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Gippsland › Latest news › Russel Northe MLA

State budget misses the mark in the Valley

Council and community needs the government to commit on the projects that would keep the valley to be more progressed and developed as it is.

By news@gippsland - 2nd June 2021 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe said today’s State Budget had missed an opportunity to provide jobs and certainty for the Latrobe Valley community. Mr Northe said the 2021/2022 budget was crucial in assisting many regional communities recover from the economic impact of COVID-19 restrictions, in addition to understanding how the Latrobe Valley is expected to transition following major interruptions to traditional local industries including electricity generation and timber industries.

The 2021-22 Budget supports jobs and guarantees services and is the next stage of the Government’s economic plan to secure Australia’s recovery

Pleased with mental health investment

Mr Northe commenced, "We know State Governments and the Federal Government have had to spend largesse to support those who have been impacted by COVID related restrictions, but at the same time debt levels, massive budget blowouts on projects, and the imposition of new and increasing taxes on businesses are very concerning"

Mr Northe said it wasn’t all bad news for the Morwell electorate and he was pleased that the State Government had made some commitments that would hopefully benefit the local community. "I am pleased to learn of the Governments mental health investment that seeks to enhance services that are much needed for individuals and families contending with the challenges of mental illness.

Mr Northe continued, "I really hope that we eventually see the practical assistance that is desperately required to ensure people receive an appropriate level of care when they most need it. It was also good news for Stockdale Road Primary School in Traralgon with the Government announcing $10 million to assist with the development of their existing facilities."

Local jobs yet announced

Mr Northe said, "I was pleased to be able to work with the school community in advocating for these much needed upgrades to a school which has grown markedly in terms of student enrolments in recent years,"

Mr Northe said "There however appears to be no reference in the Budget as to the future of the Latrobe Valley Authority and if it will continue its operations in the Valley. Subsequently it remains unclear what role they will play in our community and what programs will exist under their remit."

Mr Northe said he was also disappointed that a specific local jobs program had not been announced, nor funding provided for a number of worthy projects and organisations. "The State Government is acutely aware that its policies have contributed to the closure of one power station in the Valley already and the early closure of Yallourn in 2028.

Backing out of commitment

Yet it has once again failed to announce a commitment to develop a transition plan for our community when it is so desperately needed. It defies belief that the community that will be most impacted by the State Governments own energy and environmental policies is still being ignored when it comes to understanding the impacts of these same policies" Mr Northe said.

Mr Northe continued, "The State Government has essentially backed out of its commitment in 2018 to develop an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Morwell that was supposed to create 500 jobs which was supposed to assist with our transition.

The question quite rightly being asked by so many community members is, where are the jobs and projects that are going to replace those jobs already lost in the electricity generation and timber industries and those that are likely to be lost in the future?"

Looking for commitment to support

Mr Northe continued. "Unfortunately our community is already subject to relatively high unemployment rates and I was hopeful the Government might re-introduce the Latrobe Valley Back to Work Scheme that they had abolished in June 2020. This scheme was initially set up to incentivise local businesses to employ local people but it is with great disappointment that the Government overlooked the scheme again in this year’s budget"

Mr Northe said he was looking for a commitment in the Budget that would indicate the Government’s commitment to support local businesses and contractors by ensuring their Departments and agencies utilised local services where possible.

"Unfortunately we have a seen a raft of services withdrawn from local regional communities by this Government and the situation appears to be worsening. We know the Government has recently centralised dry-cleaning services for Fire Rescue Victoria and Ambulance Victoria staff meaning regional dry-cleaners have been hung out to dry.

Projects unfortunately missed out

Mr Northe said , "I’m also advised that builders and contractors have missed out on local Housing projects which is a real kick in the guts for the local business community and it just doesn’t make any sense that the Government continues this approach when there are capable and able local businesses willing, ready and able to do much of this work."

From my perspective the Government’s procurement policy is failing Regional Victoria and nothing in the Budget gives me confidence that this will change." Mr Northe said a range of other projects had unfortunately missed out on funding including the Latrobe City Sports & Entertainment Centre, Latrobe Valley Drug Court, a dedicated hospice for the region, and the Lake Narracan Housing project.

Urgent need of approval on projects

Mr Northe said, "The Latrobe City Sports & Entertainment Centre already has an approved master plan that contains shovel ready projects which will make the precinct a Football Centre of Excellence. However, we urgently need the State Government, Football Federation Victoria (FFV) and Latrobe City Council to work together to deliver this project.

With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup coming to Australia and Victoria, there is a real opportunity for the Latrobe City Sports & Entertainment Centre to be utilised in some capacity, which would be a sensational boom for the region and for the sport.

