Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Opposition outlines priorities in Budget-in-Reply speech focusing on economic management and key commitments
  Opposition Budget reply criticises Labor for broken promises, higher costs, energy policy and regional neglect, while outlining alternative plan focused on cheaper energy, infrastructure investment, lower taxes and growth strategy.
• One Gippsland welcomes Federal Budget priorities but says freight and renewable infrastructure investment was missed
  One Gippsland welcomes Federal Budget housing, cost-of-living and skills measures, but says lack of freight and renewable energy infrastructure investment overlooks Gippsland’s growth needs and future economic potential.
• Danny O’Brien says the State Budget overlooks Gippsland priorities, with limited regional infrastructure funding
  Danny O’Brien says the State Budget overlooks key Gippsland priorities, despite some funding for essential local projects, highlighting ongoing gaps in regional infrastructure investment and service delivery.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria outlines Federal Budget priorities for housing, digital and transport infrastructure growth
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria Chair Moira Berry is available Tuesday 12 May to discuss budget priorities, including housing infrastructure, digital connectivity and transport solutions for fast-growing regional communities.
• Tim Bull highlights East Gippsland patients facing excessive dental wait times amid ongoing public system mismanagement concerns
  East Gippsland patients face over 18-month waits for public dental care, with private dentists struggling under short voucher timelines and delayed government payments, highlighting systemic mismanagement, says Tim Bull.
• Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025.
• Latrobe City Council highlights strong financial performance and community-focused progress in its 2024/2025 Annual Report presentation
  Latrobe City Council’s 2024/2025 Annual Report shows strong financial sustainability, strategic progress and disciplined planning, highlighting new health-focused development and continued delivery of essential services and infrastructure.
• Latrobe City Council finalises 2026/27 advocacy priorities for strategic economic, infrastructure and community development initiatives
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed its 2026/27 Advocacy Agenda, prioritising economic development, infrastructure, and community safety initiatives, guided by a tiered framework and strengthened by councillor and community feedback.
• Labor Budget delivers cost-of-living relief and regional investment across Eastern Victoria’s services
  Labor’s Budget delivers cost-of-living relief and major investment across Eastern Victoria, including transport discounts, health and education funding, and improved regional infrastructure and services.
• Darren Chester criticised Labor budget for cutting agriculture, pest control funding and regional infrastructure, impacting food security
  Federal Budget criticised for cutting agriculture funding by $190 million, reducing drought and pest programs, and failing to invest in food security, biosecurity and regional infrastructure, according to Darren Chester.
• Victorian budget delivers cost of living relief, transport discounts, regional investment and services support
  Victorian Budget delivers cost-of-living relief, including rego discounts, cheaper transport, and major investments in health, education, regional infrastructure, and community services.
• Baw Baw Draft Budget invests millions in roads, sporting projects and infrastructure while seeking community feedback until 14 May 2026
  Baw Baw $127.5 million Draft Budget includes $50.9 million for infrastructure, major sporting upgrades, road projects and long-term planning, with community feedback open until 14 May.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Tim Bull calls for State Budget investment in Gippsland East health, police, roads and community infrastructure amid rising debt concerns
  Tim Bull has called for the State Budget to deliver key Gippsland East investments in health, police, fire services, roads, and community infrastructure amid rising Victorian debt.
• Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
  Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government.
• One Gippsland welcomes Budget support for regional education, health, roads and skills, noting tourism gaps
  One Gippsland welcomes Victorian 2026-27 Budget initiatives aligning with its advocacy, highlighting improvements in education, health, skills, roads and regional services, while noting gaps in tourism and regional cost-of-living equity.
• Darren Chester meets One Gippsland leaders to advocate regional priorities ahead of 2026 federal budget
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester met One Gippsland leaders in Canberra, advocating regional priorities ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget to boost economy, jobs, connectivity, disaster resilience, and community development.
• 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.
• 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.
• Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2026/27, get involved in a special council meeting on 26 May 2026
  Wellington Shire Council has released its Draft Budget for 2026-27, outlining a measured and responsible approach to managing rising costs, while continuing to deliver the essential infrastructure and services the community relies on.
