Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
All Roads Lead To Victorian Tourism Assets Being ¡¥Back In Business¡¦ On behalf of the Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher, Russell Northe, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business today re-opened Promontory Road, the road into Tidal River Wilsons Promontory National Park. By Russell Northe - 23rd September 2011 - Back to News ¡§Visitors will be able to travel over the newly repaired Darby River Bridge, as well access the Tidal River area, to book into roofed cabin accommodation and 250 campsite sites,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
The opening of Promontory Road is part of the Victorian Coalition Government¡¦s $19.7 million package to restore and repair Victoria's flood-damaged parks.
Grampians Tourist Road, which links Halls Gap and Dunkeld, sustained extensive damage after heavy rains in January opened last month.
Mr Northe also today announced $125,000 for Destination Gippsland through the Coalition Government¡¦s $2.5 million Tourism Floods Recovery Program to promote regional tourism destinations affected by the floods.
The funding for Destination Gippsland will be used to help market the opening of Wilsons Promontory National Park and encourage visitors to visit South Gippsland.
¡§As a result of the first $1 million allocation to the Tourism Flood Recovery Program in January, strong visitation during peak times such as Easter was recorded in parts of regional Victoria.
¡§The Coalition Government has announced an additional $1.5 million of relief funding as part of the 2011-12 State Budget to assist to bring tourists back to our outstanding regional areas,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
¡§I am pleased to announce that as part of the Tourism Floods Recovery Program, an allocation of grants totaling $1.025 million will be provided to Victoria¡¦s significant flood-affected regions to encourage visitation and build industry resilience,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
The grants include;
„h $500,000 for Grampians Tourism Board
„h $400,000 for the Murray Tourism Board
„h $125,000 for Destination Gippsland
¡§The grants are in recognition of the longer term impacts felt in the Murray and Grampians given the significant damage to natural assets as well as the damage to Wilsons Promontory National Park through flash-flooding in March,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe said that the objectives of the $2.5 million Tourism Flood Recovery Program are moving into the long-term phase. This will include not only growing visitation but ensuring business resilience towards natural events such as floods.
russell.northe@parliament.vic.gov.au www.russellnorthe.com.au 66 George St, Morwell VIC 3840 ph 03 5133 9088 fax 03 5133 9388
¡§These grants will go a long way in developing the resources and skills to be better prepared to respond to crises, so as to lessen the impact on tourism operators and the local economy,¡¨ Mr Northe said.
In addition to the $2.5 million Tourism Flood Recovery Program, over 200 Victorian flood-affected businesses are receiving financial assistance from the $1.5 million VECCI Business Relief Fund; $700,000 was provided in the State Budget to access small business mentoring; and over 3000 grants and low interest loans have been provided to affected communities.
Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards. - Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges. - Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback to shape safer roads through New Road Safety Strategy Plan until 10 September 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting residents to help shape its new Road Safety Strategy through community workshops and an online survey, aiming to reduce crashes and improve safety for all road users across the shire. - Silcocks Hill Road in Toora reduced to single lane for four to six weeks during landslip repairs
Silcocks Hill Road in Toora will operate under single-lane conditions for four to six weeks from August 17 while landslip remediation works are completed, with motorists urged to allow extra travel time. - Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election. - Tourism industry warns visa delays threaten jobs and revenue ahead of Australia's critical Christmas holiday season this year
Australia's tourism sector warns visa delays, rising living costs and fuel prices could put $3 billion revenue and 20,000 jobs at risk this Christmas, urging government action. - Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027. - RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment. - Darren Chester slams Victorian Labor over five-year delay in critical Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade despite federal funding
Darren Chester has slammed Victoria's Labor Government over the stalled Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade, despite $10m federal funding committed in 2021, saying Gippsland communities have waited five years for promised safety improvements. - South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region. - Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign. - Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges Victorian election candidates to cut red tape and boost farm gate tourism opportunities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reduce red tape and ease planning restrictions on farm gate businesses, reforms could boost agritourism, support local producers, create jobs and strengthen regional tourism. - Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements. - East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion. - Victorian Councils urge parties to preserve local choice in glass collection models and expand container deposit recycling benefits
A coalition of 41 Victorian councils is urging major parties to preserve local choice in glass collection, expand container deposit recycling benefits and maximise recovery while minimising costs for communities. - Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives. - Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain. - Latrobe City Business Festival returns with free October events connecting businesses, employers, job seekers and industry partners
Latrobe City’s 2026 Business Festival runs October 14–23, offering free jobs expos, workshops, networking, professional development and business events connecting employers, workers, students and industry. - Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing. - Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination. - Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards. - Baw Baw Shire Council Pop-Up Playgroups wins Victorian early years award for promoting children’s health, wellbeing and community connections
Baw Baw Shire Council’s Pop-Up Playgroups has won a 2026 Victorian Early Years Award, recognising its inclusive approach to supporting children’s wellbeing and connecting local families through play. - Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation. - Gippsland Landcare champions win Victorian awards for environmental conservation, First Nations collaboration and sustainable agriculture achievements
Two Gippsland Landcare champions have won 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards, with Moogji Aboriginal Council and Kate Mirams and Peter Neaves recognised for environmental stewardship, collaboration and sustainable agriculture. - Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking. - The Liberals pledge $5M for Victorian Living Soils Centre to boost farm productivity and agricultural sustainability
