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Great Victorian Bike Ride in South Gippsland on 2 December 2023 and other council updates

South Gippsland Shire Council project updates.

By news@gippsland - 29th November 2023 - Back to News

The Great Victorian Bike Ride is riding through our region this weekend. There will be around 2,000 riders and 500 staff and volunteers camping at Fish Creek on Saturday 2 December. The day will be jam packed with activities and events scattered throughout the township of Fish Creek. It will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase our region's warm hospitality, as well as a chance to provide further support to our recently heartbroken Fish Creek community.

Riders gathering at Fish Creek: 2,000 participants, 500 support members, showcasing regional hospitality via organised events and activities

Please be mindful of cyclists on our roads and drive carefully when travelling along the Great Victorian Bike Ride route. For information about upcoming road closures and the riding route, please visit Great Victorian Bike Ride website.

16 Days of Activism

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. In South Gippsland, there are a number of events happening to help raise awareness of gender equity and family violence prevention:

• Walk Against Family Violence
• Wednesday 6 December 12.00pm
• Meeting in front of Leongatha Memorial Hall

Photo pop-up with Artist PollyannaR: Thursday 7 December from 12.00pm to 3.00pm in the laneway next to Memorial Hall, Leongatha. Find all your orange clothes, bring your workmates, friends and family, and join us as we stand in solidarity with those who have been affected by domestic violence. For more information, please visit Walk Against Family Violence page.

Let's Chat Gippsland is a community campaign that began as part of the annual international United Nations (UN) 16 Days of Activism initiative that runs from the 25 November to 10 December each year

Have your say

Why not head on over to Your Say South Gippsland and get involved in any (or all) of our current engagement projects? Currently we have the following:

• Mirboo North Kindergarten - pre-planning has begun on a potential Early Learning Centre in Mirboo North including a location and services that may be offered
• Korumburra Railway Precinct Mural - a project to transform the laneway that leads to the Precinct is now taking public votes
• Princes Street, Korumburra - help us understand what potential improvements can be made at the Korumburra school precinct so it is safer

To provide your feedback, please head to Have Your Say page.

Salvos team up with Santa's Little Helpers (Uniting Care) to spread Christmas joy to local households in need via donations

Get your gifts in!

Christmas is fast approaching and for some in our community, it can be a challenging time trying to find the money to give gifts or put food on the table. To help spread some Christmas joy, council has teamed up with The Salvation Army to be a collection point for this year's Christmas Food and Gift Drive.

We encourage everyone who can, to help bring a smile to someone's face this Christmas by placing unwrapped children's toys, books and clothes, as well as non-perishable food items under the Christmas tree at 9 Smith Street, Leongatha.

The Salvos will then work with Santa's Little Helpers (Uniting Care) to ensure local households in need receive some Christmas cheer. Donations will be accepted until 5.00pm Thursday 7 December.

Green waste amnesty period

Council's annual Green Waste Amnesty period runs until 31 December 2023. Residents can dispose of their green waste for free at any of council's transfer stations until the end of the amnesty period. The amnesty aims to encourage residents to prepare their properties for the fire season by removing potential fire hazards.

To view the list of excluded plant species and find your closest transfer station, please go to Green Waste Amnesty Period page.

VicEmergency Gippsland

Stay alert and aware of emergency-related information by following the VicEmergency Gippsland Facebook page. The VicEmergency Gippsland Facebook page aims to deliver targeted and localised information to the community, to help residents to prepare before, during, and after an emergency. You can follow the VicEmergency Gippsland Facebook page.

BikeSpot is Aussies map biking safety perceptions. Publicly available data aims to enhance cycling safety for all individuals involved

BikeSpot

BikeSpot is a map that allows every Australian to say where they feel safe or unsafe while riding their bike. The data generated from the project will be made publicly available to help ensure BikeSpot insights have the biggest impact possible in making cycling safe for everyone. BikeSpot is only open for a limited time, so go to BikeSpot website and add your spot to the map.

