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More Consultation, More Conversations but no Action for Gipps Commuters from Regional Plan

The Regional Network Development Plan has been released but it needs more action, more consultation and more conversation.

By news@gippsland - 2nd June 2016 - Back to News

The release of the Regional Network Development Plan designed to drive future investment in regional transport will come as a bad joke to local commuters according to Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood and Member for Morwell Russell Northe.

After a year of waiting, the Regional Network Development Plan has been released and contains no immediate action for the future of the Gippsland Line, with the Regional Network Development Plan instead appearing to be no more than another discussion paper.

"After waiting nearly a year already for the Regional Network Development Plan to be released which the Labor Government promised would shape the future of transport in regional Victoria today’s announcement does nothing to outline how the network can increase capacity,’ Mr Blackwood said.

"2,800 individual comments regarding the Gippsland Line were made to the submission process and to not announce anything meaningful today that will improve services, frequency or reliability is staggering.

"This document is nothing more than a whitepaper that discusses what commuters want, summarises public meetings held as part of the Regional Network Development Plan discussions and does not deliver one new cent to actually improve services, their frequency or reliability.

"Commuters know what they want from a public transport network and many had hoped their input to the plan would see real investment and real improvements and today’s announcement does nothing to move our network forward.

"The Regional Network Development Plan is a glossy brochure that typifies how this Labor Government sees Gippsland regional commuters; as second class citizens," said Mr Blackwood.

Member for Morwell Russell Northe said that Gippsland had already missed out on new rolling stock and seen no funding in the State Budget for delivery of meaningful line infrastructure.

"New rolling stock ordered by the Andrews Government is being directed to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo, major infrastructure investment is also being delivered on those lines, with Gippsland being left to fend for itself," said Mr Northe.

"The Andrews Labor Government is more interested in business cases, conversations and consultation rather than doing something to deliver real improvements for local commuters.

‘In 2014 the Victorian Coalition committed to a $2.5 billion investment between Melbourne and Bairnsdale that would have seen more rolling stock, duplication of track at major bottlenecks, additional peak services for Gippsland commuters and improved frequency and reliability for the line.

"The Andrews Government has had significant time, two State Budgets, record revenue and still has failed to deliver real investment to improve the Gippsland V/Line network.

"Gippsland commuters have suffered through some of the worst delays the line has ever seen thanks to Labors failure to invest in regional public transport projects and a lack of action or interest by the Minister for Public Transport.

"Regional commuters were promised that the release of the Regional Network Development Plan would guide future investment for the region and instead today we see an aspiration whitepaper that has a lot of artwork, a lot of discussion and summary but no real substance.

"The announcements that have been made by Labor to date for regional commuters consist of business plans, discussion papers and funding for station upgrades that contain no detail about which stations will actually receive funding and what those projects will deliver on the ground.

"Again today commuters see that Labor are all talk and no action when it comes to the Gippsland Line, instead choosing to put off real investment in favour of other regional areas," Mr Northe said.

The Victorian Coalition in 2014 committed to;

• $2.5 billion upgrade to Pakenham/Cranbourne line that would improve frequency of Gippsland V/Line services;
• $178.1 million to duplicated track between Bunyip and Longwarry;
• A new train maintenance depot at Pakenham;
• 25 new trains for the eastern network; and
• Duplication to track within the Gippsland corridor between Moe and Traralgon.

Media Contact - Matt Green 0458 891 465 or matt.green@parliament.vic.gov.au

Member for Narracan

Gary Blackwood MP

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Darren Chester elected Nationals Deputy Leader, pledges stronger voice for regional Australia and Gippsland communities
  Darren Chester has been elected Deputy Leader of The Nationals, serving with leader Matt Canavan, pledging to strengthen regional voices and advocate for Gippsland and rural Australians in Canberra.
• Darren Chester congratulates Infusa Distillery founders for showcasing Gippsland's produce, driving growth in local food and beverage industry
  Darren Chester congratulated Infusa Distillery founders Stu and Jo Taylor for their award-winning spirits, local partnerships, and contribution to Gippsland's food and beverage industry, praising their innovation, growth, and regional pride.
• Life Saving Victoria launches 2030 Strategic Plan and 2024/25 Annual Report, advancing water safety across Victoria
  Life Saving Victoria launches its 2030 Strategic Plan and 2024/25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, community impact, and a bold vision to prevent drowning and enhance water safety statewide.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.
• Darren Chester welcomes Bairnsdale Centre’s innovative regional healthcare expansion and access improvements
  Darren Chester praised Bairnsdale’s Centre Combined Health, highlighting its innovative model improving regional access to specialists, allied health, wellness services, and addressing workforce challenges in East Gippsland.
• 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 calls Labor’s free November travel scheme a stunt, with Gippsland commuters disrupted
  Gippsland commuters faced 19 days of disruptions despite Labor’s free-travel November scheme, with ongoing delays, confusion, and bus replacements highlighting mismanaged rail projects and continued frustration for passengers.
• Melina Bath invites local community and sporting clubs to apply for Regional All Abilities Grants by 19 November 2025
  Melina Bath encourages regional clubs to apply for 2025 Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, supporting inclusive programs, specialised equipment, workforce, and disability-led initiatives. Applications close 19 November 2025.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 10-Year Master Plan to preserve and enhance Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed a 10-year master plan for Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park, guiding future improvements, protecting its natural and cultural heritage, and enhancing amenities for community enjoyment.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges MAV to demand transparency, accountability and community engagement in State planning decisions
  Bass Coast Shire Council will urge MAV to demand greater transparency, accountability, and community consultation in State Government planning decisions, highlighting concerns over the Development Facilitation Program and local impacts.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Darren Chester welcomes Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment with pavilion, changerooms, community hub
  Darren Chester welcomed progress on the Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering a new pavilion and modern changerooms, with government funding and volunteers supporting a safer, more vibrant hub for sport and community activities.
• Latrobe City Council reviews community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to refine public space improvements and concerns
  Latrobe City Council has concluded community consultation on the draft Streetscape Strategy, reviewing feedback on carpark concerns, public space improvements, and long-term enhancements before finalising recommendations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes.
• Middle of Everywhere ANZAC Week Airshow returns celebrating aviation, ANZAC spirit and regional pride at West Sale Airport on 18-19 April 2026
  The Middle of Everywhere ANZAC Week Airshow returns 18–19 April at West Sale Airport, featuring thrilling aerobatics, military and civilian aircraft displays, and up-close experiences celebrating aviation, ANZAC spirit, and regional pride.
• 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.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
  Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities.
• Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
  Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.