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Campaign to advocate pursuit of vital planning and investment for 2022 by Baw Baw Shire Council

Council's Advancing Baw Baw advocacy campaign has been developed using community feedback and insights from the Council Plan 2021-25 and the Community Vision.

By news@gippsland - 17th November 2022 - Back to News

In the lead up to the state election Baw Baw Shire Council continues to call for government support to design a fit-for-purpose arterial road network, build the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct and upgrade a number of the Shire's recreational facilities. Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Cr Annemarie McCabe says council is ramping up efforts to seek state investment in priority projects required to meet the needs of the region's rapidly growing population.

Major community infrastructure, road and recreation projects are among Baw Baw Shire Council's key advocacy priorities for the 2021/22 year ahead

Meeting the community's needs

Mayor McCabe said, "Advancing Baw Baw is council's advocacy campaign to pursue vital planning and investment to meet the community's needs for the future. Our population growth is outpacing nearly every municipality in the state. Baw Baw's population is projected to grow by 49% over the next 20 years and we need more investment in our region than ever before and we need it now."

"There are more than 20,000 new homes expected to be built in the coming years. We need to plan and upgrade roads and facilities to support the needs and expectations of the larger and more diverse population who will call Baw Baw home. It is crucial that we continue to advocate for projects and services to support a connected, resilient and prosperous community in the coming years."

"We know our people want to see more investment in roads, inclusive and accessible infrastructure and healthcare. We've made them our top priorities and good progress has been made in 2022."

Securing funding

Ms McCabe also said, "Coming into this state election we have received extremely welcome commitments from both the state government and the opposition to build a new hospital for Baw Baw Shire. We will continue to work alongside West Gippsland Healthcare Group and the community to push for progress on this much needed new, expanded facility."

"We have also been successful in securing partial funding for the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct, including $3.5 Million from the Victorian government's Growing Suburbs Fund and $1 Million from the Living Libraries Infrastructure fund. Council is working with key ministers and departments to secure the remaining funding required for this transformative project." Ms McCabe said.

Bright future for Baw Baw

Other key areas council has prioritised for urgent attention include:

• Investment to plan for new arterial transport routes to address congestion in Warragul and Drouin
• Seeking funding in partnership with Destination Gippsland to deliver the Gippsland Regional Events Strategy to increase tourism visitation and expenditure
• Sealing South Face Road, making a key tourist route to Mount Baw Baw safer and more connected
• Updating key recreational facilities in Erica and Longwarry
• Rezoning a parcel of land in Longwarry allowing the development of an economically significant industrial precinct

With the state election looming, the council will continue to communicate with ministers and candidates to ensure Baw Baw's needs remain top of mind

Join the council pop-up

Ms McCabe added, "We will also work with our community to seek feedback and raise the profile of issues that matter most to our region heading towards election day." says Cr McCabe "We look forward to working in partnership with whomever is elected in November to deliver projects that will provide the brightest future for the people of Baw Baw."

"If you would like to be involved in community advocacy or find out more about the Advancing Baw Baw Advocacy campaign we'd love to chat to you at the council pop-up at the Warragul market this weekend," says Cr McCabe.

Baw Baw Shire Councillors and staff will be at the Warragul Farmers Market on Saturday November 19 to discuss council's advocacy priorities with residents. To find out more about council's advocacy priorities and how to support them, visit Advocacy and priorities page or email bawbaw@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://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.
• Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term.
• 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.
• 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.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• 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.
• 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.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• 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.
• 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.
• Darren Chester joined Wellington Shire representatives to welcome 57 new citizens at The Wedge ceremony
  Wellington Shire welcomed 57 new Australian citizens at The Wedge, with Federal Member Darren Chester and council representatives celebrating their milestone and contributions to Gippsland communities.
• 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
• Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers.
• 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.
• Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade.
• 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.
• 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.
• Free green waste disposal at South Gippsland transfer stations and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s latest updates cover free green waste disposal, road maintenance, summer fire preparation, community events, bird flu advice, swimming pool feedback, energy planning and local opportunities.