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Nats Demand Free Water For Residents

Gippsland residents coping with ash-contaminated water should receive free bottled water from the State Government, according to The Nationals Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall.

By The Nationals - 22nd February 2007 - Back to News

Mr Hall said the prospect of contaminated water affecting domestic supplies in the Macalister River region should be addressed by the government.

"Providing clean water for human consumption is a basic and essential service that the State Government must provide in these circumstances," Mr Hall said.

"The government could deliver bottled water to the affected communities immediately and overcome the current problems.

"When we have more rain in the fire-affected catchments, the issue of contamination from ash and other products is going to escalate.

"I have also received reports from families in the Dargo region expressing concerns about their domestic water supply."

Mr Hall said the Bracks Government needed to support country communities in a crisis.

"If we can afford to spend millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money on Melbourne-based events like the World Swimming Championships, surely we can afford to provide free water to fire-affected communities until the water quality improves," Mr Hall said.

"It would provide short-term relief and reassure residents that they were not harming their health by drinking contaminated water."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
  Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Lifeline Workshop in Warragul Library: Understanding and Preventing Family Violence for community awareness and safety
  Free two‑hour session at Lifeline, held at MYLI Warragul on 25 Nov 2025 from 1‑3 pm, aims to build awareness, understanding and practical strategies to prevent family violence.
• Cr Nathan Hersey elected as Mayor and Cr Brad Snell as Deputy Mayor for South Gippsland and other council updates
  Councillor Nathan Hersey was elected Mayor and Councillor Brad Snell Deputy Mayor of South Gippsland Shire for 12 months, marking Hersey’s second and Snell’s first term in these roles.
• Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
  Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses.
• Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
  Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide.
• Darren Chester completes 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners in iconic Gippsland sporting tradition
  Darren Chester completed his 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners. The sold-out event celebrated fitness and community spirit, with Chester inspired by marathon legend John "Dobbo" Dobson's 47th consecutive run.