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South Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils secured $4.7M federal funding to plan renewable energy and other project updates

South Gippsland Shire and Wellington Shire Councils secured $4.7M to plan renewable energy projects, supporting jobs, sustainable growth, and Gippsland's offshore wind future.

By news@gippsland - 14th August 2025 - Back to News

South Gippsland Shire Council, in partnership with Wellington Shire Council, has successfully secured $4.7 million in funding through the Australian government's Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. This significant investment will support both councils to strategically plan for renewable energy projects, including offshore wind.

South and Wellington Shire Councils secured $4.7M to plan renewable energy projects, reflecting strong advocacy and partnerships across Gippsland communities

Wind energy shift

The Australian government's declaration of Gippsland as an offshore wind zone marks a pivotal shift for our region. While many decisions are yet to be made - including the announcement of successful project proponents - what's clear is the need to plan proactively. We're committed to ensuring this transformation happens with our communities, not simply to them.

This funding will help prepare land and infrastructure across the region, laying the groundwork for the renewable energy industry and ensuring our townships are active participants in shaping the future - not just bystanders affected by it.

As home to the two ports closest to the designated offshore wind area - Barry Beach Marine Terminal and Port Anthony - South Gippsland will play a leading role in Victoria's renewable energy future.

Clean energy leadership

This grant is the result of strong advocacy by South Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils, helping to turn the recommendations from our Renewable Energy Impact and Readiness Study into meaningful action.

It also reflects the strength of our partnerships - including with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, One Gippsland, neighbouring councils, and education providers like TAFE Gippsland and Federation University. Their advocacy also helped to ensure the success of our application and we thank them for their support.

Together, we are positioning Gippsland as a national leader in renewable energy. This funding marks a major step forward - supporting local jobs, sustainable economic growth, and a resilient future for our region.

Latest on South Gippsland

Melbourne Water Seeking Flood Knowledge

Do you have local knowledge that would help to inform updated flood mapping for Loch, Poowong and Nyora? Melbourne water would love to hear from you. For more information, visit Melbourne Water website.

Temporary Wilsons Promontory National Park Closure

Wilsons Promontory National Park will be closed from 5.00pm Sunday 17 August to 8.00am Friday 22 August. The closure will allow for important park management and conservation programs to take place. For more information, visit Parks Victoria website.

What's on South Gippsland

South Gippsland Landcare Network Events

Join South Gippsland Landcare Network for either of the following events in September.

All about feralSCAN

Join Peter West from the Department of Primary Industry to hear about how and why recording pest animal sightings on feralSCAN is one easy way you can contribute to pest animal management.

• When: Thursday 4 September, 5.00pm
• Where: Online

Register via Humanitix website.

Best Practice Fox Control

Foxes can be responsible for up to 30 per cent of lamb losses. The lead up to lambing season is a great time to plan a control program. Come along for the the opportunity to borrow camera traps from South Gippsland Landcare. These can be used during a control program or to help understand what pests are lingering around your property.

• When: Friday 12 September, 10.00am
• Where: Sandy Point Community Centre

Register via Humanitix website.

The Victorian Trees on Farms Program offers grants to rural landowners for flexible tree integration, supporting timber production and environmental benefits, Round 1 open until 30 June 2026

Victorian Trees on Farms Program

This new statewide program released by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), supports landowners to establish trees on their properties for a range of objectives, including timber production, carbon abatement, stock protection and the enhancement of biodiversity.

The program, which replaces the former Victorian Carbon Farming Pilot and Gippsland Farm Forestry Program, provides funding to help plant trees and manage projects designed for long-term sustainability. For more information, visit Agriculture Victoria website.

Decisions that drive drought recovery

Join this powerful and practical one-day workshop that focuses on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change. Feel confident and equipped to make the decisions necessary to navigate your farm business through the current seasonal crisis/challenges.

• Date: Wednesday 27 August
• Time: 9.00am to 3.30pm
• Location: Meeniyan Community Hub

For more information, visit Agriculture Victoria website.

