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Russell Northe argues for more funding projects in Latrobe Valley be included in Andrews Labor government Victorian 2022-23 budget

Member for Morwell, Russell Northe says he is hopeful of a number of projects in the Morwell electorate being funded through the state governments budget which is handed down next Tuesday 3 May.

By news@gippsland - 28th April 2022 - Back to News

Member for Morwell, Russell Northe said that with a state election scheduled for November he was confident the government would be looking at investment opportunities in the Latrobe Valley. "Whilst our community has been the beneficiary of state government funding through the delivery of some sport and recreation facilities, art precincts and health settings there is still more to be done" Mr Northe commenced.

Mr Northe said it's important that there are initiatives in the budget which go to the heart of maintaining and creating employment in the Valley

Funding initiative support

Some of the initiatives supported by Mr Northe include:

• Redevelopment of a number of Latrobe Valley based soccer facilities including at clubs such as Newborough Yallourn United, Morwell Fortuna, Morwell Pegasus and the Latrobe City Sports an Entertainment Centre
• Redevelop Twin City Archers facility in Morwell to accommodate the 2026 Commonwealth Games
• A new skate park for the Traralgon community
• $7.5 million towards the Traralgon Flood Recovery project to flood proof facilities at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve and relocate various community organisations to Glenview Park, Traralgon
• Funding to progress a flood mitigation plan for the Traralgon Creek

Other initiatives he supported are:

• Funding for the commencement of Traralgon bypass
• A Magistrates Drug Court in Morwell
• Increase the number of drug and alcohol detox beds in the Latrobe Valley
• $5.5 million for Lifeline to enable the organisation and its volunteers to meet the increased demand for crisis support and suicide prevention services
• $15 million to build off-site infrastructure including roads, water and sewerage for Lake Narracan precinct plan project

Mr Northe said, "These are just some of the projects to which our community would benefit from. In addition, it's important that there are initiatives in the budget which go to the heart of maintaining and creating employment in the Valley."

"Our region has some enormous challenges in front of it given government energy and timber policies that will affect jobs into the future, and it is therefore imperative our community and the business community can have confidence that long term stable employment will be available in the Latrobe Valley moving forward" Mr Northe concluded.

Pictures from Russell Northe MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Liberal Nationals introduce bill to repeal Labor's firearms laws and abolish national gun buyback scheme
  Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has introduced a Bill, seconded by Andrew Wilcox, to repeal Labor’s firearms laws, restore previous Commonwealth regulations and abolish the stalled National Gun Buyback Scheme.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges Victorian election candidates to cut red tape and boost farm gate tourism opportunities
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reduce red tape and ease planning restrictions on farm gate businesses, reforms could boost agritourism, support local producers, create jobs and strengthen regional tourism.
• Baw Baw Shire Council Pop-Up Playgroups wins Victorian early years award for promoting children’s health, wellbeing and community connections
  Baw Baw Shire Council’s Pop-Up Playgroups has won a 2026 Victorian Early Years Award, recognising its inclusive approach to supporting children’s wellbeing and connecting local families through play.
• 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.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
  East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts.
• Regional ambulance response times deteriorate across Eastern Victoria under Labor, Melina Bath demands answers from Carroll government
  Melina Bath has criticised deteriorating ambulance response times across eastern Victoria, saying every local government area is worse than 12 years ago and calling on Labor to restore timely emergency care.
• 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.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
  Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs.
• Matthew Canavan welcomes Commonwealth Bank branch extension, calls for stronger government action to protect regional banking services
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere.