession card. Payments will increase from $154 per year for primary school students and $256 per year for secondary students to $400, from 1 January 2026. 
The Allan Labor government invests over $44 million in Eastern Victoria schools, public transport, community safety, energy relief, health services, and support for families and seniors Supporting active kidsPlaying sports keeps kids in Victoria's east active and healthy. But the cost of uniforms, equipment, memberships and more means some young Victorians are forced to sit on the sidelines. That's why with this Budget; we're delivering more than 65,000 extra Get Active Kids vouchers for families who need it most. These vouchers, worth up to $200, help with the cost of sport and recreation memberships, registration fees and essential equipment and uniforms. With more vouchers, we'll help remove the financial barrier for families, and make sure kids in Eastern Victoria get the chance to play the sport they love. We know how critical our public transport system is to get locals where they need to go. Improving Gippsland transportIn Gippsland, this Budget will invest $42.8 million to deliver a regular 40-minute interpeak service across the day, between Traralgon and Southern Cross - realising the benefits of the Gippsland Line Upgrade. Buses are also vital for many locals. And we need to make sure the bus network suits the needs of our communities. That's why the Labor Government will deliver a review of buses in Gippsland, opening community consultation to make sure local voices shape the future network. But for parents in the region, every dollar counts. It's why we're making public transport free for Victorians under 18, delivering savings of up to $755 a year - per child. Free travel accessWith free PT for under 18s, we're ensuring cheaper school runs, more affordable weekends - and one less thing for families to worry about. It'll make Victoria the first state to introduce free public transport for kids and teens, with the investment beginning 1 January 2026. Costs can also add up for seniors. It's why with this budget; we're also making statewide public transport free for Victorians aged 60 and over on weekends. From 1 January 2026, this change will help Victorians with a Seniors Card in Eastern Victoria visit the grandkids or experience even more of our state - without the extra expense. Enhancing public safetyWe have introduced tough bail laws to keep communities safe. To deal with the increasing number of alleged offenders being denied bail, this Budget invests $727 million to ramp up capacity in Victoria's prisons, delivering almost 1,000 extra adult prison beds and 88 youth justice beds, as well as funding to attract, train and support over 700 new prison officers. A further $13 million will support Australia's first machete ban, alongside new powers for Victoria Police to search for dangerous weapons. And we're investing $135 million in early intervention to keep young people on the right path and help stop crime before it starts. A further $6.29 million will also be invested to continue delivery of Koori Women's and Men's diversion programs - including for Gippsland. Morwell will also share in $7.67 million to continue funding to the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Regional Hubs. Regional sustainability supportGippsland's world-class produce is vital to our economy, and communities in Eastern Victoria. To protect this prime agricultural land, we're continuing the Fox Bounty, as well as investing $9.2 million into pest animal management. We're also investing $250,000 to support the Rural Women's Leadership and Mentoring Program, backing farmers and future leaders. We've helped families in Eastern Victoria slash thousands off their power bills by switching to solar and making their homes more energy efficient. This Budget delivers more rebates for energy efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems, so that more families can save up to $400 a year on their energy bills. We're also providing energy bill relief to those doing it tough right across Eastern Victoria. This Budget delivers a $100 Power Saving Bonus to Victorian households with a concession card, in time for their August winter bills. Accessible local healthcareGetting in to see a GP is hard - especially one who has bulk bills. That means too many families in Eastern Victoria put off looking after their health. This Budget invests a further $18 million to enable pharmacists to treat even more Victorians with even more conditions - without a trip to the doctor for a prescription. Previously tried as the Community Pharmacy Pilot, this investment locks it in for good - and makes it even bigger. That means pharmacies will be able to treat more conditions with medicines usually only available with a GP script - including allergies, nausea, high blood pressure and minor wound care, with more conditions added progressively over the next two years. We're also covering the cost of the consultation - ensuring Victorians can access care for free. This is a Budget - and a Government - focused on what matters most to Victorians. Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "Our investments in Education are ensuring that local students receive a world class education, preparing them for a lifetime contributing to our local communities and economies. Further to our ongoing investments in VLine infrastructure, modern trains and buses, and the hugely popular capped daily fares, kids will now receive free public transport 7 days a week." Pictures from Tom McIntosh MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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