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Positive Times In East Gippsland

East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Harvey Bates, today said that current and recent events and announcements regarding the East Gippsland region would be having a positive impact on the community.

By East Gippsland Shire Council - 3rd May 2004 - Back to News

Cr Bates said today’s announcement of an extension to the reticulated gas program into Paynesville was great news.

"Council has lobbied strongly for reticulated gas into East Gippsland and we were delighted that Bairnsdale was announced to be part of the Government’s natural gas extension program earlier this year," Cr Bates said.

"Minister’s Brumby’s visit to Paynesville today to announce that the gas extension program will continue to Paynesville is fantastic.

"The availability of natural gas into East Gippsland towns will not only provide an economic boost to local businesses and property owners, it may encourage the relocation of other industries to the region," he said.

Cr Bates said the gas announcement comes at a time when many East Gippslanders are celebrating the return of the passenger rail service after an 11-year absence.

"The return of the train is due largely to the efforts of the volunteer Save Our Train Action Group" (SOTAG), which has lobbied to have the service returned since the last train operated in August 1993. Our local MP Craig Ingram has also been a strong supporter of the train return.

"The return of rail services is particularly pleasing for our region’s elderly citizens. It enables them to travel to Melbourne or their Gippsland destination in comfort, rather than transferring from a coach at Sale.

"The train service will increase tourism traffic not only to Bairnsdale, but further north and east in our Shire.

"We are pleased that bicycles will be able to be boarded on trains, promoting our fabulous East Gippsland Rail Trail," he said.

Cr Bates said visits by both State and Federal politicians in recent weeks indicate that East Gippsland is well and truly prominent on the map.

"The Prime Minister was in Sale to announce major funding for two East Gippsland projects (Vegco and TopCrop), while the Federal Opposition Leader visited Bairnsdale and Orbost this week on the campaign trail.

"In addition, the Governor of Victoria toured East Gippsland two weeks ago to meet with many community groups, and feedback we received indicated he was very impressed with the region and the generosity of the people," Cr Bates said.

For further information contact Cr Harvey Bates on 5153 9500.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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