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Federal bushfire fund ‘rip off’ on East Gippsland must be prevented says Darren Chester

East Gippsland community groups will be ‘ripped off’ if the Federal Government doesn’t boost the region’s allocation under the $280 million ‘Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program’, according to Federal MP Darren Chester.

By news@gippsland - 25th August 2021 - Back to News

Federal MP Darren Chester joined with State MP Tim Bull and local Mayor Mendy Urie to write to the Prime Minister last month, seeking a review of the East Gippsland Shire’s allocation of just $4.5 million. They are yet to receive any response from the Prime Minister or the Minister for Emergency Management Bridget McKenzie.

Local MP Darren Chester said a redeveloped Omeo streetscape is one of more than $25 million worth of projects seeking bushfire recovery funding

Funding should be weighted to region

Mr Chester said, "Given the extent of damage, and the excellent projects which have been submitted for funding, we will be ripped off as a region if the East Gippsland allocation remains at $4.5 million under this program."

"But it can be prevented. The program is meant to fill in the gaps from previous funding initiatives and focus on community-led projects in the regions most adversely impacted by the Black Summer bushfires."

"The funding should be weighted to regions which suffered direct damage, not just flow on impacts. It defies logic that $27 million has been notionally allocated to six Councils in north-east Victoria and just $4.5 million to East Gippsland. To add insult to injury, the Canberra bureaucrats have allocated funding based on Local Government Areas which discriminates against Victoria because we amalgamated four or five Councils into one.

Huge amount of unmet demands

Mr Chester said he was aware of more than $25 million worth of grant applications to be submitted from East Gippslanders, which could be eligible for funding. "If East Gippsland Shire hadn’t gone through the amalgamation process, under this lazy Canberra policy process, we would be eligible for $22.5 million."

"I warned the bureaucrats and the Minister’s office three months ago that there was a huge amount of unmet demand in our region for bushfire recovery grants. It’s because East Gippsland suffered the most damage in Victoria and it should receive a fairer share of the $280 million on offer." Mr Chester said.

Highlighted the region’s losses

In the letter to the Prime Minister, the East Gippsland community leaders highlighted the region’s losses in the fires

1. More than half of the East Gippsland LGA was burnt (1.1 million hectares)
2. More than 60,000 people are estimated to have evacuated East Gippsland as a result of the warnings issued by emergency authorities
3. Three people died in East Gippsland and 410 residential properties were destroyed, along with 27 commercial properties
4. The cumulative impact of economic losses as a result of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 has entrenched the socio-economic disadvantage experienced in one of the most vulnerable regional communities in Australia.

"I’m not suggesting the other municipalities don’t deserve some funding but the program should be based on actual bushfire impacts. The communities which suffered the most direct damage should receive the most funding to help the recovery process," Mr Chester said.

"The Canberra bureaucracy and the Ministers responsible have clearly made a mistake and rather than stubbornly plough on and make it worse, they should increase the allocation to East Gippsland and any other Shire that was actually burnt. I have no intention of giving up the fight for a fair go for Gippsland."

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Australia’s favourite art award, the prestigious Archibald Prize for portraiture is coming to Gippsland.
• Municipal monitor appointed for 2021 South Gippsland Shire Election to restore confidence
  A municipal monitor will be appointed to Council following the election in late October.
• Russell Northe says local residents must have a voice in Traralgon Creek flood review
  Residents wanting to better understand why the emergency and evacuation systems failed to function.
• Young Archie 2021 exhibition now open at Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale
  Gippslanders will get a unique first look at Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art award when the Archibald Prize opens in Sale next week.
• Worker shortage will derail Victorian and Gippsland farms and agriculture businesses
  The Andrews Labor Government has failed to step up to the plate to solve a desperate shortage of workers across Victorian farms and agriculture businesses.
• Tutor program to continue in schools across Eastern Victoria until 2022
  The Victorian Government will make sure that not one school student across Eastern Victoria is left behind in the wake of the pandemic, with the state’s extraordinarily successful tutor program to continue until the end of 2022.
• List of the best things to see in Gippsland for spring 2021
  Spring is an amazing time to visit Gippsland with the fragrant gardens, thunderous waterfalls, and outdoor wanderings, events that are surely a must see.
• Landfill tender for South Gippsland out this weekend
  Transfer stations and hard waste collection services to start on 3 July.
• Cancellations in Victorian public transport like Vline in Gippsland could be avoided with rapid testing for COVID
  Victoria's public transport to be disrupted by underpreparedness of the system.
• Drouin Civic Park upgrade officially opened
  Support given for the park upgrade for the families and community to enjoy.
• Marlo Angling Club community hall to be upgraded with $336,000 funding from Local Economic Recovery Program
  Upgrading the angling club hall for long-term benefit for the community.
• How Labor is helping regional communities like Gippsland recover from storms
  Funding made available to help communities recover from the storm.
• Explore your backyard online this National Water Week with East Gippsland Water
  Join us in an online learning festival to celebrate the national water week.
• Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project Environmental Effects Statement (EES) and Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) hearing cost East Gippsland Shire Council $730,688
  Total external cost hearing of the fingerboards mineral sands project.
• Key dates when running as a councillor in South Gippsland Shire Council election 2021
  Local council election key dates.
• Latrobe Valley paper will continue to be sent by rail for export and distribution as key Gippsland freight service gets stimulus for Victorian government
  Improvements on train tracks that will help ensure its daily runs.
• Rapid COVID-19 testing key for getting regional and Gippsland VLine trains back on track
  Lengthy shutdown to Victoria’s regional train network is driving a push for rapid testing to be rolled out for staff across the public transport network.
• Baw Baw Council welcomes Victorian government funding to support flood and storm recovery
  Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes the announcement of financial support from the Victorian Government to assist with our recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating storms that have recently struck our region.
• Pandemic-driven property price rises putting the squeeze on Gippsland and other regional home buyers
  Property and rental price hike in regional Victoria, while availability in other areas are dropping.
• 2021 Australian Netball Championships format revamped as September event at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium postponed
  The Australian Netball Championships will be played in a decentralised format this year, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to present significant challenges for sport.
• Peter Walsh says Andrews government vaccine mandate for all Authorised Workers, including farmers is desperate and illogical
  Mandating COVID vaccinations to all farmers and authorised workers.
• Great Southern Rail Trail to be extended with $6 million funding from Regional Infrastructure Fund
  Boosting tourism while creating jobs for the locals through the Gippsland track and trails project.
• Vaccine passports must be defeated as removes their basic human right of freedom of movement
  COVID-19 vaccine "passports" threaten human rights.
• Snowy River railway trestle bridge will boost tourism for East Gippsland
  Council working and supporting the locals in the restoration of the trestle bridge that will give long-term benefits for the community.
• No more excuses for Victorian Labor to delay worker fix for Gippsland farmers
  The Andrews Labor Government has run out of excuses to delay fixing Victoria’s farm worker shortage, after the Federal Government today confirmed details of Australia’s ag visa program.
• Rowenna Dunn announced as new manager for the West Gippsland Arts Centre
  Announcement of Rowenna Dunn as new manager of West Gippsland Arts Centre.
• Peter Walsh says financial support needed to revive Royal Melbourne Show competitions after being cancelled second year in a row
  Cancellation of the Royal Melbourne Show, is taking away good opportunities for the Victorian.
• Warragul Cinemas gets a $60,000 grant from 'Supporting Cinemas’ Retention Endurance and Enhancement of Neighbourhoods (SCREEN) federal program
  Government program that aims to support independent cinema operators who have experienced significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19.
• Budget and financial plan for 2021/22 adopted by South Gippsland Shire Council
  Budget and financial planning 2021-22.
• Tim Bull says Victorian protests should never be held at the Shrine of Remembrance
  Protesters violating the sanctity of the Shrine of Remembrance.
• Tickets on sale for Archibald Prize exhibition in October at Gippsland Art Gallery
  Tickets on sale for Archibald Prize at Gippsland Art Gallery.
• Five reasons to get to Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort in Gippsland this winter
  Resort where kids can learn to ski or snowboard, or for the family to spend the holiday to.
• Russell Broadbent says large response for views on vaccination passports with strong arguments on both sides – I’m humbled by your response
  Vaccination passports being opposed by some constituents.
• The Disability Gateway is new one-stop shop for support to people in Gippsland with a disability
  People with disability can now access support team which includes information, programs and support available.
• Another horror month from VLine from commuters on Gippsland trains
  V/Line’s reliability plummeted to a record low last month, including on train lines to Gippsland and Bairnsdale.
• Calling for applications to chair Regional Development Gippsland committee
  Positions are now open to lead the regional development committees.
• New Mallacoota Community Clubrooms a focal point for township
  The new Mallacoota Community Clubrooms were officially opened on Sunday 11 July, providing a purpose-built facility and focal point for the community.
• Latrobe Regional Hospital to host Mind Australia pop-up community mental health service and cater to Gippsland
  Additional funding to support the mental health workforce for better and more accessible services as the Latrobe Regional Hospital to host one of the pop-up community mental health services.
• Honouring the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Motorcycle Club of Gippsland Chapter
