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Danny O'Brien welcomes Latrobe River water allocation but slams state government for two-year decision delay

The state government's long-delayed decision to allocate 16,000ML from Blue Rock Lake is welcomed, but Danny O'Brien urges immediate clarity on distribution to support Gippsland farmers and regional jobs.

By news@gippsland - 24th April 2025 - Back to News

The state government's decision to allocate additional water to irrigators, the environment and traditional owners on the Latrobe River is better late than never, according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien.

Danny O'Brien says farmers need clarity on water allocation, urging the government to outline a fair, transparent distribution process

Water allocation delayed

Mr O'Brien said he has been campaigning for years to have the unused water allocated to boost irrigation and food production in central Gippsland. The state government has recently agreed that 16,000ML of water will be carved up equally between the three user groups. "This is a decision that is long overdue and it beggars belief that it's taken the government nearly two and half years to make a decision that could have been made on the spot."

"It was 2022 when the government's Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy agreed to allocate 16,000ML of unused water in Blue Rock Lake, but instead of simply making a decision on how much water would be allocated between the three recipients the government has wasted two and a half years dithering."

"This water can deliver both important environmental and economic benefits for the Latrobe River region and I know there are many farmers eagerly anticipating the opportunity to access additional water. This water will help grow our local agricultural economy and deliver long-term sustainable jobs in our region," Mr O'Brien said.

Allocate water fairly

Mr O'Brien said the state government should also have announced a process as to how it will allocate this water so that farmers can begin to plan. "While the additional 5,000 or so megalitres of water will be eagerly snapped up by farmers, the government has given no indication of how this process will occur - whether it will be an auction, a tender, or a reallocation across existing licences.

"The government should have spent the last two and a half years working out this process and should now be able to tell farmers how it will happen. With Labor's closure of the timber industry and the winding down of coal fired power in the Latrobe Valley, irrigated agriculture has an important role to play in long-term economic sustainability for our region and I encourage the government to move swiftly to further develop these water resources," he said.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Instagram page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.
• 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.
• Bass Coast secures long-term protection for distinctive landscapes and Western Port Woodlands
  Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy, securing long-term protections for 24 townships, distinctive landscapes, and the Western Port Woodlands while guiding sustainable future growth.
• Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
  Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives.