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Priority projects and critical services for Latrobe City discussed by Darren Chester and Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan

Darren Chester says all levels of government need to work together to deliver the funding for projects and critical services the Latrobe Valley needs during a period of significant changes.

By news@gippsland - 2nd February 2023 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland, who is also the Shadow Minister for Local Government, met with Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan to discuss council's priorities in the lead up to the Federal Budget. "As a local MP I meet regularly with councils across Gippsland to discuss ways we can work together to secure funding for local priority projects and just get stuff done across our region," Mr Chester said.

Federal Member for Gippsland and Shadow Minister for Local Government Darren Chester met with Latrobe City Council Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan to discuss council priorities

Providing sustainable opportunities

Mr Chester said, "It's particularly important in the Latrobe Valley right now as there are a lot of moving parts with the transition in the energy sector and state government policies impacting jobs in the timber industry. So it was good to catch up with the Mayor before the Federal Parliament resumes next week to discuss Latrobe City's pre-budget submission and progress on a range of local projects.

"We are both on the same page, all levels of government need to be listening to our community and working positively and constructively to deliver practical projects and critical services that support long-term and sustainable job opportunities in the Latrobe Valley." Mr Chester said.

Ensuring progressive work

Mr Chester added, "There are projects like the Traralgon by-pass, infrastructure flood resilience, new affordable housing, improved health and education precincts, and high-tech industry opportunities that require a level of government investment to bring to fruition."

"Over the past few years we've been very successful in lending money for big projects like the performing arts centre, sports facilities and transport infrastructure but there's always more to be done. Rest assured I will keep working with local communities to ensure our voices are heard at the highest levels of state and federal governments in the months and years ahead." Mr Chester concluded.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
  Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain.
• Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
• Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
  Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Danny O'Brien says bushfire inquiry exposes Labor neglect, leaving CFA volunteers under-resourced for escalating firefighting challenges
  Danny O'Brien says a parliamentary bushfire inquiry confirms CFA volunteers face declining numbers, ageing equipment and inadequate support, urging Labor to implement recommendations before the next fire season.
• Matthew Canavan welcomes Commonwealth Bank branch extension, calls for stronger government action to protect regional banking services
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere.
• Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
  Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Gippsland Water storage levels remain strong despite below-average spring rainfall forecast, with no supply shortages expected across the region
  Gippsland Water says strong storage levels will support customer demand through spring despite below-average rainfall forecasts, with no shortages expected. Customers are reminded to follow Victoria’s permanent water-saving rules.
• Coalition urges Labor to block foreign-backed Cobungra Station sale and protect productive farmland from carbon projects
  The Coalition has urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers and FIRB to reject the proposed foreign-backed purchase of Cobungra Station, warning productive farmland should remain dedicated to food production, not carbon projects.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.