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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.

By news@gippsland - 21st August 2026 - Back to News

With under 100 days until the Victorian State Election, Baw Baw Shire Council is calling on all candidates and political parties to recognise that community projects make the biggest difference to people’s lives. Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson said this countdown marked an important opportunity to highlight critical projects in need of funding that supported Baw Baw Shire’s future growth, safety and liveability.

Baw Baw Shire Council welcomed the Victorian Liberals and Nationals’ renewed commitment to deliver a new West Gippsland Hospital, reinforcing the project’s priority status

Advocacy for growth

Cr Wilson said, "Over the next 100 days, we will ramp up advocacy to all candidates from both sides of politics on a clear set of endorsed priorities, asking them to respond with meaningful commitments. Population growth in Baw Baw Shire is straining existing infrastructure and services and there is only so much that Council can achieve with a limited budget and increasing financial pressure", she said.

Earlier this year, Baw Baw Shire Council endorsed its shovel ready advocacy priorities ranging from key intersection upgrades, business attraction, paths and trails, sporting infrastructure, support for growing peri-urban regions, and fairer access to financial assistant grants.

Advocacy priorities

Key advocacy priorities for delivery include:

Intersection upgrades

Three critical intersection upgrades are needed to keep locals safe and the traffic moving, these include a roundabout at Weebar Road in Drouin, traffic lights at Burke Street and Howitt Street in Warragul, and traffic lights at Princes Way and Wellwood Road in Drouin.

Paths and trails

More investment is needed in path and trail infrastructure to deliver a myriad of benefits to communities ranging from social and recreational through to economic. Council is calling to make more funding streams available to assist councils to invest in their communities’ health, wellbeing and liveability by expanding their paths and trails networks. Additionally, a further $7 million is needed to fund the planning, development and construction of a second stage of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail (from Neerim South to Noojee).

Business Attraction

Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government to commit to greater investment in regional business, tourism, and recreation projects to support local economic development.

Sporting Infrastructure

Baw Baw Shire is asking the State Government for sports infrastructure funding and policy initiatives to support the necessary sports infrastructure required for our growing community.

Financial assistance

Baw Baw Shire is asking the Federal Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to 1% of federal taxation revenue whilst maintaining existing funding streams and to continue annual increases in Roads to Recovery (R2R) funding to both bring the funding to a level where councils can properly maintain and repair their road networks, and to keep pace with rising costs.

Peri Urban Status

Baw Baw Shire is asking the State and Federal Governments to recognise peri urban councils in policy and in funding programs to support peri urban councils to plan, prioritise and appropriately fund major infrastructure.

New West Gippsland Hospital

A new hospital in West Gippsland is desperately needed to replace the outdated 118-year-old hospital currently in Warragul. A 23.6-hectare greenfield site in Drouin East is ready to house a new hospital to service the growing community should the Victorian Government commit to funding this long-awaited critical project. Recently, Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson visited Baw Baw Shire pledging $850 million to break ground on a new hospital if a Liberal-Nationals Coalition is elected this November.

Council is calling on the Labor Party to also recommit to delivering a new hospital if elected. "These priorities are not the only investments our community needs, but they are a strong place to start. They are ready to progress, can deliver real impact and give us an opportunity to act now rather than wait for pressures to escalate."

"We welcome any opportunity to discuss local priorities with election candidates and political parties over the next 100 days during this important time for Victoria," Cr Wilson said.

Local voices matter

In partnership with councils across the state, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) also has a clear message to election candidates with a new campaign, "The future is local. The time is now." This campaign calls on all candidates contesting local electorates to commit to funding the gap in community infrastructure, support safer, more engaged and more socially cohesive communities, fast track investment in roads, public transport and active transport links and ensure community voices are at the heart of the energy transition.

For more about the MAV’s "The future is local. The time is now" campaign, visit Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) website. For more information on priority projects and ways our community can get involved in advocacy campaigns, please visit Advocacy Priorities page. Every voice makes a difference to the future of Baw Baw.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• 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.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• 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.
• Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
  The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
  Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation.
• 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.
• Sale residents urged to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 10 October 2026
  Wellington Shire residents can safely dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals at a free Detox Your Home event in Sale, helping protect waterways, people, animals and the environment.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
  Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and State MPs to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia’s school lunch program
  Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and MPs Marty Cameron and Melina Bath to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia, providing free school lunches to disadvantaged children across Gippsland.
• 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.