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Darren Chester slams inaction four years after $10M Mallacoota-Genoa Rd upgrade funding was securedDarren Chester is demanding answers after four years with no progress on the $10M Mallacoota-Genoa Rd upgrade, despite secured funding and community calls for urgent safety improvements. By news@gippsland - 14th May 2025 - Back to News Four years after securing funding for a $10 million upgrade of the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd, local MP Darren Chester says he's 'angry and frustrated' that nothing has been done to actually fix the road. Mr Chester secured the $10 million from the previous Coalition government to improve the safety and resilience of the road, which was closed for six weeks after the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20. 
The Mallacoota-Genoa Rd is continuing to deteriorate, with the state government refusing to provide a timeline for construction to start with $10 million in federal government funding Four years lostFour years later, no construction work has occurred on the road despite repeated requests from Mr Chester for the state government to fast track the project and he's written to the Prime Minister, seeking an explanation. "This is not a happy anniversary because it's been four years since the money was secured in the budget with 100% of the funding coming from the previous federal government," Mr Chester said. "The world can hold the Olympics every four years, you can finish a university degree in four years, but the Labor government in Victoria can't fix the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd in four years, even when it's not costing them a cent. "Even though constructing a more resilient and safer transport route was identified as a high-priority project by the local community after the bushfires, there is no sense of urgency in Minister Melissa Horne's office or amongst the bureaucracy to get the work started. It's become a complete farce, and we can't get a straight answer about when work will actually start to improve road safety," Mr Chester said. Calling for actionMr Chester said he had received no updates on the project since the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne confirmed in January that $500,000 of the original funding had been spent on studies and consultation. "I am advised that technical studies, including preliminary designs and environmental and cultural heritage investigations, have been completed," Ms Horne wrote at the time." "These investigations and evaluations are essential to ensure the Department of Transport and Planning meets the planning and environment legislative requirements and understand the associated approval pathways, timeframes, and costs." "Now that these details have been confirmed, DTP has lodged a detailed submission to the Australian government for the release of the remaining $9.5 million funding to construct this project," he said. Prioritise regional safetyMr Chester has now written to the Prime Minister seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the project and other road transport priorities across Gippsland. "Surely it is time to prioritise human life over a few gum trees in Gippsland when we already have an extensive network of National Parks and reserves across our state?" Mr Chester wrote. "It's well-known that regional motorists are disproportionately represented in road trauma statistics, and the majority of crashes occur on roads with limited safety features. Commonwealth-funded rural and regional road safety projects are life-saving endeavours that should be pursued with a sense of urgency in partnership with other levels of government. The entire Infrastructure Investment Program should have an increased focus on saving lives in our regions, not just saving minutes for city commuters," Mr Chester concluded. Pictures from Google Maps.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Mallacoota Golf Course officially reopens after Black Summer bushfires, marking $2 million redevelopment, community recovery, and celebration of volunteers, local investment, and regional sporting facilities in the Mallacoota-Genoa district. - Government was light on details about fuel and fertiliser plans, says Darren Chester
Darren Chester urges the Albanese government to ensure fuel and fertiliser prioritisation for agriculture and food production, warning supply disruptions from the Iran conflict threaten farmers, exports and Australian household budgets. - Thurra river bridge finally reopens after five-year delay, fueling local frustration and renewed criticism
The Thurra River Bridge has reopened after five and a half years, prompting relief and anger, with MP Tim Bull criticising prolonged delays, economic impacts, and unfinished fire recovery projects across East Gippsland. - Offshore Theatre celebrates 30 Years with award-winning ‘Speaking in Tongues’ at Berninneit on 17 May 2026
Phillip Island’s Offshore Theatre presents AWGIE-winning Speaking in Tongues, exploring love, betrayal, and human connections. The 2026 Berninneit season celebrates 30 years, opening May 14 with special events. - Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities. - Tim Bull slams delays rebuilding Heyfield bus shelter, urging government to fulfil commitment and restore essential infrastructure
Tim Bull has criticised the Victorian government over delays rebuilding Heyfield’s Mary Street bus shelter, saying the community has waited nine years despite repeated commitments to restore it. - Melina Bath slams Labor government over five-year Sealers Cove boardwalk repair delays and tourism mismanagement
Melina Bath criticises Allan government for mismanaging Sealers Cove boardwalk repairs, leaving it closed five years, harming Wilsons Promontory tourism and local businesses, highlighting broken promises and neglect of public assets. - Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction. - Tim Bull slams government’s restrictive, confusing emergency levy exemptions failing CFA volunteers across Gippsland
Tim Bull says the government’s flawed levy exemptions are too complex and restrictive, leaving CFA volunteers frustrated, excluded, and unsupported, and is urging the Minister to simplify the process. - David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for decade-long failure to fund replacement CFA stations in Foster and Mirboo North
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for failing to replace outdated Foster and Mirboo North CFA stations, saying volunteers face unsafe conditions despite years of promises and growing community contributions. - Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence. - Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Chairo and Heyfield students gain real-world political insights through engaging discussions with Darren Chester
Federal MP Darren Chester met Year 5-6 students in Traralgon and Canberra, discussing democracy, global affairs, law-making and political life, with students showing strong curiosity and insight during engaging civil conversations. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication. - Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes $250,000 funding to upgrade Noojee Heritage Centre precinct and rail trail
Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes $250,000 funding for Noojee Heritage Centre precinct upgrades, supporting rail trail access, tourism infrastructure and local transition initiatives under the Forestry Transition Program. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance. - East Gippsland Shire Council thanks Tim Bull MP for 16 years service to Gippsland East community leadership and advocacy
Tim Bull is thanked by East Gippsland Shire Council for 16 years of service, leadership through disasters, and strong advocacy for the region ahead of his retirement from state politics. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries. - Melina Bath slams Labor budget for higher debt, taxes and regional neglect
Melina Bath says Labor budget increases debt, taxes and costs while neglecting regional hospitals, schools and election commitments, leaving Victorian families worse off. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment completed, $2.2M upgrades to strengthen community, sport and tourism
Federal Member Darren Chester congratulated Ensay volunteers on completing the $2.2 million Recreation Reserve redevelopment, enhancing sport, community facilities, and tourism as part of Black Summer bushfire recovery. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures $500k funding for Longwarry multi-sport pavilion upgrade project construction announcement
Baw Baw Shire secures $500,000 State funding for Longwarry Recreation Reserve multi-sport pavilion supporting football, netball, cricket and community facilities. - Dock Cafe upgrade at Port of Sale ensures minimal disruption while enhancing community space ahead of reopening in 5 June 2026
Wellington Shire Council is pleased to share news of a short upgrade planned for the Dock Cafe, located at the Port of Sale. The works will help ensure the cafe continues to be a welcoming place for locals and visitors to enjoy. - Melina Bath backs Victoria’s fishing industry after San Remo visit with seafood sector leaders
Melina Bath reaffirmed support for Victoria’s commercial and recreational fishing sectors after visiting San Remo, highlighting seafood importance to regional jobs, sustainability, food security and balanced marine management across Victoria. - 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. - Mallacoota streetscape upgrade complete, enhancing safety, drainage and landscape ahead of busy Christmas holiday season
Mallacoota’s upgraded streetscape, funded with $1.5 million, improves pedestrian safety, drainage, and landscaping, preparing the coastal town for a busy Christmas holiday season, says local MP Darren Chester. - Dinni Birraark Walk upgrades in Newlands Arm to improve safety, accessibility and environmental protection along foreshore trail works
East Gippsland Shire Council will upgrade a 372-metre section of the Dinni Birraark Walk, improving safety, accessibility and shoreline stability, with works beginning 15 June alongside Paynesville Landcare Group. - Lindenow CFA volunteer Daniel Heinrichs recognised for 20 years’ service, leadership and community safety
Lindenow CFA volunteer Daniel Heinrichs is recognised during National Volunteer Week for 20 years of service, leadership, and dedication supporting East Gippsland community safety. - Copelands Road $4.9M upgrade complete, enhancing traffic flow, safety, pedestrian access, and bicycle facilities