The Liberal and Nationals have pledged $5 million for a Wimmera-based Living Soils Centre, connecting farmers, universities and industry to improve soil health, agricultural research, farm productivity and environmental sustainability. - Bass Coast Council launches mobile business pilot, creating new trading opportunities across six locations
Bass Coast Council is inviting mobile businesses to apply for a 12-month trading pilot across six locations in Phillip Island, Anderson and Inverloch, with applications closing 27 November 2026. - East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts. - Sealers Cove boardwalk reopens after five years, boosting Wilsons Promontory tourism ahead of September school holidays
Sealers Cove boardwalk at Wilsons Promontory has reopened after almost five years, following storm damage in 2021. Danny O’Brien says the restored route will benefit walkers, visitors and local tourism operators. - Nationals and Liberals propose $115M apprenticeship fund to help small businesses cut training costs, address skills shortages and create local jobs
The Nationals and Liberals have announced a proposed $115 million apprenticeship fund to cover 50 per cent of eligible training costs, supporting small businesses, and creating more local career opportunities for Gippsland youth. - Labor Backpacker Visa changes leave farmers facing worker shortages and application burden
The National Farmers’ Federation will lodge fast-track backpacker applications amid Working Holiday Maker cuts, as Coalition MPs criticise Labor’s changes and warn farmers face uncertainty securing seasonal workers during peak periods. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on first draft Events Strategy for future events from 27 August to 16 September 2026
Baw Baw Shire is inviting residents, event organisers and local businesses to comment on its first draft Events Strategy, open on Baw Baw Connect from August 27 to September 16, helping shape future event planning across the Shire. - Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital. - Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils. - Gippsland Water backs biochar research to transform biosolids into sustainable soil health and waste management solutions
Gippsland Water is supporting national research into converting wastewater biosolids into biochar, aiming to improve soil health, advance sustainable waste management, and assess contaminant destruction, including PFAS, through innovative recycling. - Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth. - Darren Chester and Gemma Rendell back Lakes Entrance Recreation Centre and celebrate rural women’s contributions to East Gippsland
Darren Chester and Gemma Rendell back a proposed three-court recreation centre in Lakes Entrance, while Chester celebrates rural women’s contributions and supports Rendell’s campaign ahead of November’s state election. - Latrobe City urges state election candidates to back economic transformation, infrastructure investment, job creation and community safety priorities
Latrobe City Council is urging Victorian election candidates to commit funding for economic development, infrastructure, job creation and community safety ahead of Yallourn Power Station 2028 closure. - South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors. - Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades. - Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities. - East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises. - Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment. - Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges community advocacy for major projects ahead of Victorian state election
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging residents to support advocacy for the Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension and urgent Warragul-Drouin intersection upgrades ahead of the Victorian state election. - East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding. - Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs. - Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities. - Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events. - Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund. - Latrobe City awards $488,346 to 44 community projects supporting local clubs, facilities, wellbeing initiatives and events across the region
Latrobe City Council has awarded $488,346 to 44 community projects through Round 1 of its 2026/27 Community Grants Program, supporting facility upgrades, accessibility improvements, wellbeing initiatives, local organisations and community events. - The Nationals hear regional concerns during Maffra community discussions ahead of Victoria’s November state election
state Nationals representatives met with Maffra residents and business owners to discuss regional priorities, including cost-of-living pressures, healthcare, roads, housing, energy costs and local jobs ahead of Victoria’s November 28 election. - Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support. - Free green waste disposal at South Gippsland transfer stations and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council’s latest updates cover free green waste disposal, road maintenance, summer fire preparation, community events, bird flu advice, swimming pool feedback, energy planning and local opportunities. - Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade marks major milestone for Moe’s sporting community and regional events
Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is undergoing major upgrades, including improved sporting facilities, accessibility, lighting and training infrastructure, boosting community participation, regional events and tourism across Latrobe City. - Nationals and Liberals pledge 10 new technical colleges, delivering hands-on training for 5,000 Victorian students
The Nationals and Liberals plan 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria, providing 5,000 secondary students with hands-on vocational training and pathways into in-demand careers, including a new college in Gippsland. - Latrobe City completes major lighting upgrade across all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve, boosting netball opportunities
Latrobe City Council has upgraded all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve with 200-lux lighting, enabling extended evening use, expanded competitions and training for Traralgon Netball Association 1,400 annual participants. - Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges. - Nationals and Liberals pledge $5M Traralgon Tennis Centre upgrade to secure major international events and regional economic benefits
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged $5 million to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Centre, aiming to secure the Junior International and attract major events benefiting the Latrobe Valley economy. - Wild Cherry Steiner School begins major Johnsonville Campus development to expand alternative education opportunities for East Gippsland families
Construction of Wild Cherry Steiner School's new Johnsonville campus is beginning this month, with plans to expand capacity to 300–400 students and offer education through Year 12 from 2028. - Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community achievements and strong financial performance across the region
Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community events, environmental initiatives and financial achievements, including new trails, bike facilities and more than 369,000 native plants. - Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board. - Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
|
|