Fish Creek Memorial Hall screens a heartfelt film on farmers' struggles and resilience, featuring Warren Davies, with dinner and registration required

"Just a Farmer" Community Screening Event

Fish Creek Memorial Hall presents a moving film which tells the story of farmers' challenges, focusing on the importance of mental health in rural communities. The night will also feature Warren Davies, the unbreakable farmer.

• Date: Friday 29 August
• Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm
• Location: Fish Creek Memorial Hall

Register your attendance via trybooking website.

Perimenopause and Menopause Panel and Conversations Event

Join in community discussion and listen to a panel of expert speakers exploring women's experiences of perimenopause and menopause.

• Date: Wednesday 13 August
• Time: 5.15pm to 7.15pm
• Location: South Gippsland Hospital, Community Health Centre - Fleming Room, Foster

Register via Humanitix website.

Free Breast Screens and Women's Health Consultations in Foster

The Women's Health Mobile Clinic is coming to Foster.

• Free 10-minute breast screens
• When: 11 August to 12 September 2025
• Where: South Gippsland Hospital, 87 Station Road

To find out more about the program and check if you are eligible, visit Breast Screen website.

• Free 45-minute women's health consults
• When: 11 August to 12 September 2025
• Where: South Gippsland Hospital, 87 Station Road

To learn more about the range of services available, visit BreastScreen Victoria website.

Doing It Deadly!

Join this cultural event presented by Foster Secondary College. Incorporating music performances, dance, food, art, storytelling and language, this is bound to be a fantastic night.

• When: Saturday 6 September, 5.30pm
• Where: Foster War Memorial Arts Centre

Purchase your tickets via trybooking website.

Council seeks two artists to co-create interactive digital artworks for This Park's Alive!, engaging South Gippsland children with local parks

Your community

This Park's Alive! Expression of Interest

Council is seeking to engage two artists to each co-develop interactive digital experiences or artworks, as part of This Park's Alive! This Park's Alive! is a project funded by a VicHealth Growing Healthy Communities Grant. It involves proposing a groundbreaking participative art campaign for South Gippsland, that will engage children from 8 to 11 years of age in new ways with their own local parks. To find out more and to express your interest, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

The Parenting Today survey explores mental health, digital parenting, and support access, giving families a voice to shape better services and policies

Parenting Today National Survey

The Parenting Today survey is a landmark national initiative that explores key topics including mental health, digital parenting, and how families access support and services.

Parenting can be joyful, exhausting, rewarding and sometimes lonely. This survey is a chance to share what it is like for you, giving governments, services and communities the opportunity to make better decisions that affect families every day.

Kaye Ellery-Burke, Tourism Information Officer says, "I love family days in Mirboo North - BBQ in Baromi Park, kids at play, coffee, shops, trails, and the vibrant market"

Discover South Gippsland

Local Favourites from the Visitor Information Centre
Inspiration from Kaye Ellery-Burke, Tourism Information Officer

"Working at the Visitor Information Centre, it is always hard to choose what's next on the list of things to do around South Gippsland.

I love a family day out in Mirboo North. We cook a BBQ lunch in Baromi Park while the kids and grandkids enjoy the skate park, and playground with the amazing slide. There's always time to grab a coffee across the road and stroll the shops or enjoy a walk on the Grand Ridge Rail Trail or through Baths Road Reserve. Mirboo North Market is also one of my favourites."

Happy exploring,
The VIC Team.

Community engagement

Proposed Road Discontinuance - Rooney Street Foster

Council has proposed to commence statutory procedures to discontinue an unused road known as Rooney Street Foster. A person may make a submission to this proposal. Submissions are to be received no later than 5.00pm Tuesday 19 August 2025 addressed to the CEO.

For more information or to make a submission, visit Your Say South Gippsland website.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester welcomed the upcoming completion of Aqua Energy's multi-million-dollar redevelopment in Sale, delivering modern pools and accessible facilities, boosting community health, sport, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional wellbeing.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.
• Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
  Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Join Omeo's visitor economy through tourism mapping and justice precinct masterplan vision sessions on 14 September 2025
  Omeo visitor economy's future will be shaped through community sessions presenting the Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Draft Justice Precinct Masterplan, highlighting heritage, recreation, and opportunities to attract investment.
• 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.
• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
  The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy.