Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Community Conversations to deliver second Strength-Led Transition plan

Council prepares for phase two of Strength-Led Transition plan

By Portal Admin - 10th April 2018 - Back to News

On Wednesday night Latrobe City’s community continued to solidify and refine its vision for the future as Council prepares for phase two of its Strength-Led Transition plan, which for the past year, has been an authentic reflection of our community aspirations.

Mayor, Councillor Darrell White said, "While it has been heartening and appreciated to secure over $900 million in funding commitments within the Latrobe Valley and Latrobe City Council over the past year from State and Federal Government, our work is far from done.

"The funding has begun to trigger valuable private investment in our regional city, but with the Victorian election looming it is timely to check in with our community so we know precisely what we should be seeking to secure through our advocacy efforts."

Much like the phase one process, Latrobe City Council is turning to the community to establish our priority list.

Through a series of Community Conversation events every member of the community has an opportunity to voice an opinion; raise issues and challenges; make suggestions for new initiatives—all of which can shape our City’s future.

Those who attended the event last Wednesday ranked the ideas raised throughout the night into a list of top ten priorities:

1. Pakenham to Melbourne (Gippsland) Rail Corridor
2. State/Federal Government job decentralisation
3. Diversity in industry & renewals – more use of
4. Recycling – address waste problem
5. Release land on brown coal overlays
6. Drug & mental health facilities
7. Innovative coal uses/fertiliser/low emission use
8. Develop strategic infrastructure for development
9. Brown Coal Royalties Fund
10. Agriculture – value adding

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Community planting day advances Blue Rock Lake foreshore restoration and native fish habitat
  Students, Landcare volunteers and partner organisations have planted native vegetation at Blue Rock Lake, building on fish habitat projects and erosion-control works to strengthen the shoreline and support wildlife.
• 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.
• Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
  Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year Nature Plan to protect local biodiversity until 31 August 2026
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft 10-year Nature Plan, outlining priorities to protect biodiversity, restore landscapes and engage residents. Public submissions close on 31 August 2026.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community input on priorities and spending ahead of 2027/28 Budget Development and financial planning process
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback to help shape its 2027/28 Budget, with residents encouraged to share priorities, ideas and concerns through Have Your Say by November 1.
• 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.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives.
• 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.
• Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
  Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft policy to strengthen engagement and decision-making until 21 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation, clarify engagement expectations and ensure community input informs council decision-making. Submissions close 21 October 2026.
• East Gippsland Council seeks community feedback on general local law review before 2027 expiry, submit by 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its General Local Law review, covering public spaces, safety, amenity and local activities, with consultation open until Friday, October 2.
• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.
• 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.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on future of local aquatic facilities and swimming pools before 6 December 2026
  South Gippsland Council is seeking community feedback on the future of aquatic facilities, with ageing infrastructure, changing visitation, rising costs and renewal needs under consideration. Feedback closes December 6.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire endorses revised Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation and build trust in council decisions
  Baw Baw Shire councillors have unanimously endorsed a revised Community Engagement Policy, aiming to strengthen community participation, ensure meaningful feedback and build greater trust in Council’s decision-making processes.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Latrobe City Council endorses updated community amenity local law following extensive community consultation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed an updated Community Amenity Local Law, strengthening rules around property upkeep, waste, animals, burning, vehicles, public spaces and permits.
• 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 Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
  East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program.
• South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
  South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs.
• Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
  Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative.
• Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
  Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages.
• 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.
• East Gippsland coastal management plan gains ministerial approval after extensive community consultation and collaboration across region
  East Gippsland's Coastal and Marine Management Plan has received Ministerial Approval, recognising three years of community consultation and providing a shire-wide framework for sustainably managing coastal and marine environments.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.
• 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.
• Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
  Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs.
• 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.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• 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.
• Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
  Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• 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.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• The Nationals pledge $10M boost for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, supporting community hubs facing rising demand and cost pressures
  The Nationals have pledged $10 million over four years for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, including $4 million for existing services and $6 million to establish and expand hubs in growing regions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• 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.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
  East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants.
• Wellington Shire Council retains three-bin waste system as landfill waste falls, delivering savings and supporting long-term waste management
  Wellington Shire Council will retain its three-bin kerbside waste service after landfill waste fell more than 40 per cent, reducing disposal costs and supporting lower household waste charges.
• Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
  Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• 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.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.
• Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
  Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access.
• 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.
• Wellington Shire Council updates flood mapping to improve safety, planning, climate resilience and development decisions across the municipality
  Wellington Shire Council is updating flood mapping and planning controls, incorporating climate impacts, to improve safety, guide development and manage flood risks. Public submissions close 2 November 2026.
• 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.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Anthony Petherbridge as third new director following organisational restructure
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Anthony Petherbridge as Director Community and Planning Services following its restructure, joining two new directors and bringing extensive strategic planning and executive-level local government experience.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• 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.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
  The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria.
• 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.
• Wellington Shire Council backs campaign seeking greater rural investment, improved roads, infrastructure funding and regional economic growth
  Wellington Shire Council is backing Rural Councils Victoria’s campaign for greater investment in rural infrastructure, including roads, community facilities and a proposed $1 billion regional productivity and growth fund.