With no funding announced in this budget it’s now time critical for the Government to partner with FFV and other levels of Government to invest in and develop the Centre of Excellence to realise these extraordinary opportunities" Mr Northe said.

Successful with results

Mr Northe said, "I do commend the Government for committing to establish Drug Courts in Ballarat and Shepparton but at the same time a Drug Court for the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region is desperately required. Unfortunately every statistic verifies this need and the concept of a Drug Court is supported by many local organisations who work with people and families afflicted with drug and alcohol challenges."

"Drug Courts have been found to be very successful with results showing a reduction in reoffending, improving community safety and decreasing the burden on the courts and corrections system and the sooner the Latrobe Valley has such a Court the better"

"And in the health space we are pleased of the Government’s continued commitment to develop stage 3A at Latrobe Regional Hospital which is very much welcomed, but there are growing calls for improved local palliative care services and for a hospice to be constructed in the region."

Funding to build infrastructure and services

Mr Northe said, "In fact the Latrobe Health Advocate has recommended to the Government that a hospice be built in Gippsland and I support those same calls as do many local families who have been through such difficult experiences with loved ones at their end of life. It is disappointing that funding couldn’t be found to at least explore this important initiative."

Mr Northe said it was imperative that the State Government continued to support local developments that had already been through the approval process. "We had some really positive news earlier this week with the announcement of funding to build infrastructure and services such as roads, water and sewerage to the site of the Morwell Food Manufacturing Hub."

"Unfortunately there was a great opportunity missed in this Budget when the Government failed to support the Lake Narracan precinct structure plan which was approved back in 2016 and would provide for thousands of jobs and new homes to be constructed in and around Lake Narracan. I ask rhetorically, what is the point of declaring the Latrobe Valley as an economic growth zone if the Government can’t or won’t support already approved local projects" Mr Northe continued.

Still no commitment ambulance stations in Moe and Morwell

Mr Northe said "Despite being funded in previous budgets there is still no commitment as to when the Moe and Morwell ambulance stations will be constructed and that’s despite signs being erected in 2019 stating these same stations would be open in that year."

"And a safe pedestrian crossing is desperately needed at the McNairn Road, Traralgon railway crossing as are promised upgrades to the Bank Street/Princes Highway, Traralgon intersection with local residents and motorists already waiting a number of years for works to commence" Mr Northe said.

"We also have many wonderful services and charitable organisations who continue to deliver critical and important services in our community and the calls for additional funding for Lifeline Gippsland, Barrier Breakers, Life Education Gippsland and Gippsland Carers Association will have to continue as unfortunately these and other worthy groups have not been supported in this budget" Mr Northe concluded.

For further information on the budget please see the Victorian 2021/2022.

Pictures from Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry web page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028.
• Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
  Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects.
• Community planting day advances Blue Rock Lake foreshore restoration and native fish habitat
  Students, Landcare volunteers and partner organisations have planted native vegetation at Blue Rock Lake, building on fish habitat projects and erosion-control works to strengthen the shoreline and support wildlife.
• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
  Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• 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.
• 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.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• Wellington Shire dog attacks decline, but council urges owners to secure pets and practise responsible dog ownership
  Wellington Shire recorded 64 dog attack reports over the past year, down from 93. Council urges owners to secure dogs, supervise children and practise responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• 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's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• 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.
• 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.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.
• Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding.
• East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks community members, reflects on achievements and highlights upcoming projects in final annual mayoral column
  East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks residents for their contributions, highlights upcoming projects and community celebrations, and encourages feedback on the Bairnsdale 2050 Strategy before concluding her annual mayoral column.
• RMIT architecture students unveil 12 community-informed design proposals exploring the future of Omeo Justice Precinct at upcoming exhibition
  RMIT architecture students will exhibit 12 community-informed proposals for Omeo Justice Precinct from November 6, exploring heritage preservation, gathering spaces and tourism through a research partnership with Council and residents.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
  The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028.
• 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.
• Danny O’Brien urges Premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien is urging the Premier to delay awarding VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s state election, citing landholder concerns and unresolved environmental, financial and property impacts.
• 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.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• 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.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
  Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain.
• Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Morwell Historical Society opens exhibition celebrating Northway Family’s pioneering legacy and Hazelwood’s early history for community visitors
  Federal and state MPs opened Morwell Historical Society’s Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition, showcasing three generations of Hazelwood pioneers through photographs, documents and maps until November 29.
• Danny O’Brien urges premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien urges the Premier to delay VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s election, allowing community input and addressing landholder and environmental concerns.
• Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
  Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities.
• 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.
• Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
  Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.