The $4.9 million Copelands Road upgrade is complete, featuring improved traffic flow, safety, Moe River bridge, drainage works, footpaths, and a shared bicycle path, delivered on time and within budget. - Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated. - Wellington libraries upgrade with RFID technology, enabling faster borrowing and improved user experiences across all branches over six months
Wellington libraries are upgrading with RFID technology, introducing self-loan stations, automated return chutes, and smart bins, improving borrowing efficiency, reducing manual handling, and allowing staff to focus on programs and services. - Tim Bull supports rejection of firearm ownership caps after Victoria’s firearms law review consultation
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull supports Victoria’s rejection of firearm ownership caps following a statewide review, highlighting community consultation, practical impacts for shooters, and the importance of balanced firearms regulation. - Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September. - Latrobe excluded from bus funding, prompting renewed calls for better regional transport connectivity, reliability and integrated train-bus services
Latrobe City has been excluded from $100 million bus funding, prompting concerns over poor service coordination, limited connectivity, and calls for urgent regional transport review and investment. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis. - Martin Cameron criticises WorkSafe, calling system flawed after apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Victoria’s "fundamentally broken" WorkSafe system, highlighting apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury, ongoing struggles, and calling for urgent reform, fairer compensation, and better support services. - Union Theatre Wonthaggi HVAC upgrade begins, ensuring comfort, reliability, and long-term operation for the community
Bass Coast Shire Council is upgrading Wonthaggi’s Union Theatre HVAC system, ensuring comfort, reliability, and future-proofing the historic venue, with works valued at $899,000 and expected completion by 20 March 2026. - Bass Coast secures $632,000 funding to plan future use of former Wonthaggi Secondary College site for long-term redevelopment options
Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes $632,000 federal funding to plan the future redevelopment of the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site through community consultation and engagement. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide. - City of Traralgon Band gifts council commemorative photograph after successful international remembrance tour
The City of Traralgon Band gifted Latrobe City Council a photograph commemorating their UK and Europe Tour of Remembrance, including performances at Menin Gate and recognition with two awards. - Drouin’s Commercial Place precinct to get $1.1M upgrades, enhancing safety, accessibility, streetscape and supporting local businesses
Construction on Drouin’s $1.1 million Commercial Place precinct upgrade begins October 2025, improving safety, accessibility, streetscape, pedestrian crossings, laneways, lighting, greenery, and community usability, completing mid-2026. - Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance over Easter holidays after record drowning deaths last year
Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to stay alert over Easter holidays, urging safety at beaches, pools, and waterways after last year’s record 13 drowning deaths nationwide. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Melina Bath urges Labor Minister to reinstate Latrobe Valley town bus timetable after changes as commuters report major daily disruptions
The new Latrobe Valley PTV bus timetable has disrupted access to essential services, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to request reinstating the previous schedule to better serve commuters, students, and vulnerable residents. - Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s road funding, citing Gippsland highways’ ongoing underinvestment and worsening pothole backlog
Danny O’Brien says Labor’s $1.04 billion roads blitz exposes a large pothole backlog, highlighting years of underinvestment and ongoing deterioration of Gippsland’s regional road network. - Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Woodside Recreation Reserve receives $387,750 LED lighting upgrade improving safety, access, and evening sports opportunities for local community
The Woodside Recreation Reserve will receive a $387,750 LED lighting upgrade, improving safety, sustainability, access, and evening sports opportunities, funded by the Victorian Government, Wellington Shire Council, and local partners. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - Latrobe City Council approves funding for three major events, boosting tourism and generating over $6.5M economic impact