  Member for Monash Russell Broadbent and Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood, honouring the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Motorcycle Club – Gippsland Chapter.
• Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre awards local company A1 Solar & Electrical to install 100kW solar power system
  East Gippsland Shire Council is tapping into the power of the sun to save on energy costs by installing its largest-ever solar system in one of its buildings.
• Community sponsorship program for Baw Baw opening in July
  Sponsorship and grants for community organisations to assist for the community development.
• Community invited to online briefing on Warragul and Drouin preferred neighbourhood character design guidelines
  Online open community briefing will be held by the council to present councillors and the community with the draft design guidelines that are proposed to define overall township character and inform planning for future developments.
• Labertouche Community Hall gets lovingly restored through the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community and Facility Fund
  Labertouche Community Hall has been lovingly restored with a new roof, ceiling and floor, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
• Community feedback wanted on Baw Baw Shire Council Environmental Sustainability Strategy
  Council is seeking valuable community input to guide the development of a new environmental sustainability strategy for Baw Baw Shire.
• Community and business input on draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2025 sought by Baw Baw Shire Council
  Baw Baw Shire Council is currently seeking community and business input on the draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2025.
• Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City Council get extra $13,200 from state government ‘Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program’
  Eastern Victorian Councils will receive more funding to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
• Community feedback wanted for Warragul and Drouin residential design guidelines that will shape the future look of these towns
  All residents are invited to help shape guidelines that will define the overall township character for future developments in Drouin and Warragul.
• Bass Coast Community Vision 2041 with plan for 2021-25 and financial plan 2021-31 adopted by Bass Coast Shire Council
  Bass Coast Shire Council is pleased to have adopted the Bass Coast Community Vision 2041, the Council Plan 2021-25 and the Long Term Financial Plan 2021-31 at its Meeting on Wednesday.
• Massive black hole in Victorian government budget for regional areas like Gippsland
  Government’s failure on projects and creating jobs for the locals, attempting to hide the real status of what was promised.
• Feedback wanted on community vision, draft council plan and draft long term financial plan from Baw Baw Shire Council
  Residents of the community is encouraged to join the community engagement and send their feedback to council’s vision for the Baw Baw’s future.
• Baw Baw community has their questions answered by Mayor Danny Goss over live online Q&A
  Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Councillor Danny Goss hosted a live Facebook Q&A on Tuesday evening to cover all the hot topics our community cares about.
• Cowes Culture and Community Centre construction tender up to be considered by Bass Coast Shire Council on 20 Oct 2021
  Council project that valued the community's feedback and would create jobs for the local community.
• Australia day awards for 2020 nominations open for people that have gone above and beyond in South Gippsland Shire
  Nominations are now open for the South Gippsland Australia Day Awards.
• Vexatious court claims closes timber coupe for training Victorian essential service personnel at TAFE Gippsland
  Timber coupe being used by TAFE Gippsland for training Victorian essential service personnel has been targeted by vexatious court claims resulting in its closure.
• Free Trade Agreement: Russell Broadbent says our prosperity is in our hands
  Grabbing every trade opportunity to help boost the economy and also people who had lost their jobs due to industry closures.
• Request for Wellington Shire businesses to list with council to be promoted to the 50,000 visitors for Archibald Prize exhibition in October at Gippsland Art Gallery
  Council is encouraging the businesses and community groups to send their expressions of interest for the Archibald Prize exhibition.
• Statewide lockdowns Labor government are killing communities across Victoria including Gippsland
  Decision to call for state lockdown keeps bringing Victorians out of work and resources.
• Wellington Shire Council wants community’s feedback on sport as and community facilities plans
  Council is seeking community feedback in shaping the infrastructure plans.
• Extra $1.6 million for critical child care services in West and South Gippsland
  Government assistance committed to giving access to families for a quality child care.
• Come to Cowes Cultural and Community Centre community drop-in information session
  Information session for the community with regards of the cultural centre redevelopment.
• Low indigenous vaccination rates risk widening the gap in Latrobe Valley and Gippsland
  Vaccine hesitancy and testing hesitancy in Victoria’s Indigenous communities’ risks pushing people further into disadvantage under the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to offer more freedoms to people who are fully-vaccinated.
• Limited lockdowns a win for regional communities like Gippsland
  A move to use limited lockdowns, by LGA, gives some long overdue relief and certainty to regional Victorian families, businesses and communities.
• Expanded free TAFE turbocharges post-covid Victoria and Gippsland
  Additional TAFE courses ensuring appropriate training for Victorian job seekers.
• Visit artists home studios from 13-14 November 2021 during Open Studio West Gippsland
  A weekend-long event for you to relax while you discover some of the amazing areas west Gippsland can offer.
• Local artists wanted to apply for public mural for community or township with grant of $20,000 from Baw Baw Shire Council
  Council is seeking expressions of interest from local artists and creative community members keen to deliver a public art mural project for a community or township within Baw Baw Shire.
• Traralgon and Warragul to benefit from Andrews Victorian government rural residential aged care facilities renewal program
  The Victorian Government is upgrading public sector residential aged care services across Eastern Victoria, creating new jobs and ensuring hundreds of older Victorians continue to receive the care and comfort they deserve.
• Latrobe City Council announces community representatives for safety committee
  Council announcing the representative of the new community safety committee.
• Tell your mobile dropouts, blackspots and poor connections to the 'Connecting Victoria' online survey
  The people of Gippsland have been given a unique opportunity to name the dropouts, the blackspots and the poor digital connections that impede their ability to live, work and play.
• Baw Baw Shire Council doing good job as 2021 community satisfaction survey shows improvement
  Community satisfaction survey results have been released and can now be viewed.
• Upcoming Warragul and Drouin design guidelines community consultation sessions to be moved online
  Council seeking the community's feedback for the Warragul and Drouin design guidelines.
• Draft economic development and visitor economy strategies for South Gippsland
  The Draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategies are now out for public comment.