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Multi-million for bushfire recovery infrastructure projects is great news for East Gippsland

Funding announcements and grant received from council that would benefit the economy, as well as the community.

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

Today's announcement of a further $9 million for bushfire recovery infrastructure projects is great news for East Gippsland. Mayor Cr Mendy Urie said the support of 12 community projects across the shire under the Local Economic Recovery Program (Round 2) would give community recovery another important boost.

The benefits of these projects include employment , creating jobs, attracting visitors and helping key industries. and other advantages to the community that would help boost its economy

Recognising project values

Cr Urie said, "The announcement of the LER grants today is very welcome, and on behalf of all funding recipients I thank the Federal and State-funded program for recognising the value of the East Gippsland projects,"

"Amazingly, this brings funding announcement for infrastructure projects in East Gippsland over the past seven weeks to more than $45 million. In May alone, more than $38 million of funding for local projects has been announced. That's more than $1 million a day!"

Investing to benefit economy

The economic benefit of this investment will be substantial, both in the construction phase and then the longer-term benefits. During construction alone, the impact to the local economy of this investment, as a result of demand for goods and services, employment and supply chain increases, is estimated to be more than $102 million.

Council applied for one project - the Mallacoota Hall upgrade - in Round 2 of the LER program, administered by Bushfire Recovery Victoria. "We took the approach of applying for more projects in the first round of funding, knowing we had some important major projects that were shovel ready," Cr Urie said.

"This ensured a focus was placed on community-led projects in round two funding. We are delighted with the response to applications from across the shire and are so pleased for our communities who put projects forward."

Upgrade on the largest community facility

Council's Mallacoota Hall upgrade is a priority project identified by the Mallacoota And District Recovery Association."The hall is Mallacoota's largest community facility and is used for a wide variety of activities and functions, and was the town's primary refuge, relief and recovery facility in the 2019-20 bushfires," Cr Urie said.

"We will deliver this project and it will improve the day-to-day functionality of the hall. Work will include relocating the main entry to improve accessibility, the creation of additional spaces for storage and offices, and expansion of the existing kitchen."

Community-focused support

Cr Urie said Council officers had also been instrumental in many of the community-led funding applications. "These successful funding applications are the result of considerable work behind the scenes by all involved, including Council."

"We have played a key role in the application process for projects such as the Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve (funded all design work), East Gippsland Rail Trail (initiated an economic impact assessment), and of course wrote letters of support and advocated at every opportunity for all other projects."

"I would also like to congratulate the work of the Community Recovery Committees and other community groups in many of our towns where funding has been announced. It is the community-focussed work of these groups that has been instrumental in prioritising, supporting and ultimately being successful. Council will support the community in the delivery of these great projects, and the many more projects that we know will still need funding over time."

Projects, funding and grants

East Gippsland projects funded since April 2021 by Federal and State government, some of which Council also has committed to a financial contribution.

Other funding announcements

"This funding directly impacts at least 12 towns - Mallacoota, Swifts Creek, Bruthen, Buchan, Orbost, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Bairnsdale, Marlo, Goongerah, Raymond Island, Nicholson and Nowa Nowa - and supports the activities of residents in all our communities and visitors to East Gippsland," Cr Urie said.

"You would be hard-pressed to find a time in our history when we have received such support for major infrastructure projects across such a range of our communities. These projects, many of which as community-led, will drive the recovery and prosperity of our region int the short, medium and long-term and for that we are very grateful to all funding bodies and agencies, government, local MPS, Ministers and the commitment of local communities."

Pictures from Australian Red Cross.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.
• 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.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Palm Lake Resort Paynesville welcomes 100th resident, boosting East Gippsland’s retirement living and local economic growth
  Palm Lake Resort Paynesville has welcomed its 100th resident, highlighting growing demand for retirement living and investment supporting local businesses and economic activity across East Gippsland.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
  Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• 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.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.
• RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
  RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• 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.
• 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.
• Farmers denied refunds despite biosecurity overcharging and government cost recovery surplus
  DAFF will not refund farmers despite collecting $26 million in excess biosecurity fees between 2024 and 2026. An Auditor-General report identified cost recovery management failures, prompting calls for greater transparency and fairer charges.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.