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Quick action to fix Hyland Highway landslip called for by Danny O'Brien to Minister for Roads

Danny O'Brien is calling on the Minister for Roads to promptly address the Hyland Highway landslip, emphasising its criticality for Yarram and the surrounding community.

By news@gippsland - 31st January 2024 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien is growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of action from the Allan Labor government to combat the growing crime rate and keep Gippslanders and their property safe. Mr O'Brien said he was extremely disappointed that questions he raised with the Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines in Parliament last year around improving police presence and deterring crime throughout Gippsland South were met with Labor's trademark duck-shoving.

The Minister must recognize the Hyland Highway's importance; the landslip's severity warrants immediate prioritisation, especially for 6000 residents' sake

Expressed concerns, dismissed

Mr O'Brien said, "I raised my concerns with the Minister late last year following a spate of crime across South Gippsland, including break-ins at the supermarket in Meeniyan, the Yanakie Motocross Club, Aherns Fruit Market in Foster and the Fish Creek Football Netball Clubrooms which were also burnt to the ground."

"It is clear from the growing crime statistics since Labor formed government, a 66.6 per cent increase in South Gippsland Shire in particular, that the Allan Labor government must do more to combat this troubling trend. The Minister, however, has made no attempt to address my concerns of growing crime across Gippsland simply citing that additional police officers have been allocated to the Eastern Region Division."

"To be clear, the Eastern Region Division is one of just four police regions in Victoria and covers a huge geographical area including Shepparton, Moe, Mallacoota, Wodonga and everything in between," he said.

Deflecting accountability

Mr O'Brien said he was equally disturbed by the Attorney-General's response when questioned in Parliament in November about operators of Aherns Fruit Market in Foster twice receiving a message saying, 'Sorry, we're too busy. Call us back' when attempting to call 000 to notify of a burglary in progress.

