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Labor Bows To Liberal Pressure On Pipeline ProjectThe Bracks Government has bowed to pressure from the Liberal Party to fund its share of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline project. By Philip Davis - 28th November 2005 - Back to News The Bracks Government has bowed to pressure from the Liberal Party to fund its share of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline project.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Philip Davis said he was pleased the Bracks Government had finally seen the error of its ways and reaffirmed its commitment to the project – after pressure from the Liberal Party.
"The Bracks Government has changed its mind so many times on whether it would fund a third of the project, that it was becoming tedious," Mr Davis said.
"Labor’s attempts this week to include money already spent at Cannie Ridge and Patchewollock sections of the pipeline in its $167 million share of the project was simply ridiculous.
"While it is embarrassing for the Bracks Government to be forced into this back down, the move is welcome as the Liberal Party recognises that politics needs to be put aside and the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline project completed."
Mr Davis said Premier Steve Bracks’ habit of changing his mind about funding allocations was jeopardising the Commonwealth Government’s funding commitment.
"Meanwhile, millions of litres of water are being lost through the current inefficient water system," Mr Davis said.
"I hope this latest Bracks-flip will be the last. Country Victorians are sick of Labor’s inability to manage projects and continual list of broken promises.
"Quite frankly, the Wimmera-Mallee community has had a gut-full of the Bracks Government and its ongoing failure to give this project its full support.
"It is also a strange coincidence that Labor’s Environment Minister John Thwaites announced this backflip exactly 12 months out from the 2006 Election.
"I just hope this is not another commitment that the Bracks Government doesn’t plan on keeping.
"So far, Labor’s promises to country Victoria have not been worth the paper they were written on.
"The Wimmera-Mallee community has been battling this issue for too long.
"They deserve to have this issue resolved and work on the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline to begin immediately."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts. - Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery. - Darren Chester calls on Victorian government to prioritise rebuilding Sale College amid safety, ageing infrastructure concerns
Darren Chester has urged the Victorian government to prioritise a new single-site campus for Sale College, citing deteriorating facilities, safety concerns, and long-standing community frustration. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - Tim Bull praises local police but urges stronger support and tougher charges for fleeing offenders
Liberal and Nationals plan promises 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and reopened stations, aiming to restore community safety and address rising crime across East Gippsland and Victoria. - Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families. - Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region. - South Gippsland Jobs Expo 2026 and other council project updates
South Gippsland Shire Council’s Summer 2026 update features the Jobs Expo, community events, road closures, Council meetings, sustainability workshops, youth initiatives, tenders, local festivals, and upcoming employment opportunities. - Melina Bath criticises Allan government over poor safety ratings on Eastern Victoria roads
Melina Bath criticises Allan government after AusRAP reveals most eastern Victoria roads rated one or two stars, highlighting neglect, poor maintenance, and increased risk of serious injury or fatalities. - Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing and socially affordable homes, warns Cr Nathan Hersey
One Gippsland warns Gippsland’s growth risks stalling without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, and social housing to support workforce, industries, and rapidly growing communities across the region. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026. - Coalition and crossbench Senators reject Albanese government’s Defence Honours Bill, citing consultation failures, appeal rights removal
Coalition and crossbench Senators oppose the Albanese government’s Defence Honours Bill, citing lack of consultation, threat to veterans’ appeal rights, and overwhelming stakeholder opposition, urging its complete abandonment. - Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project. - Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
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