Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Coalition To Ease The Cost Of Living For Local Community Latrobe Valley concession card holders will have their year-round electricity bills slashed by 17.5 percent under a Liberal Nationals Coalition Government, Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe By Russell Northe - 25th November 2010 - Back to News announced today. Mr Northe said the Coalition would also extend stamp duty relief to eligible self-funded retirees who were entitled to a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. "Reducing electricity bills will really help to ease cost of living pressures for so many older people in our community as well as other concession card holders," Mr Northe said. "Older local residents, especially those on fixed incomes, struggle with massive electricity bills and after 11 years of Labor government it has become much worse.
Mr Northe said the Coalition’s $351.4 million electricity bill concession plan would enable more than 800,000 households to benefit from lower electricity bills year-round across the state. "Labor’s summer electricity concession policy will only apply to concession card holders for the three-month summer period. The Coalition’s plan means that local concession card holders will receive a 17.5 per cent reduction on their electricity bills all year round.
"This will also help to alleviate the costs associated with the smart meter debacle which has seen electricity costs rise markedly for consumers."
"The new concession will be available to holders of Pensioner Concession Cards, Health Care Cards or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Cards. Mr Northe said the Coalition would also extend the land transfer stamp duty concession threshold to $750,000 for all seniors, including self-funded retirees, at a total cost of $42.1 million. "This package of initiatives will make a real difference to local people who have struggled keeping up with rising everyday costs," Mr Northe said.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - 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. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun. - David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - 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. - Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - 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. - East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - 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. - Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - 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. - Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
|
|
