Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Latrobe City Advocates for Additional COVID-19 Testing Resources

Additional COVID testing resources to assist in reducing the lengthy delays requested.

By Portal Admin - 17th August 2020 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Dan Clancey has taken the proactive measure of writing to the Victorian Health Minister to advocate for additional COVID testing resources to assist in reducing the lengthy delays currently experienced.

Acknowledging the regions positive case numbers are lower than other regional cities such as Geelong and Bendigo, Cr Clancey expressed concern that access to immediate testing was not possible.

"In the past few days the numbers of confirmed cases have increased significantly across Latrobe City, this of course is naturally concerning for our community," Cr Clancey said.

"This is a time of heightened anxiety for all. With access to testing limited, this leads to further frustration and concern.

Community members report having to wait several days for an appointment, confusing booking processes and misleading information about testing sites.

"We understand that resources are stretched across Victoria. We are not asking for an additional testing site, we recognize that with our numbers of positive cases that is unlikely. What I have asked the Minister to explore is the possibility for additional resources to afford our community the ability to access testing services in a timely manner."

The matter of limited testing capacity has already been raised by Latrobe City Council with the Department of Health and Human Services. As part of its advocacy work, Council will also raise this matter in its submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into COVID-19

Cr Clancey said that Council was ready and willing to continue to work with the Department of Health and Human Services.

"We are hopeful the Minister will respond to our urgent call for help and that resources will be forthcoming. We are ready to work with government and the department to optimise the health and wellbeing of our community during these unprecedented times.

"The increase in positive case numbers have reinforced that this hidden enemy is out there in our community. Hearing reports that employees are attending work, despite symptoms, and the general anxiety in the community about accessible testing is why I will continue to advocate for additional resources," he said.

As regional Victorians adjusted to the compulsory introduction of face coverings and a return to Stage 3 restrictions, Cr Clancey commended the adherence the community of Latrobe City had shown, noting it would go a long way in stopping the spread.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
  Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.