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Andrews Labor government criticised for lacking transparency and equity in regional Victoria service funding

Government has been criticised for breaking commitments to regional Victoria, affecting services and infrastructure.

By news@gippsland - 21st March 2023 - Back to News

Transparency and accountability in government are key to ensuring that every community has equitable access to services, no matter their postcode. Our crumbling roads need ongoing investment rather than reduced speed limits and our regional health services need adequate funding to ensure regional Victorians can have better care closer to home - in a nutshell, regional Victoria deserves its fair share.

Our roads around the state are crumbling under Labor, and it's only going to get worse with Labor's mismanagement

Inadequate investment blueprint

And yet, we've seen the Andrews Labor government move the goal posts on its commitments right across the state. Last week, the Health Minister visited Shepparton to celebrate the "final stage" of Goulburn Valley Health's redevelopment - despite it only being the end of Stage 1 and further funding being needed from the state government for Stage 2.

This second phase includes vital upgrades to the hospital's Oncology Ward, yet Labor's celebrating when the job's half done and hasn't committed to funding Stage 2. Similarly, down south of the state, Labor has delivered a $300 million glossy brochure through the Latrobe Valley Authority's draft Gippsland Transition 2035 plan.

It's a document that should be a blueprint to investing in the Latrobe Valley and provide certainty amid job losses, instead it's a lifeless document that fails to commit to one tangible outcome that benefits the community. It provides no detail about steps that will be taken to shore-up the local economy, and no detail around establishing new industries or creating sustainable long-term replacement jobs for workers after Labor's closure of the Valley's largest employers.

Broken rail commitment

In the north of the state, we've seen Labor back out of its original commitment to the Murray Basin Rail Project after it ran over budget. Producers moving goods to port are now forced to use road freight, placing further pressure on our decaying road network and forcing farmers to pay more to get fresh produce on supermarket shelves.

Add to this the state's skyrocketing debt and Labor's 44 new or increased taxes introduced since 2014 - placing more pressure on your household bills - and it's any wonder regional Victorians have trust issues with Daniel Andrews and his Labor government.

Pictures from Peter Walsh MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events.
• Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
  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.
• 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.
• Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
  Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
  Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
  A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare.
• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
  Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
  Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.
• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.
• Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
  Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.