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Country people are at our wits end as changed restrictions for regional Victoria such as Gippsland

Labor should keep the community safe while recovering from the impacts of pandemic.

By news@gippsland - 9th June 2021 - Back to News

Country people are at our wits end being dragged into the turmoil of Labor’s policy of statewide lockdowns to tackle outbreaks in Melbourne. While there continues to be no active cases of COVID-19 outside of Melbourne, today’s announcement of eased restrictions for regional Victoria is the news families, businesses, communities and the Liberal Nationals have been calling for.

Lockdowns bring pressure to workers and businesses that supports country people and their economy, their health must be on top of the list and well protected

Public health must be the priority

Protecting public health must be the priority, but after more than 12 months the Labor Government has no excuse not to have a way forward that keeps us safe while minimising the social, economic and community impacts of outbreaks on regions that are COVID-free.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has estimated the seven-day lockdown will deliver an up to $150 million blow to the regional economy. An estimated 500,000 Victorians who work casually have been out of work for the past week.

Severe pressure to workers and businesses

No work means no pay. This adds to the devastating impact of 12 months in and out of lockdown – despite many regional communities never recording a single active case of COVID-19 – which followed a horror bushfire season in January 2020.

While the Labor Government is obsessed with slinging mud to lay blame at the feet of others, its own measly financial support package is failing to make a dent in the severe pressure that workers and businesses are under as a result of the fourth lockdown.

Good contact tracing and resourcing

Victorians have been locked down more than any other state. In the same time, New South Wales has been able to get isolated outbreaks under control without statewide lockdowns.

NSW’s good contact tracing, bolstered by adequate resourcing and a strong QR code process, has spared families and businesses in regions with no active cases of COVID-19 from the sweeping devastation of lockdown. Victorians deserve no less.

Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP web page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
  South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• Baw Baw Shire Council Pop-Up Playgroups wins Victorian early years award for promoting children’s health, wellbeing and community connections
  Baw Baw Shire Council’s Pop-Up Playgroups has won a 2026 Victorian Early Years Award, recognising its inclusive approach to supporting children’s wellbeing and connecting local families through play.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• Gippsland Water upgrades Buckley's Hill basin to boost industrial reliability and strengthen emergency water supply resilience
  Gippsland Water has upgraded Morwell Buckley's Hill raw water basin, improving water reliability for industry, supporting the energy sector, and providing an emergency backup water source for residential customers during supply disruptions.
• Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
  The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
  East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities.