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Sharon Gibson speaks on supporting Latrobe City recovery from flood and storm event

Council to visit storm impacted areas, to ensure that the community gets the support needed.

By news@gippsland - 18th June 2021 - Back to News

The past week has tested the resolve of many in our community, to what they thought was the end of their teether and then they have gone further. It has been a tumultuous and challenging time. I have heard first hand heartbreaking stories, along with those which demonstrate the spirit of our great community.

The flooding in Latrobe was part of a state-wide catastrophe that claimed three lives and caused millions of dollars of damage to property and infrastructure

First responders and volunteers support

We are seeing and have seen neighbours stand by each other’s sides and strangers lend a hand to people in need. Council crews have been working around the clock alongside other agencies to support our community through the clean up and recovery phase. The support of emergency service agencies – first responders and volunteers on the ground – has been nothing short of remarkable.

The care and support that these men and women provided at the height of the incident, in difficult and dangerous conditions, and in the days that pass, our community is truly indebted to you.

On behalf of Latrobe City, I thank you. To our fellow community members who have rolled up their sleeves, lending a hand to friends, family or even strangers, your efforts are truly appreciated.

Support for eligible community members

As we know, the damage of wind and flood has been significant. The recovery phase will be long. Our crews are progressing and nearing the completion of their assessments, gaining a further understanding of the clean up and repair work as we transition to recovery.

To support our community in the recovery phase, we need the support of all levels of government. I would like to acknowledge the announcement of various financial packages which are available to support eligible community members at their time of need.

Appreciating supports obtained

In past days, I have met with the Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Government Services, Danny Pearson MP and Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP It was heart-warming to receive a call from Minister for Local Government, Sean Leane MP at the beginning of the event.

I have appreciated his regular calls and the ability to brief him. I welcome the announcement by Acting Premier, James Merlino, which has resulted in the mobilisation of Bushfire Recovery Victoria to support the clean-up and recovery work for communities impacted by storm damage. I acknowledge the support of the Australian Defence Force and look forward to welcoming defence members to Latrobe City to assist with the cleanup phase.

We cannot do this alone. We must work together, to build on and enhance our relationships across all levels of government and with support agencies, to ensure a better outcome for our community.

Visiting impacted areas

I am passionate about our community and Latrobe City. I will continue to strongly advocate to ensure that the voices of those impacted are heard and the support our community needs is met.

When speaking with elected government officials, I have extended an invite to visit the impacted areas to experience firsthand the suffering, devastation and to grasp the enormity of the task ahead for many who are overwhelmed and exhausted.

I welcome a visit by any government official to experience and understand fully the impacts on our community and community infrastructure, including the significant damage to the region’s roads - the welcome mat to Latrobe City is laid out.

Damage to power station

I thank those who have taken the opportunity to visit. Last Thursday, I welcomed Paul Edbrooke MP, Parliamentary Secretary Police and Emergency Services, showing him the impacts of the storm around Yinnar and district. Later I spent time with Victorian Liberal Leader, Michael O’Brien MP and Member for Eastern Victoria, Edward O'Donohue MP touring both the impacted areas of Yinnar and Traralgon.

The flood and storm event not only impacted residents, but resulted in damage to the Yallourn power station and brown coal mine. I implore Federal and State governments to work with and support Energy Australia as they work with geotechnical experts and government regulators to find a solution in addressing the vertical cracks in the mine wall.

