Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP

Gippslanders are owed an explanation for Victorian Government backing imported timber over the local product says Darren Chester

Call for a review with the government decision in importing timber instead of using Victoria's good quality timber.

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

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says that Gippslanders are owed an explanation after the State Labor Government backed imported timber over the local product for a signature building project.

Local MP Darren Chester says Gippslanders are owed an explanation as to why the Victorian Government awarded a timber supply contract to a European company

Overlooked by the government

Mr Chester said the decision by the Victorian Government to award the timber supply contract for the construction of Anzac Station to a European company over ASH in Heyfield was a disgrace. "Why are we importing timber when we have a world-class and environmentally sustainable product being grown right here in Gippsland?"

"We have a local company that has the ability to supply timber for the construction of Melbourne's new underground Anzac metro station yet ASH has been completely overlooked by the Victorian Government."

"The decision to import timber when it is already available here in Victoria and processed by locals who support local Victorian communities should be overturned by the Minister." Mr Chester said.

Review for the decision

Mr Chester called for the reasons for the government's decision to be made public. "ASH has previously been a supplier of hardwood beams utilised in the construction of other Victorian projects such as the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon," Mr Chester said.

"We have a world-class timber industry here in Victoria, and once again we see the Victorian Government failing to support it." Mr Chester has written to the State Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan requesting an urgent review of this decision.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Less severe Omicron variant taking over and Victorians vaccinated means it's time for new way forward from governments right
  Liberals and Nationals call for action on Rapid Antigen Tests with a plan to move forward against the new variant.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be more accessible for Gippslanders starting November 2022
  Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the announcement of the deregulation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Licensing as part of the Federal Budget.
• Latrobe Valley renewable energy Investment by Andrews Labor Government to reducing emissions and create jobs
  The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to invest in renewable energy in the Latrobe Valley and beyond - reducing emissions and creating jobs.
• Moves to protect Victorian farmers from farm trespass being made by Liberals and Nationals
  Amendments to strengthen the consequences for law-breaking activists caught trespassing on Victorian farms will be moved in Victorian Parliament today by the Liberals and Nationals.
• Putting Patients First program from Andrews Labor government forgets to fund a new West Gippsland Hospital
  The 2022-23 State Budget, with the slogan "Putting Patients First", has failed to deliver a new Hospital for West Gippsland.
• Upgrades and specialist equipment for Gippsland early childhood education centres via Victorian government Building Blocks Inclusion fund
  Upgrades to early childhood education centres and specialist equipment to help improve learning outcomes.
• Cancellations in Victorian public transport like Vline in Gippsland could be avoided with rapid testing for COVID
  Victoria's public transport to be disrupted by underpreparedness of the system.
• Baw Baw Civic Precinct initial development gets $3.5M funding from Victorian government Growing Suburbs Fund
  A landmark community precinct for the people of Warragul is now a step closer to reality, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
• Traralgon Recreation Reserve gets $2.75M for new facilities development as part of Victorian government 2022/23 budget
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed the Victorian government's budget contribution of $2.75 million towards developing new facilities at Traralgon Recreation Reserve (TRR), which is a key component of council's Traralgon Flood Recovery Project.
• Worker shortage will derail Victorian and Gippsland farms and agriculture businesses
  The Andrews Labor Government has failed to step up to the plate to solve a desperate shortage of workers across Victorian farms and agriculture businesses.
• Gaps persist in Victorian mental health workforce that don't address vulnerable women adequately
  Immediate reform must be implemented to deliver more workers for Victoria's over-burdened mental health workforce if today's pledge for acute beds is to make a dent in the shadow pandemic.
• Social housing investment in Warragul of $6.85M means more Victorians to a home through Andrews Labor government
  More Victorians will have a place to call home thanks to the Andrews Labor government's social housing investment in Warragul.
• Sale RSL receives $120,000 improvement grant from federal government under Veteran and Community Grants program
  The home of Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre in Sale is about to receive a new roof thanks to a $120,000 Federal Government grant.
• Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City Council get extra $13,200 from state government 'Municipal Emergency Resourcing Program'
  Eastern Victorian Councils will receive more funding to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
• Opportunity to save more Victorian lives to improve country road safety must not be missed in Andrews Labor 2022-23 budget
  Victoria's road network will continue to crumble into dangerous disrepair without a substantial boost to funds for maintenance.
