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Bass Coast In Good StateThis year’s State of the Regions report rates Bass Coast as the most sustainable shire in Gippsland, at a local government level. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 18th December 2006 - Back to News The report by the National Economic was released at the Regional Cooperative Development Forum in Canberra last month.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin, and CEO Allan Bawden attended the conference, along with representatives from Council’s across Australia.
Mr Bawden said the findings of the report were very encouraging.
"The State of the Regions report provides statistical indicators on how the regions are performing," said Mr Bawden.
"For Bass Coast to be rated as the most sustainable in the region is an endorsement of the policies and strategies that we have put in place over the past few years."
The National Economic is the company of Dr Peter Brain who has also prepared a paper for Council – "Economic Development Options for Bass Coast".
While in Canberra, the Mayor and CEO also attended the Local Government Annual General Assembly and the Annual General Meeting of the Sea Change Taskforce.
Sea Change News
Cr Goodwin was re-elected as one of two Victorian representatives on the Taskforce’s Executive.
It was also announced that Professor Ed Blakeley of the University of Sydney has been appointed to oversee the rebuilding of New Orleans.
"Prof Blakeley has been directing all of the Sea Change Taskforce research over the last two years," said Mr Bawden.
"This international appointment reflects the high quality of the personnel and research that has been put together by the Taskforce.
"I believe our involvement in this Taskforce is very valuable," continued Mr Bawden.
"Particularly in terms of the resources it gives us for planning for the future of Bass Coast."
Federal politicians
While in Canberra Mr Bawden and Cr Goodwin took the opportunity to catch up with some Federal Parliamentarians.
These included local member Russell Broadbent and the Federal Minister for Local Government, Jim Lloyd.
"We caught up with Minister Lloyd and his staff to talk about flood mitigation," said Mr Bawden.
"We discussed making an application for flood mitigation grants to continue our drainage works in urban areas of the Shire that experience flooding."
Another visit was to Malcolm Turnbull, the Parliamentary Secretary for Water, to discuss the impact of the drought and drought related relief options.
Mr Bawden said he and the Mayor also meet with David Hawker, the Speaker of the House.
"Mr Hawker wrote a Federal Government report on cost shifting in local government," explained Mr Bawden.
"It was good to be able to spend time with him and discuss the ongoing development of Federal and Local Government arrangements."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months. - South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months. - Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably. - East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates National Volunteer Week recognising local volunteers and community service across region
East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates National Volunteer Week by recognising more than 300 Honour Roll volunteers whose collective service exceeds 469 years across diverse community organisations. - Interim report calls for flexible childcare system, improved regional access and supports for families across all service types in Gippsland
Victoria’s childcare inquiry interim report urges stronger child safety, improved regulation, workforce standards and better regional access across the early childhood education sector. - East Gippsland Shire Council adopts pool safety report, confirming closure, major repair costs and future aquatic strategy planning
East Gippsland Shire Council adopts safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, confirming major repair costs, closure due to risks, and future review through an aquatic strategy process. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - Dr Patrick Kinsella’s decades-long contributions to healthcare, sport, media, and community celebrated at 2026 Australia Day Awards
Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards. - Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September. - 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. - Danny O’Brien congratulates local football and netball clubs recognised through this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program
Gippsland South football and netball clubs have secured TAC Club Rewards funding, promoting safe driving and road safety awareness through community-led initiatives supported by AFL Victoria. - Auditor-General report criticises Victoria’s timber shutdown, citing job losses, insecure work and failed transition planning
Auditor-General report criticises Victoria’s native timber shutdown, highlighting failed transition, job insecurity, and ongoing regional economic harm under the Allan government’s policy. - CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability. - Omeo tourism report and investment prospectus highlight opportunities for growth and visitor experiences
The newly released Omeo Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Investment Prospectus highlight opportunities for investors, showcasing growth potential in hospitality, services, visitor experiences, and adventure tourism in Victoria’s alpine region. - East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges. - East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year. - East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - Baw Baw Shire Council releases 2024/25 Annual Report highlighting growth, major projects and community achievements
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2024/25 Annual Report highlights population growth, major projects, community grants, infrastructure upgrades, and continued focus on sustainable, connected, and thriving local communities. - East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates Volunteer Week, honouring volunteers dedicated services to the community
Volunteering is part of everyday life across East Gippsland, with council staff and community members supporting emergency services, sporting clubs and local organisations, reflecting a strong culture of community service and connection. - East Gippsland celebrates volunteers during National Volunteer Week recognising Tufail Taj’s community service
