Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Russel Northe MLA

Something Fishy about Gov support - Northe

Calls for support for stakeholders impacted by Hazelwood Pondage closure.

By Portal Admin - 14th September 2019 - Back to News

Last night in State Parliament, Member for Morwell Russell Northe pleaded with the State Government to support stakeholders who have been impacted by the closure of Hazelwood Pondage.

Mr Northe highlighted in Parliament the current plight of the LV Game Fishing Club who have recently received notice that they are required to vacate from their long-standing clubrooms located at the Pondage by the 1st October, 2019 which is a bitter blow for the Club and its more than 100 members.

"Unfortunately, the casualty rate grows as another community or sporting and recreation group is about to lose access to their clubrooms within the Hazelwood Pondage precinct", Mr Northe explained.

"This is in addition to so many stakeholders who have now been impacted or asked to leave their premises including; the LV Triathlon Club, the LV Yacht Club, Caravan Park residents and campers, local businesses, local CFA brigades and local scout and guide groups amongst others".

A petition lodged in Parliament by Mr. Northe in June this year contained nearly 5,000 signatures from concerned community members, calling for the Pondage’s retention for recreational purposes. The Pondage has been an important asset for visitors and locals alike in Gippsland since the 1960’s.

"The Minister for Fishing and Boating has quite rightly articulated the importance of fishing in this State and encouraged an increase in fishing participation rates. By way of a Statement within the 2019 Recreational Fishing Guide (ref) the Minister said "We will continue to focus on getting more people fishing, more often", however its imperative that existing fishing clubs and their members are also supported", Mr Northe continued.

"Last night I’ve called upon the Government to step in and provide the LV Game Fishing Club with the help and assistance they need in their relocation and to ensure they remain a strong and vibrant local club", continued Mr. Northe.

"This club urgently needs support for relocation costs and to secure alternative clubrooms for their members and its extensive range of memorabilia they have acquired over the past 38 years".

"I’m regularly in contact with many clubs and community groups that have lost or who are losing access to their clubrooms and infrastructure, with little or no consultation or support from the State Government", Mr Northe lamented.

"It simply beggars belief that many of our local sporting and recreation clubs in the Latrobe Valley are being left out in the cold and without a home due to a lack of interest from the State Government. I again plead with the Government to provide the necessary assistance and support that is desperately needed to help these groups and to whom through no fault of their own have been left in limbo".

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
  Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.