"The Attorney-General, who is also the Minister for Emergency Services, simply said that that is an issue for Telstra. No promise of further follow-up or investigation. There is a growing and worrying trend among the Allan Labor government to blame-shift and make excuses when it is clear that their policies and practices are not achieving the best outcomes for Victorians, let alone those in regional communities," he said. Mr O'Brien said he will continue to push for increased police presence and resources in Gippsland.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Instagram page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria.
• Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action.
• Melina Bath urges Labor Minister to reinstate Latrobe Valley town bus timetable after changes as commuters report major daily disruptions
  The new Latrobe Valley PTV bus timetable has disrupted access to essential services, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to request reinstating the previous schedule to better serve commuters, students, and vulnerable residents.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
  The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull.
• The Nationals criticise Labor police recruitment announcement, demanding action on shortages, crime and regional policing resources
  The Nationals say Labor's Gippsland police recruitment announcement lacks detail and comes too late, arguing Victoria needs more officers, stronger laws and better support to address crime and staffing shortages.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
• Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Tim Bull claims Environment Minister misled contractors, as DEECA contracts may reduce existing external panel work
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor Government of cutting fire mitigation work for contractors, misleading them on funding, and failing to maintain promised work volumes across East Gippsland.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges urgent Victorian government action to protect Western Port Woodlands
  Bass Coast Shire Council is urging the Victorian government to urgently introduce interim planning controls to protect the Western Port Woodlands and safeguard threatened species habitat.
• Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
  Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning.
• 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.
• Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
  Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region.
• Baw Baw Shire Council approves Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy following community feedback
  Baw Baw Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, following extensive community consultation to guide safe, vibrant, and accessible public spaces.
• East Gippsland Water invites community feedback through annual customer satisfaction survey this October
  East Gippsland Water is inviting customers to complete its annual satisfaction survey, providing feedback on water quality, service, and community engagement. Responses will guide future improvements and participants can win a $100 bill credit.
• Darren Chester confronts Agriculture Minister over European deal, but she won’t call it fair
  The Albanese government’s EU free trade deal has been widely criticised by farmers and industry bodies for weak market access, unfair concessions, and restrictions harming dairy, red meat, and wine sectors.
• Darren Chester returns to Shadow Cabinet as Veterans’ Affairs Minister, advocating for ADF personnel, veterans and families
  Darren Chester returns as Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, pledging bipartisan support, accountability, and ongoing reforms to ensure timely, accessible assistance for Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families.
• Martin Cameron condemns Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, pledges action to combat knife crime
  Martin Cameron condemned the Allan Labor government for blocking Jack’s Law, pledging to introduce it if elected, giving police powers to combat knife crime, following its success in other Australian states.
• Baw Baw Draft Budget invests millions in roads, sporting projects and infrastructure while seeking community feedback until 14 May 2026
  Baw Baw $127.5 million Draft Budget includes $50.9 million for infrastructure, major sporting upgrades, road projects and long-term planning, with community feedback open until 14 May.
• Newhaven residents invited to shape safer roads, transport and future traffic planning through community feedback until 27 May 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking Newhaven community feedback on transport and road safety to inform a Local Area Traffic Management Plan improving movement, safety, infrastructure planning and future funding priorities.
• Nationals pledge $5B to rebuild Victoria’s roads and improve safety for eastern Victorian motorists
  The Nationals pledged $5 billion to repair Victoria’s roads, eliminate one million potholes, improve maintenance, and increase regional infrastructure funding to 25 percent under its Fair Share Guarantee.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
  Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge $5B to repair roads and eliminate one million potholes statewide
  The Liberals and Nationals have pledged $5 billion to repair Victoria's roads, eliminate one million potholes, improve maintenance, establish Better Roads Victoria, and boost accountability if elected at the next state election.
• Tim Bull calls for State Budget investment in Gippsland East health, police, roads and community infrastructure amid rising debt concerns
  Tim Bull has called for the State Budget to deliver key Gippsland East investments in health, police, fire services, roads, and community infrastructure amid rising Victorian debt.
• Gippsland faces sobering family violence rates during 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Danny O’Brien warns
  Gippsland records some of Victoria’s highest family violence rates, says Danny O’Brien, urging community action during the 16 Days of Activism to promote respect, safety, and awareness across the region.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Baw Baw Shire adopts $127 million 2026/27 Budget with record roads investment and major community projects
  Baw Baw Shire has adopted its $127 million 2026/27 Budget, featuring a record $38.74 million for road renewals, a new Warragul Library and Learning Centre, and major community infrastructure projects.
• One Gippsland welcomes Budget support for regional education, health, roads and skills, noting tourism gaps
  One Gippsland welcomes Victorian 2026-27 Budget initiatives aligning with its advocacy, highlighting improvements in education, health, skills, roads and regional services, while noting gaps in tourism and regional cost-of-living equity.
• Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
  Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
• Gippsland Water plants 10,000 native trees after customers back regional biodiversity and climate action initiative
  Gippsland Water is planting 10,000 native trees and shrubs after 77 per cent of surveyed customers supported the initiative, boosting biodiversity, restoring habitats and advancing its net zero by 2030 goals.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Nationals urge government to address wine industry crisis, converting excess wine into ethanol to support fuel supply and struggling growers
  The Nationals urge urgent action on Australia’s wine oversupply crisis, proposing surplus stock be converted to ethanol to support fuel supply and assist struggling growers facing mounting financial pressure.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor’s digital-only licence system, calling it discriminatory and locking out hunters lacking internet access
  Melina Bath urges Minister Dimopoulos to reinstate paper-based licence renewals, ensuring hunters aren’t excluded and focusing on hunting competency over digital skills
• Melina Bath tours high country, noting weeds and fuel loads, calling for stronger land management and increased on-ground environmental action
  Melina Bath toured Victoria’s High Country, noting weeds and fuel loads, raising concerns about land management, fire risk and biodiversity, and calling for stronger resourcing and environmental action.
• Life Saving Victoria report reveals alarming 52 deaths, 123 drownings, urgent water safety action needed
  Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal drownings, with rising incidents among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and outside traditional summer months, urging urgent water safety action.