East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates National Volunteer Week recognising staff member Tufail Taj, who volunteers with TAC L2P, aged care visits, and CFA Lakes Entrance. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Life Saving Victoria report reveals alarming 52 deaths, 123 drownings, urgent water safety action needed
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal drownings, with rising incidents among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and outside traditional summer months, urging urgent water safety action. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - East Gippsland Council warns pets aren’t presents, urges thoughtful, responsible lifelong commitment this Christmas season
East Gippsland Council urges residents to avoid gifting pets impulsively this Christmas, emphasizing lifelong commitment, care, and responsibility, suggesting adoption vouchers or sponsorships as thoughtful alternatives. - Parliamentary Inquiry visits South Gippsland to examine oil, gas decommissioning and regional transition opportunities
State Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee visited South Gippsland to examine oil and gas decommissioning, and local government perspectives, highlighting infrastructure needs and renewable transition opportunities. - International Energy Agency (IEA) report reveals sharp decline in Australian critical minerals exploration investment amid net-zero push
The Nationals say an IEA report showing a 30 per cent fall in Australia’s critical minerals exploration spending highlights declining investment, blaming Labor’s net-zero policies and warning of broader impacts on mining and economic growth. - East Gippsland celebrates connection, creativity, and community with 2025 month-long Seniors Festival program
East Gippsland Shire Council presents the 2025 Seniors Festival, offering over 60 free and low-cost events celebrating connection, creativity, wellbeing, and community for older residents throughout October. - Melina Bath said a VAGO report exposed ongoing failures in bushfire risk and fuel management
A VAGO report has raised concerns about Victoria’s bushfire risk management, citing unreliable assessments, inconsistent fuel reduction practices, and ongoing failures to improve data accuracy and transparency under the Allan Labor government. - Danny O'Brien celebrates Gippsland South schools receiving VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants to boost cooking and gardening education
Danny O'Brien has congratulated five Gippsland South primary schools awarded VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants, supporting hands-on cooking, gardening, and healthy eating education to build students' lifelong skills, and sustainability awareness. - Baw Baw Shire celebrates ANZAC Day 2026 across the shire on 19 and 25 April 2026
Community members are invited to attend ANZAC Day commemorative services across Baw Baw Shire townships, including dawn services, with Longwarry held earlier, honouring service and sacrifice in local remembrance events. - 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. - East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop." - Life Saving Victoria 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals alarming increases, with 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents, exceeding 10-year averages, with rises among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and during traditionally cooler months. - East Gippsland Council celebrates staff contributions with annual Living Our Values Awards announcement
East Gippsland Council honoured staff contributions with the annual Living Our Values Awards, recognising individuals and teams demonstrating respect, collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and excellence across council services and communities. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit. - Omeo celebrates opening of 114 km world-class mountain bike park set to transform regional adventure tourism
Omeo has opened a $10 million, 114-kilometre mountain bike park, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and celebrating new streetscape and flood-recovery works that strengthen the town’s recreation spaces and future growth. - Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - Latrobe City Council celebrates Volunteer Week with expo taking place at Gippsland Performing Arts Centre Forecourt on 23 May 2026
Latrobe’s Volunteer Expo returns during National Volunteer Week, featuring 45+ groups, live performances, CPR training and community activities, celebrating volunteers while inspiring locals to discover meaningful opportunities. - Gippsland faces sobering family violence rates during 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Danny O’Brien warns
Gippsland records some of Victoria’s highest family violence rates, says Danny O’Brien, urging community action during the 16 Days of Activism to promote respect, safety, and awareness across the region. - Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs. - Gippsland Water urges residents to protect water meters from winter frost damage this winter
Gippsland Water is urging customers to protect water meters from frost this winter, as freezing temperatures can cause bursts and damage, recommending simple coverings and reporting faults via its 24/7 line. - Relax and float on calm waters at Mouth of Powlett River, a serene family-friendly beach escape
Climb Mt Oberon in Wilsons Promontory for breathtaking 360-degree views of beaches, cliffs, islands, and Bass Strait, exploring nearby walks, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic coastal treasures. - Tim Bull says policy supports Victoria Police, improves safety and holds fleeing drivers accountable for dangerous pursuits
The State Liberal and Nationals plan proposes tougher laws to hold offenders accountable for dangerous police pursuits, strengthening community safety and supporting Victoria Police operations. - Melina Bath celebrates volunteers at Foster Royal Flying Doctor Community Transport luncheon supporting healthcare access
Melina Bath recognised volunteers during National Volunteer Week at Foster, highlighting Royal Flying Doctor Community Transport impact supporting South Gippsland healthcare access and community connection.
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