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Gippsland's priority projects August 2021 update stated by One Gippsland Chair Brett Tessari

The One Gippsland alliance is celebrating its first birthday this month, and we are excited about the future of our region with the guidance and collaboration of our board.

By news@gippsland - 31st August 2021 - Back to News

Welcome to the first newsletter for One Gippsland, a quarterly bulletin to keep you up to speed about the work of the alliance around our region. In this edition you will find information about our advocacy work, an update on Gippsland's priority projects and a snapshot of what's ahead. The board is a dedicated team of Gippsland's leaders from local government, industry and education who volunteer their time to secure funding and policy results for the region.

One Gippsland Chair - Cr Brett Tessari

Interests of the people and the region

One Gippsland was created to connect the dots between government, business and community - while working collectively to champion the interests of our region and our people. And, we've set ourselves some lofty targets to deliver for Gippsland:

• Being Australia's most liveable region by 2040
• Attracting an additional 75,000 residents by 2040
• Increasing the Gross Regional Product to $23.2 billion by 2040

Over the past 12 months the behind-the-scenes advocacy work has started to pay dividends. In addition to building the profile of our region against the backdrop of COVID-19 restriction, there have been some wins in terms of new mobile towers, a new business fibre zone for Cowes.

Funding NBN Infrastructure upgrades Warragul, Wonthaggi and Inverloch, funding for our all-important tracks and trails project including the Great Southern Rail Trail as well as Metung Hot Springs, Cowes Cultural Centre and the WORLD sporting centre in Bairnsdale.

Connecting Victoria survey

But we know there is a lot more to be done. Digital connectivity remains a high priority - you have probably heard me on ABC Gippsland, encouraging everyone to complete the Connecting Victoria survey website to identify mobile and internet access issues in their area.

With remote working and schooling and the ongoing challenges we face with floods and fire there has never been a more important time to get digital connectivity right in our region. One Gippsland will certainly be making the case for improvements to mobile and broadband coverage in our area with ongoing representation to the state and federal government.

Priority projects

One Gippsland has identified a number of priority projects, which are critical to the region's ability to grow and prosper. Digital connectivity is a major issue for Gippslanders, even more so with the uptake of people working and learning from home. One Gippsland developed a Digital Connectivity Policy Position and also made a submission to the Round 5A Mobile Black Spot Program.

We held a round table with the previous Federal Minister for Regional Communications and NBN and engaged with the office of the Hon Jaala Pulford, Victorian Minister for the Digital Economy. This work has contributed to Gippsland receiving funding for five known Black Spots in the latest funding round, 50% of the total allocation to Victoria.

Our tourism sector has been hit hard with the loss of international visitors, natural disasters and border closures having a significant impact. One Gippsland developed the Tracks and Trails Policy Position, which was the driving force behind the $6 million extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail.

Building a strong economy

We were also successful in securing funding through the Latrobe Valley Authority Advancing Regional Strengths Fund to appoint a resource to manage and develop smart specialisation policies across Gippsland in partnership with six local governments and key industry bodies.

One Gippsland has also been working closely with industry partners to build a strong diversified local economy. We have made three submissions to the Local Jobs Program National Priority Fund to address transport barriers in accessing TAFE, increase placement opportunities for key university degrees and continue the successful StartUp Gippsland program to support entrepreneurship in the region.

One Gippsland have been gathering around the virtual meeting table, to advocate for our region

Advocating for the region

While we have had some great success on priority projects, we aren't resting on our laurels. The One Gippsland board and secretariat have spent a lot of time around the table of late, meeting with Ministers, local members of Parliament and departmental officials to advocate for important issues in our region.

We have had productive discussions at the ministerial level, meeting with the Hon. Mary-Ann Thomas MP, Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, to discuss Gippsland's priority projects and our essential food and fibre industries. Working across all levels of government, we also met with the office of the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, to receive an update on the federal government's faster rail business case and rail plans for Gippsland.

Discussing the issues

Last week we hosted a roundtable of Victorian Coalition and local Gippsland members of Parliament to establish a shared understanding of regional priorities including the Hon Peter Walsh MP, Gary Blackwood MP, Hon Tim Bull MP, Danny O'Brien MP, Melina Bath MP, and Hon Edward O'Donohue MP. This month, One Gippsland also met with the Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP to identify and advocate for Gippsland's strategic projects.

Delving into the detail, the Board has also hosted key departmental officials including the Victorian Department of Transport, to discuss regional transport. Tourism initiatives in Gippsland were also firmly on the table, through recent meetings with the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. Our strong food and fibre industry and the challenges it has faced due to COVID-19, bushfires and recent storms was also discussed with Agriculture Victoria.

Pictures from One Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community advocacy for major projects ahead of Victorian state election
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging residents to support advocacy for the Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension and urgent Warragul-Drouin intersection upgrades ahead of the Victorian state election.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on first draft Events Strategy for future events from 27 August to 16 September 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting residents, event organisers and local businesses to comment on its first draft Events Strategy, open on Baw Baw Connect from August 27 to September 16, helping shape future event planning across the Shire.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
  Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
• Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
  Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.