Latrobe City Council will fund three major events, including ProMX, Football Victoria Championships, and Junior International Tennis, generating over $6.5 million economic impact and boosting local tourism and community engagement. - Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families. - Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - The Nationals pledge fair infrastructure funding for Gippsland, addressing regional Victoria’s ongoing underinvestment gap
The Nationals have pledged to secure Gippsland a fair share of infrastructure funding, arguing regional Victoria is underfunded compared to its population and deserves greater investment in key services. - Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre receives $43,770 funding boost VicHealth funding to support healthy eating, workshops and sustainability
Tim Bull has welcomed VicHealth funding for Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre’s Fresh Futures Project, which supports healthy eating, gardening skills, affordable food access, and strengthens community connections for local families. - Baw Baw Shire secures $102,000 AusNet grant for five rural hall upgrades, emergency generators and community resilience
Baw Baw Shire secured a $102,000 AusNet Emergency Resilience Grant for five rural halls, funding switchboard upgrades, generators, and community events to improve emergency power readiness. - Committee for Gippsland and iHemp Victoria secure funding to develop industrial hemp industry, supporting jobs, training and sustainability
Committee for Gippsland and iHemp Victoria secure AgriFutures funding to develop industrial hemp industry, supporting jobs, training, innovation and sustainable agriculture growth across the region. - Gippsland Offshore Wind Alliance welcomes Victorian funding for Port of Hastings terminal, supporting offshore wind growth and energy transition
Gippsland Offshore Wind Alliance welcomes $124.5 million Victorian funding for Port of Hastings renewable energy terminal, supporting offshore wind development planning and port infrastructure capacity. - Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria. - Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment completed, delivering upgraded sporting, community and emergency facilities for local residents
Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment is complete, delivering a $6 million upgraded multi-use community, sporting and emergency hub ahead of its June 14 reopening. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland. - Melina Bath calls on the Allan government to support Traralgon families, participants and staff after Daily Living Disability Services closure
The Nationals are urging the Allan government to provide immediate support for participants, families, and staff affected by the sudden closure of Daily Living Disability Services in Traralgon. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to urgently resolve funding crisis threatening Gippsland disability independent living homes
Melina Bath urges Allan Labor government to urgently resolve funding impasse threatening Gippsland independent living homes, leaving almost 2,000 people with disabilities at risk and causing widespread distress. - Check new 11-digit account reference numbers for accurate South Gippsland Water bill payments after July 2025 system upgrade
South Gippsland Water reminds customers to use their new 11-digit account reference number when paying bills after the July 2025 billing system upgrade. Payments using old numbers will no longer be processed. - East Gippsland Council accepts $4.255M Commonwealth funding to progress Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub
East Gippsland Council has accepted $4.255 million Commonwealth funding to progress the Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub, finalising designs and preparing to tender construction for Paynesville lakeside community facility. - Melina Bath urges urgent review of neighbourhood houses funding to prevent closures and protect vital services across Gippsland
Melina Bath urges urgent review of Neighbourhood House funding in Eastern Victoria, warning closures and service cuts threaten vital community support for vulnerable residents. - South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to prioritise urgent upgrades for Gippsland schools in poor condition
Melina Bath urges Allan Government to urgently upgrade Gippsland schools, highlighting 2025 report revealing many in poor condition, with ageing infrastructure and maintenance deficits impacting students’ education. - Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services. - Wellington Shire Council introduces subsidised extra rubbish bins for eligible households after waste policy consultation feedback
Wellington Shire Council has announced changes to its waste service in response to community feedback, including subsidised bins for young families and those with medical or disability needs. - Letters to 1,600 Drouin households support advocacy for urgent intersection upgrades across Baw Baw Shire’s growing road network
Baw Baw Shire is delivering letters to 1,600 Drouin households urging community support for State funding of critical intersection upgrades amid growing congestion, safety concerns, and regional population growth pressures. - Danny O’Brien urges Labor government funding for new Sale College campus in State Budget
Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to fund a new Sale College campus in the State Budget, citing strong community support, ageing facilities, and rising costs from delays. - Latrobe City endorses Victory Park master plan guiding staged Traralgon park upgrades, enhancing community, recreation and connectivity
Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Victory Park precinct master plan for Traralgon, guiding staged upgrades across five parks to improve recreation, environment, connectivity and community spaces. - Melina Bath condemns Labor government for recycled road funding spin and failure to deliver real investment
Melina Bath has accused the Allan government of recycling old road funding announcements, labelling them propaganda and demanding genuine investment to address the worsening condition of regional Victoria's neglected roads. - Gippsland Water has strengthened Glenmaggie conservation efforts by fencing endangered Downy Zieria after audit detected plant damage
Conservation at Gippsland Water’s Glenmaggie biodiversity site has been strengthened with fencing to protect endangered Downy Zieria after damage from browsing wildlife was identified and monitored. - Noojee chosen for Healthy Forest Plans Pilot with $4M funding to boost tourism and local economy
Baw Baw Shire welcomes Noojee’s $4 million Healthy Forest Plans Pilot funding, part of a $30 million Victorian government initiative to boost regional tourism, support economic transition, and create local jobs. - Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026. - Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection. - Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism. - Danny O’Brien encourages missed applicants to apply for round two Sporting Club Grants funding opportunities by 7 April 2026
Many Gippsland South sporting clubs and community groups secured 2025–26 Sporting Club Grants funding, boosting facilities, equipment, and volunteers, with Danny O’Brien encouraging unsuccessful clubs to apply for round two. - 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. - Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant. - Melina Bath said CFA volunteers face risks due to aging equipment and $55M funding shortfall since 2020
The CFA faces a $50 million deficit as volunteers fight fires with aging equipment, with funding lagging inflation despite Allan Labor’s claims, exposing ongoing crisis and growing pressure on brigades. - Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre partially closes for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades over coming weeks
Parts of Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre will close temporarily for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades. Alternative facilities and adjusted programs are available during Stage 1 works. - Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety. - Baw Baw Council launches new emergency dashboard providing reliable, centralised local updates before, during and after emergencies
Baw Baw Council has launched a new Emergency Dashboard, providing residents with a single, reliable platform for real-time updates, warnings, and essential information before, during, and after emergencies on all devices. - Mallacoota marks bushfire recovery milestone with streetscape, pavilion and hall upgrades completed
Mallacoota marks bushfire recovery milestone with Maurice Avenue, Mudbrick Pavilion, and Hall upgrades, supported by East Gippsland Shire Council and state and federal governments, strengthening community resilience and local infrastructure. - Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson criticises State Budget for favouring metro community connectors funding over regions
Latrobe City Mayor urges fair State Budget funding, criticising metro focus of Community Connectors program and calling for stronger regional support and engagement on community safety. - Melina Bath urges urgent action on Silverleaves erosion plan amid delays, funding and damage
Melina Bath urges urgent action on Silverleaves erosion plan, warning delays leave coastline vulnerable despite funding, worsening damage and lack of clear government timelines. - Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor government for neglecting regional PSOs while funding Melbourne stations
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor Government for neglecting regional PSOs, citing rising Gippsland crime and calling for equal safety protections and additional officers under Coalition plans. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - Tim Bull has demanded answers over delays to Mallacoota Ambulance Station rebuild and stalled progress
Tim Bull has questioned delays to the Mallacoota Ambulance Station rebuild, seeking answers on funding, progress, and government accountability. - Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians. - Buckley Park Community Farm receives $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant for irrigation, hothouse and sustainable food production upgrades
Buckley Park Community Farm received a $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant, funding irrigation upgrades, a chlorine filter, and a hothouse system to boost sustainability and local food production.
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