Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Praise For Local Safety InitiativesLocal road safety initiatives aimed at reducing traffic crashes and improving driver and pedestrian safety have been praised at the formal launch held on Wednesday. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 9th October 2009 - Back to News Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ken Lay, helped Bass Coast Shire Council and South Gippsland RoadSafe launch the L2P Program, the Crash Display Vehicle and the Scooter Safety Report.
Council’s Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon, said the newest initiative, the Crash Vehicle Display, has proven to be very popular at local football matches, markets, schools and major events across South Gippsland and Bass Coast Shires.
"The crash vehicle display tells a tragic story of a young local man who was in a terrible accident," said Mr Laydon.
"Whilst he survived the crash, he is confined to a wheelchair and will require personal care for the rest of his life.
"The good news is that our community has an opportunity to learn from this tragedy. The Crash Display Vehicle shows the crashed vehicle accompanied by the young man’s story.
"The display is very powerful and if it can make others think about their behaviour when they are in a car or on the road, then it’s doing what we set out to do.
"Over the next four weeks, the display has already been booked for events in Werribee, Diamond Valley and Traralgon, demonstrating its impact," said Mr Laydon.
The launch also featured the Bass Coast Motorised Scooter Project which it is hoped will be the catalyst for local, state and federal regulations for the use of motorised scooters.
"Research confirms that the use of motorised scooters is on the increase," said Mr Laydon.
"It’s becoming obvious that we need to plan and manage for the safe growth in scooter use within the community and the report has a number of recommendations for key agencies.
"The third program launched today was the L2P project that was initially established to assist members of the local Sudanese community to gain their license.
"It has since evolved to a community program that now provides assistance to young people without access to a mentor or a vehicle to learn to drive in.
"This is the first program developed in Victoria and has been the catalyst for similar programs across the state," said Mr Laydon.
RoadSafe Victoria recently presented awards to Peter Laydon and Victoria Police retiring Sergeant and South Gippsland RoadSafe member Steve Johnson.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- 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. - 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. - Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections. - East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises. - Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027. - Latrobe Leisure Morwell earns Gold Safety Accreditation for highest aquatic safety standards recognition achieved
Latrobe Leisure Morwell earned Life Saving Victoria’s Gold Safety Accreditation after achieving 100 percent compliance and a safety score above 95 percent, recognising exceptional aquatic safety, operations and risk management standards. - 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. - Coal Creek Sunday Sessions bring local musicians together for two afternoons of live music and family-friendly entertainment in November 2026
Coal Creek’s Sunday Sessions will feature local soloists, duos and musical groups across two family-friendly afternoons of live music on November 15 and 29. - Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities. - 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. - Victorian Councils urge parties to preserve local choice in glass collection models and expand container deposit recycling benefits
A coalition of 41 Victorian councils is urging major parties to preserve local choice in glass collection, expand container deposit recycling benefits and maximise recovery while minimising costs for communities. - 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. - 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. - Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation. - Willow Grove recreation reserve secures $360,000 lighting upgrade to improve safety and support local sport
Willow Grove Recreation Reserve will receive a $360,000 lighting upgrade by 2028, improving safety, supporting local sporting clubs, expanding female football opportunities and assisting emergency services during critical events. - 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. - 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. - Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally. - 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. - Latrobe City Libraries offer free live music celebrating local Gippsland talent from October to December 2026
Latrobe City Libraries will host free, family-friendly live music from local Gippsland musicians across Morwell, Traralgon and Moe from October to December 2026. No bookings are required; everyone is welcome to attend. - 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. - East Gippsland Council endorses public toilet review to improve cleanliness, safety and maintenance across 88 facilities
East Gippsland Council has endorsed a strategy to improve management of 88 public toilets, prioritising cleanliness, safety and maintenance through community feedback, targeted cleaning and better monitoring, with no facility closures proposed. - Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours. - 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. - Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on three strategies guiding local economic growth, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure through 2037
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three strategies covering economic development, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure, with consultation open until November 8, 2026, to guide priorities and investment through 2037. - 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. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million 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. - Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges. - Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres. - The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication. - Baw Baw Employment Expo returns this September to connect job seekers with local employers and training providers
Baw Baw Employment Expo returns September 30, connecting job seekers with local employers, vacancies and training providers. The free event also offers resume support, networking opportunities, industry insights, coffee vouchers and lunch. - Darren Chester and Martin Cameron visit Mitchell House to recognise local aged care workers and services
Federal Member Darren Chester and State MP Martin Cameron visited Morwell Mitchell House, recognising aged care workers and highlighting the importance of accessible, compassionate local care for older Gippslanders. - Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo. - 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. - East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool. - 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. - 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. - Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety. - Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation. - 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. - Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users. - Darren Chester visits Aussie Broadband’s Traralgon office, highlighting reliable telecommunications for Gippsland’s regional communities and businesses
Darren Chester met Aussie Broadband executives in Traralgon to discuss improving regional mobile coverage, faster internet speeds, telecommunications resilience, and investment in local jobs and skills development. - Silcocks Hill Road in Toora reduced to single lane for four to six weeks during landslip repairs
Silcocks Hill Road in Toora will operate under single-lane conditions for four to six weeks from August 17 while landslip remediation works are completed, with motorists urged to allow extra travel time. - RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment. - East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online. - Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes. - 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. - Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation. - Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges. - Palm Lake Resort Paynesville welcomes 100th resident, boosting East Gippsland’s retirement living and local economic growth
Palm Lake Resort Paynesville has welcomed its 100th resident, highlighting growing demand for retirement living and investment supporting local businesses and economic activity across East Gippsland. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election. - Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure. - Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community. - 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. - East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion. - Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife. - 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. - Morwell’s Icon Industrial receives $1.9M to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs and diversify the local economy
Morwell’s Icon Industrial development has received a $1.9 million grant for road, sewer, water and drainage upgrades, supporting investment, job creation and economic diversification as the region transitions from traditional industries. - Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities. - Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements. - East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra. - Darren Chester slams Victorian Labor over five-year delay in critical Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade despite federal funding
Darren Chester has slammed Victoria's Labor Government over the stalled Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade, despite $10m federal funding committed in 2021, saying Gippsland communities have waited five years for promised safety improvements. - Maffra Show celebrates agricultural heritage, community spirit and dedicated volunteers across Gippsland’s farming districts
The Maffra Show celebrated local agriculture, farming heritage and community spirit, with Darren Chester praising volunteers, exhibitors and competitors for preserving regional traditions and supporting local businesses. - Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation. - Nationals and Liberals propose $115M apprenticeship fund to help small businesses cut training costs, address skills shortages and create local jobs
The Nationals and Liberals have announced a proposed $115 million apprenticeship fund to cover 50 per cent of eligible training costs, supporting small businesses, and creating more local career opportunities for Gippsland youth. - Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area. - 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. - 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 Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital. - Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking. - East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces. - 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. - Howitt Park pedestrian bridge replacement begins, delivering safer and more accessible Clifton Creek crossing by December
Work begins this month to replace Howitt Park's ageing timber pedestrian bridge with a $652,420 accessible steel and concrete crossing, improving safety and accessibility before expected completion in December.
|
|