• List of best Victorian beaches to visit this summer in Gippsland
  Tips for your Gippsland beach discovery bucket list for you to visit and have fun with friends and family.
• Despite business struggles recovering from pandemic Andrews Labor government budget cuts more from regional development funding
  The 2022-23 state budget confirmed Labor's funding strip from the regional development fund.
• Disability access issues on V/Line train network ignored by Andrews Labor government after confirming services would be delivered
  More stories have emerged this week of Victorians with a disability being prevented from travelling on V/Line trains, even after confirming services would be accessible.
• Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card can apply for $250 Power Saving Bonus from Victorian government until 31 January 2022
  Calling on the eligible residents to send their application for the rebates they can receive as power saving bonus from the government.
• Gippsland not-for-profit kindergardens can apply for grants from $7.5M from state government fund to improve ventilation
  Victorian Government is helping kindergarten services across Eastern Victoria reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, with support for better ventilation measures to help keep children and staff COVIDSafe.
• New data shows thousands of Victorian youth in crisis waiting 60 days or more for mental health appointments
  New data revealed today shows thousands of vulnerable youths at crisis point are now waiting more than 60 days for mental health appointments.
• Leongatha roadside rest area gets upgraded via Liberal and Nationals Government's Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program
  Leongatha roadside rest areas will be upgraded to help combat driver fatigue and make local roads safer, thanks to funding under the Liberal and Nationals Government's Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program.
• Darren Chester says lack of progress on road safety projects on Princes Highway from Rosedale to New South Wales is frustrating
  Local MP Darren Chester has expressed his frustration at the lack of progress on priority road projects in East Gippsland.
• Outrage among regional motorists as new data shows most neglected local government areas in country Victoria
  The sad state of country roads is driving outrage among regional motorists with new data painting a picture of Victoria's most neglected local government areas.
• Russell Northe argues for more funding projects in Latrobe Valley be included in Andrews Labor government Victorian 2022-23 budget
  Member for Morwell, Russell Northe says he is hopeful of a number of projects in the Morwell electorate being funded through the state governments budget which is handed down next Tuesday 3 May.
• Moe Apex Park gets $60,000 lighting upgrades from Victorian Community Safety Infrastructure grant to improve surveillance and visibility
  Families and community members can now feel safer while enjoying Moe's community parks, thanks to new lighting funded through the Andrews Labor Government's Community Crime Prevention Program.
• Darren Chester secured $6.5M funding for Marine Parade in Lakes Entrance through federal government grant
  One of Lakes Entrance's busiest roads will receive a $6.5 million facelift thanks to a Federal Government grant.
• Congratulations to Fiona Weigall for making Victorian Top 50 Public Sector Women as a General Manager in East Gippsland Shire Council
  The IPAA Victoria Top 50 Public Sector Women was announced at a function in Melbourne on Friday. Fiona said it was humbling to be recognised among the state's leading public sector female leaders.
• On-the-spot fines for trespass on Victorian farms still not ready nearly two years later
  New on-the-spot fines for extreme activists who trespass on Victorian farms and threaten the safety of farm families still aren't in place.
• Gippsland to share in $3B Victorian economy boost from 2026 Commonwealth Games
  Gippsland is set to shine on the world sporting stage in 2026, with the region being confirmed as one of the four regional hubs to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
• Urgent need to invest into neglected and crumbling Victorian regional roads stated in key report from Infrastructure Australia
  A new report, released today, makes a mockery of the Victorian Roads Minister's claim that our state's road network is now 'safer and smoother'.
• Giant Gippsland Earthworms and Hooded Plovers get $500,000 from Morrison government Threatened Species Strategy Action Plan
  Community-led program that aims to conserve, restore and protect native wildlife that share the same habitat.
• Latrobe Valley Blue Hydrogen project gets $2.98M support from federal government and Latrobe City Council
  Latrobe City Council welcomes the federal government's $2.98 million commitment to the Latrobe Valley Blue Hydrogen project by Zero Degrees Rosella.
• Rebuild opportunity for Victoria's broken mental health system will be missed if Labor government refuses to support crucial reforms
  An opportunity to rebuild Victoria's broken mental health system will be missed if the State Government refuses to support crucial reforms that will unlock thousands of extra workers for the exhausted and under-resourced workforce.
• More axed jobs to come in agriculture research and development leaving Victorian farmers less productive and sustainable
  Victorian farmers face less service delivery after the Agriculture Minister refused to guarantee today the Labor government won't make more job cuts at Agriculture Victoria.
• Cunninghame Arm community-driven project in Lakes Entrance boardwalk gets $5.8M federal government funding to make it work for all-abilities
  Work to construct an all-abilities boardwalk and shared pathway around the shores of Cunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance will start this year thanks to $5.8 million in federal government funding.
• Call for Gippsland schools, community organisations and sporting clubs to apply for grants to increase shade from sun via state government sunshade program
  Government program to better protect the community while having their time outdoors.
• Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) gets $7.5M additional funding via Victorian Ladder - Step Up program to create more jobs
  The Andrews Labor government will keep helping create more jobs in the Latrobe Valley, with another $7.5 million investment in the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA).
• Low-income Gippsland households can apply for $1,000 rebate to replace old heaters from state government 'Home Heating and Cooling Upgrade' program
  Heating upgrade grant to support low-income households.
• Promise for additional train services for Shepparton and Warrambool must be included in Andrews Labor government Victorian budget 2022-23
  Additional passenger train services on the Shepparton and Warrnambool lines will remain a far-off dream if next week's State Budget fails to invest in the rolling stock required to deliver them.
• Promise for additional train services for Shepparton and Warrambool must be included in Andrews Labor government Victorian budget 2022-23
  Additional passenger train services on the Shepparton and Warrnambool lines will remain a far-off dream if next week's State Budget fails to invest in the rolling stock required to deliver them.
• Avoid tragedy over long weekend on Victorian waterways after two drownings last week
  Ahead of the long weekend, we are encouraging people to stay safe to avoid tragedy in our waterways.
• Darren Chester writes to Minister Bridget McKenzie after Sarsfield community shockingly misses out on bushfire recovery funding
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has urged the government to intervene immediately and fix a "farcical situation" which has seen community-led bushfire recovery projects excluded from consideration for recovery grants.
• Public schools ideal to support better mental wellbeing of Victorian students but not enough workers to deliver it
  A pledge to better support Victorian students to settle back into school after months of isolating lockdowns will only make a difference if there's enough mental health practitioners to deliver it.
• West and central Gippsland gets $480M for 4G and 5G wireless upgrade from Morrison government in 2022-23 federal budget
  Electorate of Monash will have access to a significantly more capable NBN network following a $480 million investment by the Morrison Government in the 2022-23 Federal Budget.
• Country drivers in danger from hazards on rural roads from Andrews Labor government budget cuts
  Labor government's cut on the road maintenance neglect on the country road asset maintenance has left the country roads neglected.
• Darren Chester backs calls for pedestrian crossing at McNairn road in Traralgon
  Securing federal funding to construct a safe pedestrian crossing at McNairn Road in Traralgon.
• Latrobe City Council helps secure $117M funding for local projects from Victorian 2022/23 budget
  Latrobe City Council thanks the State Government for their investment in local projects as part of the 2022/23 Budget.
• Darren Chester in support of federal funding for improvement to Greenwattle Racecourse in Sale
  Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Sale Turf Club CEO Brad Evans discussing opportunities for Federal Government grants to support further upgrades at the Greenwattle Racecourse.
• Local emergency services for regional Victoria should feature in 2022-23 Victorian budget
  Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull is hoping to see some key projects ticked off in next week's State Budget.
• Local community sporting events can now apply for support through the Regional Sports Events Fund of the federal government
  Funding to support local community sporting events is now available through the Federal Government.
• State lifeline needed to make sure Victorian agricultural shows survive
  Victoria's agricultural shows and field days are desperate for a financial lifeline to ensure their survival into next year as COVID uncertainty continues to force more cancellations.
• Regional kids including Gippsland still locked out of the classroom, but the Andrew's Labor state government won't tell us why
  Andrews Labor Government's decision to force students in regional communities into remote learning.
• Masterful performance by Seaspray athletes at Victorian Masters Championships 2022 in Lorne
  Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club members aged 35-73 competed at Lorne SLSC and the local community.
• Darren Chester presents achievement certificates to students at St Vincent de Paul Primary School in Morwell
  Local MP Darren Chester presented student leaders at St Vincent de Paul Primary School in Morwell, with their achievement certificates.
• Gippsland small and medium businesses can partake in $400 million of support from 'Victorian Business Support Package'
  A new jointly funded package from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments will give Victorian small and medium businesses the extra support and confidence they need to recover from the recent lockdown.
• Darren Chester congratulates achievements of student leaders at Morwell Central Primary School
  Local MP Darren Chester visited Morwell Central Primary School recently to meet with school leaders and present them with their Achievement Certificates.
• People with an eating disorder to get more support with $20M funding from Victorian government
  More Victorians living with an eating disorder will receive the support they need to recover and live happy, healthy lives, thanks to record investment from the Andrews Labor government.
• Calling on local volunteers to register or nominate for East Gippsland Volunteer Honour Roll
  Council is calling on volunteers to register or nominate for the East Gippsland Volunteer Honour Roll.
• Darren Chester welcomes Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill to allow large Bass Strait projects with hundreds of local jobs
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the introduction of legislation to develop offshore electricity infrastructure with local jobs at stake.
• Paynesville Slip Road Maritime Precinct on Burrabogie Island upgrade underway with $6.1M funding from Victorian and federal government grants
  Paynesville's much-anticipated Slip Road Maritime Precinct project on Burrabogie Island is progressing, with work on an improved design set to begin.
• Gippsland motorists robbed of life-saving road upgrades as state and federal government dithers
  Government failing to fast track the road safety upgrades putting regional communities in critical functioning.
• Darren Chester presents achievement certificates to school leaders at Morwell Campus of Kurnai College
  Darren Chester MP presents the school leaders with their achievement certificates.
• Darren Chester campaigns to save the Lakes Entrance rotunda from an ill-conceived East Gippsland Shire Council plan
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is campaigning to save the Lakes Entrance rotunda from an ill-conceived East Gippsland Shire Council plan.
• Darren Chester has officially launched Gippsland's biggest survey to understand regional needs
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has officially launched Gippsland's Biggest Survey.
• Support for senior vocational education students (VET) from Andrews Labor government
  The Victorian Government is making sure every secondary school student whose Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies have been disrupted by the pandemic will receive extra support to complete their certificates.
• Free pair of glasses for 176 students across West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley from Andrews Labor Victorian government
  One thousand more Victorian students can now see more clearly and concentrate better at school, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government's free Glasses for Kids program.
• Roll out rapid testing to help save iconic Victorian spring racing carnival
  Major event that has been awaited by the crowd to forecast on 5 November.
• Darren Chester to proudly contest the seat of Gippsland in federal election on 21 May 2022
  The Prime Minister has called a Federal election for May 21 and I will be contesting the seat of Gippsland.
• Darren Chester visits Snowy River Black Garlic crop with owners Mark Johnstone and Shelly Carroll
  Mark Johnstone and Shelly Carroll at Snowy River Black Garlic receiving reviews for their products.
• Federal Local Economic Recovery program funds $1.4 million for improvements to Buchan streetscape in East Gippsland
  Buchan streetscape will be upgraded thanks to Federal Government funding through the Local Economic Recovery Program.
• Crown Casino reform not complete until thorough investigation of Andrews Labor Government dealings
  Victorian Liberals and Nationals accept the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Crown Casino today.
• Darren Chester attends 2022 Mother's day Classic in Sale around Lake Guthridge
  Remembering loved ones through charity runs.
• Feedback on Local Law review from community from Bass Coast Shire Council
  Bass Coast Shire Council is calling on the community to provide their feedback on the Draft Local Law No. 1 Neighbourhood Amenity 2022.
• Mirboo North Pool reopens with updated facilities from $3.6M low interest loan from Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Victorian government scheme
  Mirboo North's updated pool facilities are open in time for summer fun, thanks to a community sports loan from the Victorian Government.
• Sun Cinema in Bairnsdale receives $60,000 as financial boost thanks to federal government SCREEN fund
  A Gippsland independent cinema has received a financial boost thanks to the federal government's SCREEN Fund.
• Local artists Jessie McLennan, Rebecca Vandyk-Hamilton and Jeannie Haughton make 'Three Women on Kurnai Country' sculpture
  Local first Nations women to be honoured with life size artwork sculpture called 'Three Women on Kurnai Country' from the local artists Jessie McLennan, Rebecca Vandyk-Hamilton, and Jeannie Haughton.
• Local residents must have a voice in Traralgon Creek flood review Mr Northe says
  Residents wanting to better understand why the emergency and evacuation systems failed to function.
• Yinnar Primary School and stadium gets $7.3M for upgrades and modernisation from Victorian 2022/23 budget
  The Andrews Labor government is making sure students at Yinnar Primary School have better learning environments, with a huge investment to deliver a major upgrade for the growing school.
• Local artists showcased their musical talents at the all-ages music event supported by Wellington Shire Youth Council and FReeZA crew Propellor
  Local artists showcased their musical talents in front of a big crowd at the recent All-Ages Tour, which was organised and hosted by Wellington Shire Youth Council.
• Local artists featured in the Australian Wood Design Exhibition at the Orbost Exhibition Centre 26 March - June 19
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester officially opened the Australian Wood Design Exhibition which is at the Orbost Exhibition Centre until June 19.
• Local psychologist Dr Sharee Johnson launches book 'The Thriving Doctor' at Port of Sale
  Local psychologist and executive coach Sharee Johnson will launch her book The Thriving Doctor at Port of Sale this month
• Country commuters stranded on neglected V/Line network from Andrews Labor government budget cuts
  Regional train passengers are again wearing the consequences of decades of neglect of V/Line, with a statewide communications outage forcing the entire network to a standstill today.
• Moe Play Space in Apex Park gets changing places accessible toilet from Latrobe City Council with $110,000 from Victorian government
  Funding received from the government for changing areas at Apex Park.
• Victoria's Agriculture Minister dismissive on looming Christmas supply disruptions from timber shortage
  With the loss of jobs in small timber communities could result to Christmas grocery shortages with some supermarkets desperate for pallets, and this is what the Labor government needs to understand before releasing the native timber policy.
• Local artists wanted to apply for public mural for community or township with grant of $20,000 from Baw Baw Shire Council
  Council is seeking expressions of interest from local artists and creative community members keen to deliver a public art mural project for a community or township within Baw Baw Shire.
• Latrobe Regional Hospital gets $217M funding for its expansion through the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA)
  Latrobe Regional Hospital expansion means additional facilities that will give support to the region's increasing and complex health demands.
• Business Fibre Zones with 1 GB Internet connections coming to Warragul and Wonthaggi-Inverloch from agreement between state government and NBN Co
  Victorians can look forward to more areas of their state being able to access the highest speed NBN speed tiers under a co-investment agreement between NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) and the Victorian Government, announced today.
• Tim Bull says Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio failure to ensure Buchan pool and East Cape Boardwalk are safe is disgraceful
  Lack of comprehension and no appetite from the government to reopen Buchan, also, lack of interest in reopening it has disappointed many in the community.
• Four local artists are facilitating FREE creative workshops with 'Big Art Small Halls' program
  Come and enjoy with local artist to facilitate free creative workshops for the whole month of June.
• New report more evidence that immediate change needed to better Victorian children mental health
  New data today has painted a harrowing picture of the deteriorating mental health of young Victorians.
• Development of clean hydrogen and carbon capture and storage in Gippsland get $42.9M funding from federal government
  The Coalition government is backing the development of clean hydrogen and carbon capture and storage technologies in Victoria's Gippsland region, providing job and economic growth opportunities for the community.
• Sixteen local clubs, groups and organisations awarded funding from Community Infrastructure Grant Program from East Gippsland Shire Council
  Almost $500,000 will be handed out to 16 local clubs, groups and organisations, as part of East Gippsland Shire Council's latest round of community grants.
• Local Gippsland artist Jo Caminiti sculpture coming soon to Drouin Civic Park as part of Baw Baw Shire Council $1.48M park upgrade project
  Gippsland artist Jo Caminiti, combining art and science comes naturally, inspiring others to pursue their lifelong passions no matter the condition they're in.
• LED lights to be installed at Darnum Recreation Reserve with $200,000 funding from Victorian Country Football Netball Program
  The AFL Oval and Netball Courts at Darnum Recreation Reserve will soon undergo much needed upgrades with the installation of new light towers and LED light fittings throughout the facility.
• Local community invited celebrate completion of solar energy project at Coronet Bay Community Hall in Bass Coast
  Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting the community to celebrate the completion of the solar energy project at Coronet Bay Community Hall this month.
• Local Bass Coast artists transform fence surrounding Cowes Cultural and Community Centre
  An exciting initiative from Bass Coast Shire Council will see 28 artists supported to install 28 artworks.
• Local community shapes future plans for vacant land at Rollo Street in Yarragon
  Council adopted the Rollo Street, Yarragon Masterplan, a planning document that will guide the future development of a vibrant, new community space.
• Promised plant nursery with 30 jobs for Nowa Nowa scrapped by Andrews Labor government
  The State Government's promise to establish a nursery employing 30 people in Nowa Nowa has, as many expected, been scrapped, in fact, it never progressed beyond the media release.
• Latrobe City calls for input into storm and review of flood response to learn lessons for next time
  Storm and flood clean-up program funded by the government to provide service to property owners affected by storm and flooding without any cost.
• New Men's Shed Workshop at Neerim Junction on digital technology funded $80,000 from Victorian government
  Council has entered a community lease with Neerim District Community House and Men's Shed to develop a workshop facility located at the former Neerim Junction Tennis Courts, at 17 Court Rd, Neerim Junction.
• Survey for local businesses to help measure the full impact of South Pacific Laundry sudden withdrawal from Gippsland
  Wellington Shire Council wants to hear from any local businesses impacted by the sudden withdrawal of linen services from Gippsland by South Pacific Laundry.
• Strzelecki Highway between Morwell and Mirboo North gets $8.25M to improve safety and reduce travel time from Victorian 2022/23 budget
  The Andrews Labor government is improving safety and travel times along the Strzelecki Highway with a new overtaking lane along the key tourism and agricultural route.
• Russell Northe calls for funding for Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium to become football centre of excellence
  Call for government funding to utilise the sports entertainment centre and give good potential to help make Gippsland to become the football heartland.
• Mallacoota Gun Club gets $9000 for new solar power system from federal government funding
  Funding for the re-establishment of the facility.
• Help for local event organisers and businesses from Bass Coast Shire Council thanks to $10,000 grant from LVA
  Event activation voucher program, initiated by Bass Coast Shire Council's Economic Development and Investment Team, has been applauded by local events and businesses.
• No more excuses for bushfire recovery delays in East Gippsland from Andrews Labor government
  All levels of government have been challenged to stop making excuses and get on with the job of delivering bushfire recovery projects in East Gippsland.
• Darnum and Nilma local sporting community celebrate the opening of the female friendly sports pavilion
  Members of Darnum and Nilma's local sporting community gathered at the Darnum Recreation Reserve on Saturday to celebrate the official opening of the female friendly sports pavilion.
• Bullock Island bridge replacement progressing well and well worth $5M funding from federal government
  Federal government provided $5 million for the Bullock Island bridge replacement and associated road works which is part of the master plan for the popular island.
• Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants East rip off for Gippsland may be avoided says Darren Chester
  The Federal Government is backing away from a plan which would have short-changed bushfire impacted communities in East Gippsland, according to local MP Darren Chester.
• Feedback wanted in the Local Law review for Bass Coast Shire
  Bass Coast Shire Council is currently reviewing its Local Law and is calling on the community to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
• Desperate Triple-Zero calls unanswered and long ambulance waits from result from Andrews Labor government
  Crisis in Victoria's health system that's being ignored by the Andrews Labor government.
• Repairing Morwell River Diversion for Yallourn mine to ensure energy supply agreed on between Energy Australian and Victorian government
  Works to repair the damage in the Morwell River Diversion (MRD) near the Yallourn coal mine to secure Victoria's energy supply have been agreed upon between the Victorian Government and Energy Australia.
• Still time to nominate local heroes for 2022 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year
  There is still time to nominate your local heroes for the 2022 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.
• Russell Broadbent calls talks on a return to self-sufficiency
  Government to identify take responsibility for need to prioritise the citizens health and wellbeing.
• Nominate a local Baw Baw Shire legend for a 2022 Australia Day Award
  Nominations for the 2022 Australia Day Awards are now open and close at 5pm on Monday 22 November 2021.
• Nominate a local hero for East Gippsland Shire Australia Day Awards
  Perfect time to shine a spotlight on an unsung hero who has made a positive contribution to our community.
• Baw Baw Shire Council amends local law on issues like open air burning, unsightly properties, weeds, shipping containers and relocatable buildings
  Council has adopted the amended Community Local Law 2016.
