Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Tim Bull calls for action on unmaintained fire access tracks following Rivermouth road repairs completionTim Bull applauds Rivermouth Road repairs but urges attention to unmaintained fire access tracks, stressing fire-fighting risks and the government's financial mismanagement impacting safety and infrastructure. By news@gippsland - 30th December 2024 - Back to News Having requested the abysmal condition of Rivermouth Road, Eagle Point, be addressed prior to Christmas in Parliament, Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, is pleased his call had been answered, but said attention must now be turned to the unmaintained fire access tracks in the region. "Unfortunately, we have fire access tracks across the region not maintained and when we get fire in the landscape, it will be problematic for our fire fighting vehicles," Mr Bull said. 
Tim Bull, is pleased Rivermouth Road has been repaired prior to Christmas, now he wants the government to start clearing the bush fire access tracks, like this one in the Colquhoun State Forest Budget cuts impactMr Bull said, "In the last sitting week of Parliament, I raised the concern that our panel of contract workers who are used to maintaining these tracks, in many cases had simply not been engaged this year. This is on top of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) budget being cut, government Forest Fire Management workers being reduced and the required amount of fuel reduction burning having not been achieved." "It is another case of the Allan Labor government that has got itself in so much financial strife, it's trying to penny pinch, but what it does is makes us more vulnerable. They have a debt forecast to hit $187 billion with repayments on interest alone of $26 million a day and now we have the Treasurer who has overseen this debacle riding off into the sunset." "Despite the work on Rivermouth Road having been completed, I also want the Minister to confirm he has no intention to close it to vehicular traffic. More than once over recent years, Parks Victoria has sought to close the road to vehicular traffic, stating it does not have the funds to maintain it, so we just need that confirmed and that is the question I have asked," Mr Bull concluded. Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- 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. - Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users. - Seacombe fire prompts calls for greater fuel reduction, improved firebreaks and stronger emergency access around Loch Sport communities
The Seacombe fire has prompted calls for increased fuel reduction, improved firebreaks and emergency access, with Loch Sport residents seeking stronger bushfire prevention measures. - Katie Noonan brings intimate 'Alone But All One' tour to Cowes for regional Australian audiences on 10 October 2026
Katie Noonan brings her intimate Alone But All One tour to Cowes’ Berninneit October 10, with interview opportunities September 23 and ticket giveaways available for audiences through Gippsland.com. - Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley. - Darren Chester warns Sydney fire ant detection highlights biosecurity risks and urges swift action, surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond 2027
Darren Chester has urged swift, coordinated action after red imported fire ants were detected in Sydney, warning of risks to agriculture and calling for stronger surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond June 2027. - Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment. - Danny O'Brien says bushfire inquiry exposes Labor neglect, leaving CFA volunteers under-resourced for escalating firefighting challenges
Danny O'Brien says a parliamentary bushfire inquiry confirms CFA volunteers face declining numbers, ageing equipment and inadequate support, urging Labor to implement recommendations before the next fire season. - Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season. - East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online. - Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations. - Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns. - East Gippsland library members gain free access to digital magazines across lifestyle, travel, health, technology and entertainment categories
East Gippsland library members can enjoy free digital magazines through ePress, covering travel, food, lifestyle, health and more. Accessible anytime through BorrowBox, the service helps households save on subscription costs. - Darren Chester calls for greater funding certainty to protect Heyfield’s only childcare service after missing out on commonwealth support
Federal Member Darren Chester is urging greater funding certainty for regional childcare services after Heyfield’s only provider, Kids House, missed out on Commonwealth funding, threatening its future and affecting more than 30 families. - The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards. - 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. - East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness. - Matthew Canavan welcomes Commonwealth Bank branch extension, calls for stronger government action to protect regional banking services
Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere. - Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support. - East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool. - Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future. - New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks. - East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding. - East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes. - Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres. - New drinking fountains improve free water access across Sale's popular recreation facilities
Sale's major recreation facilities now offer improved free drinking water access, with new fountains at Aqua Energy, Port of Sale and Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, supporting hydration and reusable bottle use. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million program. - Howitt Park pedestrian bridge replacement begins, delivering safer and more accessible Clifton Creek crossing by December
Work begins this month to replace Howitt Park's ageing timber pedestrian bridge with a $652,420 accessible steel and concrete crossing, improving safety and accessibility before expected completion in December. - Silcocks Hill Road in Toora reduced to single lane for four to six weeks during landslip repairs
Silcocks Hill Road in Toora will operate under single-lane conditions for four to six weeks from August 17 while landslip remediation works are completed, with motorists urged to allow extra travel time. - Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services. - Liberals and Nationals pledge forest restoration, fuel reduction, bushfire preparedness and regional job support across Victoria
The Liberals and Nationals propose restoring active forest management, doubling planned burns, treating more public land, expanding firebreaks and restoring 5,000 hectares annually to reduce bushfire risks and support regional timber jobs. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges residents to prepare properties and reduce fire risks ahead of summer season
Baw Baw Shire Council urges residents to prepare properties for fire season by maintaining gardens, clearing vegetation and using free green waste drop-off days. - Gippsland Water urges customers to prepare alternative water supplies ahead of bushfire season and fire danger period
Gippsland Water urges customers to prepare alternative water supplies during the Fire Danger Period, recommending three litres of drinking water per person daily and monitoring service updates during emergencies. - East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming 1 October 2026, allowing access to other networks during eligible natural disasters
East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming, activated by Telstra, Optus and TPG on October 1, 2026, allowing access to other networks for essential calls, texts and limited data during eligible disasters. - 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. - RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment. - Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding. - The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria. - 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. - South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region. - Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback to shape safer roads through New Road Safety Strategy Plan until 10 September 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting residents to help shape its new Road Safety Strategy through community workshops and an online survey, aiming to reduce crashes and improve safety for all road users across the shire. - The Nationals join dairy farmers in opposing Labor’s European Union Trade Deal, citing unfair market access and threats to Australian industry
The Nationals are backing Australian Dairy Farmers’ opposition to Labor’s EU trade deal, arguing unfair market access, increased imports and export restrictions threaten Australian dairy farmers and local industry. - 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. - Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes. - Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025. - Wellington Shire Council backs campaign seeking greater rural investment, improved roads, infrastructure funding and regional economic growth
Wellington Shire Council is backing Rural Councils Victoria’s campaign for greater investment in rural infrastructure, including roads, community facilities and a proposed $1 billion regional productivity and growth fund. - West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming. - Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements. - Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures. - Darren Chester slams Victorian Labor over five-year delay in critical Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade despite federal funding
Darren Chester has slammed Victoria's Labor Government over the stalled Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade, despite $10m federal funding committed in 2021, saying Gippsland communities have waited five years for promised safety improvements. - Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is. - 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. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability. - Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson appointed as Baw Baw Shire new directors following recent organisational restructure
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson as new directors following a restructure reducing its executive leadership team from five to three. - Latrobe City Council endorses updated community amenity local law following extensive community consultation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed an updated Community Amenity Local Law, strengthening rules around property upkeep, waste, animals, burning, vehicles, public spaces and permits. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Anthony Petherbridge as third new director following organisational restructure
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Anthony Petherbridge as Director Community and Planning Services following its restructure, joining two new directors and bringing extensive strategic planning and executive-level local government experience. - Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing. - 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. - 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. - Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
|
|