• East Gippsland residents invited to provide input on 2026‑27 Council budget, shaping services, projects, and community priorities
  East Gippsland residents can provide feedback on the 2026‑27 Council budget, helping shape priorities, services, projects, and capital works through surveys, community sessions, and ongoing consultations with councillors.
• Bass Coast Council releases Draft Budget 2026-27, inviting community feedback until 8 May 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council released its Draft Budget 2026-27 for consultation, outlining services and infrastructure plans, with community feedback sessions scheduled and submissions open until May 8, 2026.
• Mayor Jodie Ashworth responds to Victorian Budget, welcoming support but seeking stronger long-term investment
  Mayor Jodie Ashworth welcomes parts of the Victorian Budget but says East Gippsland remains underfunded, calling for stronger long-term investment in key regional infrastructure priorities.
• Bass Coast Council lobbies state government on key regional priorities ahead of 2026 election talks
  Bass Coast Council meets state government leaders to advocate for funding across tourism, sport, infrastructure, coastal protection and major regional development priorities ahead of the 2026 election.
• Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft 2026-27 Budget supporting infrastructure, grants and new FOGO waste service by 25 May 2026
  Latrobe City invites community feedback on its 2026/27 Draft Budget, supporting infrastructure, public spaces, grants, and FOGO service, with major local projects included.
• Parliament petition urges Allan government to cancel Delburn Wind Farm amid strong community opposition
  A parliamentary petition opposing the Delburn Wind Farm has gathered more than 2,800 signatures, citing concerns about bushfire risk, costs, community consultation and impacts on nearby residents.
• Darren Chester meets Latrobe City Council in Canberra to discuss Latrobe Valley priorities ahead of 2026-27 federal budget
  Darren Chester met Latrobe City Council in Canberra to discuss economic transition, future jobs, infrastructure, and strategic investments for the Latrobe Valley ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks feedback on Draft 2026/27 Budget and Long-term Financial Plan until 3 May 2026
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s Draft 2026/27 Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan are open for community feedback until 3 May 2026, shaped by earlier consultation and cost pressures.
• Prime Minister accused of misleading claim over wine tourism program as budget cut sparks regional industry backlash and political dispute
  The Prime Minister faces criticism over claims a wine tourism program was saved, despite budget cuts, sparking backlash over regional impacts and industry funding concerns.
• Martin Cameron backs Coalition 10-year plan to restore Victoria’s budget, cut debt, reduce taxes and strengthen essential services
  Martin Cameron has backed the Coalition’s 10-year economic plan for Victoria, aiming for a cash surplus by 2032, reducing debt and taxes, strengthening essential services, and improving budget transparency.
• Engaging East Gippsland communities: Listening, learning and shaping council priorities across the region
  Over recent weeks, council engaged East Gippsland communities through budget sessions, site visits, and consultations, supporting local projects, stormwater planning, and services while encouraging feedback and early hardship assistance.
• Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
  Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students.
• Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth.
• Darren Chester welcomes St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to parliament house for insight into Australian democracy
  Darren Chester welcomed St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to Parliament House, discussing democracy, civic engagement, and his role as Gippsland's representative while commending their enthusiasm and interest in national issues.
• 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.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• 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.
• Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
  Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• South Gippsland Shire Council organisational performance report, road safety, education and more updates on council projects
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s Autumn 2026 report highlights strong progress on 2025–29 priorities, sound finances and all annual actions on track. Updates include FOGO rollout, road safety, community events, grants, and engagement opportunities.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
  East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Tim Bull announces retirement ahead of November state election after 16 years in Parliament and ministerial service
  East Gippsland MP announces retirement from November State Election after 16 years in Parliament, reflecting on service, gratitude to staff, colleagues, community, and commitment to continuing representation until stepping down.
• 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.
• Darren Chester secured $818,000 in LER funding to deliver long-needed upgrades to Mallacoota Hall
  Mallacoota Hall has been upgraded with improved accessibility, modern facilities and expanded community spaces, supported by $818,000 in LER funding, boosting its everyday use and strengthening resilience for future emergencies.
• 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.