• Research underway to strengthen Greater Glider possum population in Latrobe CIty with $50,000 grant from Victorian government
  A research project is underway to study and strengthen the population of the Greater Glider possum, the largest gliding mammal in Australia.
• Feedback needed from local residents on what is to be done with former Yarragon Primary School site in Yolo Street
  Council is seeking community feedback on the Draft Masterplan for the site at 3-5 Rollo Street, Yarragon (formally Yarragon Primary School).
• Narrow and damaged pedestrian footpath alongside Princes Highway near Lakes Entrance unacceptable says Darren Chester
  Local MP Darren Chester is calling on the State Government to fix pedestrian access alongside the Princes Highway in Lakes Entrance.
• East Gippsland Council calls communities to help create emergency response plans called a Local Incident Management Plan (LIMP)
  Preparing local communities for emergencies particularly on knowing what to do during fire and storm hits.
• New survey shows declining youth mental health post pandemic highlighting need to rejuvenate Victorian mental health workforce
  A new survey today detailing the declining mental health of young people after the pandemic has further highlighted the urgent need to rejuvenate Victoria's fatigued mental health workforce.
• Traralgon paralympian Emily Beecroft and local footy legend Beau Vernon speak at community workshops in Morwell from February to April
  Traralgon Paralympian Emily Beecroft and local footy legend and motivational speaker Beau Vernon will headline a series of community workshops about sport and inclusivity from February through April.
• Latrobe City Council calls to preserve Lake Narracan following the closure of Yallourn Power Station in 2028
  Latrobe City Council will make a submission to the State Government calling to preserve Lake Narracan's weir and water levels following the closure of Yallourn Power Station in 2028.
• Tutor program to continue in schools across Eastern Victoria until 2022
  The Victorian Government will make sure that not one school student across Eastern Victoria is left behind in the wake of the pandemic, with the state's extraordinarily successful tutor program to continue until the end of 2022.
• Bridget Brown from Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club wins silver medal in beach sprints at Victorian Championships 2022
  Life Saving Victoria's best senior athletes from Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) put on a spectacle at Warrnambool SLSC this weekend for the Victorian Championships.
• Reinstate density limits and not patron caps for safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
  Victorian Government has been urged to reinstate density limits, not patron caps, for the safe reopening of regional hospitality venues
• Food relief across the Latrobe Valley funded $16,700 from Food Relief Financial Reserve
  The Victorian Government is ensuring those who are doing it tough during the pandemic can continue putting a meal on the table, with funding to deliver food to Victorians who need it most.
• Wellington Shire mayor urges locals to follow COVID-19 health advice for sake of local business
  Wellington Shire Council Mayor Garry Stephens has urged locals to be vigilant and to follow the latest Covid-19 health advice, for the sake of local business.
• Haunted Hills Mountain Bike Park trails in Moe to be further extended via Regional Tourism Investment Fund
  Victorian Government is supporting the extension of a popular mountain bike track in Gippsland.
• Gippsland live performance presenters and suppliers can apply for state support from event cancellations between May and September
  The Victorian Government is providing more support for live performance events that have been cancelled due to the recent coronavirus restrictions.
• Applications open for $2,500 to $20,000 grants so local organisations and community groups can join Queen's Jubilee tree planting program
  Local organisations and community groups can apply to be a part of the Planting Trees for the Queen's Jubilee program.
• Reopening of prolonged outage program was called out by Mr Northe as some residents still have no power after five days
  Member for Morwell Russell Northe has called upon the State Government to reopen the Prolonged Power Outage Program to assist residents who have been without power for many days and since storms battered parts of the State last Friday.
• Labor Party and Greens block amendments to doubled maximum fine for illegal entry on Victorian farms
  Victorian farmers waited two long years for tough new on-the-spot fines to stop farm invasions that threaten their safety and farm biosecurity.
• Dan Andrews pandemic bill for Victoria makes no sense when Commonwealth officials working in windowless offices not vaccine mandated
  Victorian government looks set to pass its controversial pandemic bill.
• Landholders in East Gippsland to develop wildlife refuges with $1 million grant to 'Trust for Nature' as part of bushfire recovery
  The Federal Government is backing local landholders and communities in East Gippsland to lead the way in bushfire recovery through a $1 million grant to support the regeneration of impacted plants and animals.