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East Gippsland's Four Peaks Pastoral given a boost through round 1 of the Forestry Transition Fund, round 2 is open until 31 Oct 2025The Allan Labor government is boosting employment in former forestry towns with a $50,000 grant to Four Peaks Pastoral, supporting agricultural services and hiring ex-forestry workers. Round 2 of funding is now open. By news@gippsland - 5th February 2025 - Back to News The Allan Labor government is helping to create more jobs in former forestry towns, increasing employment and delivering a boost to the local economy. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced $50,000 for Four Peaks Pastoral Pty Ltd to expand their business and employ former forestry workers as part of Round 1 of the Forestry Transition Fund. 
Round 2 of the Forestry Transition Fund supports job creation and business development, with a $20,000 incentive for hiring ex-timber workers. Applications close 31 October 2025 Agricultural workforce expansionThe business utilises the local skilled workforce to provide farmers and producers around Omeo, Swifts Creek and surrounding district with agricultural services. Business owner Stewart Moroney started the business after seeing a need for workers with unique skill sets to supplement the agricultural workforce in peak periods. Four Peaks provides a range of agricultural services, including fencing, shearing, pest control and harvest support. The grant will enable Four Peaks to purchase equipment including tool kits, portable livestock handling equipment and a vehicle mounted spray system. The business will employ full time farm support workers with general skill sets for the initial start-up phase, with a preference to employ workers previously employed in the native timber industry. Round 2 of the Forestry Transition Fund is now open. Proposal must support job creation and business development in communities impacted by the end of native timber harvesting. A $20,000 employment incentive payment for the employment of ex-native timber workers is also available. Applications for Round 2 will close on 31 October 2025, For more information visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry or call 1800 318 182. Forestry transition supportMinister for Agriculture Ros Spence said, "Four Peaks is a great example of where an enterprising community member has seen a need for skilled labour and found a way to fill that gap, while also providing employment opportunities for ex-native timber workers." Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "The Forestry Transition Fund has already supported many exciting projects throughout Gippsland, and I look forward to seeing more coming through round 2 of the grant program." Four Peaks Pastoral Pty Ltd Owner Stewart Moroney said, "The Transition Fund Round 1 grant has accelerated the business by at least two years in terms of growth. It's been incredible. The grant has allowed us to purchase plants and equipment so we're able to create employment opportunities for the local region." Pictures from Four Peaks Pastoral Instagram page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years. - Melina Bath accused Labor of ignoring bird flu advice and delaying vaccinations for Victoria's vulnerable little penguin colonies
The Victorian government is accused of ignoring expert advice to proactively vaccinate little penguins against H5N1, delaying action until after infection was detected, potentially leaving colonies vulnerable. - 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. - Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas. - Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness. - Gippsland families face rising cost pressures as Nationals criticise Labor government over interest rates, spending and inflation
The Nationals say rising interest rates are increasing pressure on Gippsland families, criticising Labor’s spending and inflation while outlining plans for budget discipline, tax cuts and productivity. - Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment. - Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
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. - Coalition urges Labor to block foreign-backed Cobungra Station sale and protect productive farmland from carbon projects
The Coalition has urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers and FIRB to reject the proposed foreign-backed purchase of Cobungra Station, warning productive farmland should remain dedicated to food production, not carbon projects. - Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities. - 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 Housing Summit explores collaborative solutions to meet growing regional housing demand and support future economic development
Latrobe City Council’s Housing Summit brought together government, industry and community leaders to address rising housing demand, improve affordability and develop solutions supporting regional growth, investment and population increases.
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