Our community cannot be further disadvantaged, with questions being raised about the life expectancy of the power station should flooding from the Morwell River impact the mine. Latrobe City needs greater support from all levels of government, we need a considered and whole of government approach to support the ongoing transition of the Latrobe City community, to bring new industries, new employers and more jobs to our region, while assisting existing businesses to grow and create employment opportunities.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Council advances regional projects, improving facilities, accessibility, resilience and growth
  East Gippsland Council is delivering major regional projects, upgrades, improving accessibility, supporting resilience, and enhancing infrastructure across towns including Bairnsdale, Buchan, Mallacoota, Cann River, and Paynesville.
• Bass Coast Shire Council celebrates local community groups’ achievements and grants at inspiring event
  Bass Coast Council celebrated 92 local community groups, awarding $294,000 in grants, including $40,000 for climate projects, supporting creativity, connection, and resilience across the region at a vibrant celebration.
• Baw Baw Shire Council extends Acting CEO Mick Cummins’ leadership through 2 January 2026 during CEO’s absence
  Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Mick Cummins’ Acting CEO role until 2 January 2026, supporting the organisation while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery.
• Walhalla Church Hill Road landslip repaired, fully reopened following 2022 storm recovery works completion
  Repairs to the Church Hill Road landslip in Walhalla are complete, reopening the road with DRFA-funded realignment, drainage, safety barriers, and asphalt surfacing, ensuring safe travel for residents and tourists.
• East Gippsland Council cuts planning approval times, boosting efficiency for residents, landowners, and businesses
  East Gippsland Council has nearly halved planning permit approval times to 43 days, improving efficiency, reducing red tape, and supporting residents, landowners, and businesses with faster project approvals.
• South Gippsland Council adopts Eftsure to securely verify vendor payments, preventing cybercrime and payment fraud risks
  South Gippsland Shire Council now uses Eftsure to securely verify vendor bank details, reducing the risk of outgoing payments being intercepted by cybercriminals or fraudsters. More information is available online.
• East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
  A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• East Gippsland Council confirms compliance with 2025-26 rate cap, maintaining responsible financial management and community support
  East Gippsland Council has confirmed compliance with the 2025–26 Victorian rate cap, keeping increases below the 3% limit to ease cost-of-living pressures while maintaining essential services.
• Council urges transparent, community-focused approach for battery energy storage systems across Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Council raises concerns over proposed BESS projects, urging transparency, protection of prime agricultural land, community input, and stronger oversight of sites outside designated renewable energy zones.
• East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
  East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth.
• East Gippsland Council launches 10-Year Waste and Recycling Plan, advancing circular economy and sustainable resource management
  East Gippsland Council has adopted a 10-Year Waste and Recycling Transition Plan, introducing FOGO, expanding kerbside collections, improving recycling, and supporting a circular economy across the region.
• East Gippsland Council to install raised pedestrian crossings and enhanced lighting on Lakes Entrance Church Street
  East Gippsland Council will install two raised pedestrian crossings and improved lighting on Church Street, Lakes Entrance, enhancing safety, prioritising pedestrians, and supporting safer travel for residents and visitors.
• Tim Bull urges community action to prevent gender-based violence during global sixteen-day activism campaign
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges community action during the sixteen-day campaign to prevent gender-based violence, promote respect, and support safety, accountability, and cultural change across all spaces.
• Baw Baw Council and community oppose large-scale solar, battery projects threatening prime farmland and farming livelihoods
  Baw Baw Council and community express strong concerns over poorly sited solar and battery projects threatening prime farmland, seeking transparency, consultation, and protection of local farming livelihoods and regional character.
• Kay Street Car Park construction progressing smoothly, delivering major new parking capacity for Traralgon CBD by 2026
  Construction of Traralgon’s five-level Kay Street Car Park is progressing on schedule for mid-2026, delivering 430 new CBD spaces and supporting local businesses, accessibility, and future regional growth.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan.
• Baw Baw Shire Council hosts November community briefing in Trafalgar to discuss key projects and engage residents in shaping the town’s future
  Baw Baw Shire Council will hold a community briefing in Trafalgar on 18 November, inviting residents to discuss key projects, provide feedback, and engage with Councillors and Council officers.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
  East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Defence’s legacy with Freedom of Entry march and Army community day in Sale this October
  Wellington Shire Council invites residents to attend Sale’s Freedom of Entry march on 18 October and Army community day on 19 October, celebrating Defence’s historic connection with the local community.
• 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.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.