Road closure

Please avoid travelling Boolarra - Foster Road, between Schmidts Road and Turton's Creek Road, from Monday 4 December. The Road will be closed for two weeks to facilitate lands slip repairs. We advise drivers to seek an alternative route when driving. Updates will be shared on South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page when the road becomes operational.

Avoid Boolarra - Foster Road (Schmidts Rd - Turton's Creek Rd) from December 4. Closure for two weeks for landslip repairs. Seek alternatives

EV charging stations

South Gippsland Shire Council is installing six electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers across the municipality. These chargers offer public EV charging for visitors and locals alike, and will facilitate increased visitation to the region, by providing crucial charging opportunities for the rapidly-growing EV market. The locations are:

• Leongatha: 9 Smith St, in the car park between council's Main Office and Woolworths
• Korumburra: At the railway precinct car park, just off Bridge St
• Foster: Just off Station Rd, in the car park behind the Uniting Church and shops
• Mirboo North: Baromi Park car park, corner Ridgway and Baths Rd
• Meeniyan: Tompkins Rd car park, behind the shops
• Yanakie: On the road reserve, in front of public toilet / playground

The Leongatha and Yanakie chargers are currently operational, with the others to follow during December 2023. For more information, please visit EV Charging Station page.

Six new EV fast chargers installed for public and local use, boosting region's appeal for growing EV market

Carols at the creek

Carols at the Creek returns for another beautiful night of your favourite Christmas singalongs, with the Coal Creek Choir and South Gippsland Concert Band. The family friendly event will be a joyous evening of song and celebration. Bring your picnic rugs, camp chair and Christmas cheer for another year of Carols at the Creek. For more information and to book this FREE event, please visit Carols at the Creek website.

Council invites you to bring a picnic rug or a chair and sing along with the pop-up Coal Creek Choir and the South Gippsland Concert Band on 15 December 2023

Funding opportunities

Tiny Towns Fund

Have you checked out the Tiny Towns Fund yet? From hiking trails, splash parks, and community hall upgrades to gallery fit outs, communities can apply for funding to support a range of projects that will make locals even prouder to call their town home. Applications are open for the Victorian government's new fund, supporting projects for small communities with up to 5,000 people. To find out more and to apply, please visit Tiny Towns Fund website.

Get Active Kids Voucher program

Round seven of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open! Eligible families can apply for a $200 voucher and use them at their registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider without having to worry about upfront costs. These vouchers can help pay for sporting equipment, uniforms and even memberships for a range of activities like cricket and dance.

The program is open to children aged between 0 and 18 years. Get in quick as applications close when the voucher allocation has been exhausted. For more information and to apply, please visit Get Active Kid Voucher Program website.

Application closes on 11 December 2023, late submissions won't be considered. Please review the Application Guidelines beforehand

Local History Grants program

The Local History Grants Program (LHGP) encourages and fosters community activities that preserve, record and share the local, social and community history of Victoria and Victorians. The Program provides grants of up to $15,000 and supports the efforts of the many community groups and organisations that collect and preserve materials and memories from Victoria's past.

It aims to encourage collaboration and partnerships between volunteer groups to undertake projects, as well as to develop skills and resources to support community collections, while increasing the opportunities for the public to engage with the past. The Program is administered by Public Record Office Victoria on behalf of the State Government of Victoria. Applications close midnight Monday 11 December 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit Local History Grants Program page.

Transmission to renewable energy

As part of Victoria's transition to renewable energy, VicGrid is coordinating new transmission for offshore wind in Gippsland. For information and an opportunity to provide your feedback on the Offshore Wind Transmission In Gippsland and Portland, the department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will be attending some local markets, and some pop-ups in South Gippsland:

Market

• Location: Foster Promontory Home Produce Craft Market
• Date: Sunday 10 December
• Time: 8.00 am to 4.30 pm

Popups To Be Confirmed

• Location: Foster IGA
• Date: Wednesday 22 November
• Time: 10.00 am - 1.00 pm
• Location: Welshpool
• Date: 6 December
• Time: 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website and Public Record Office Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Entries close for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar showcasing iconic scenes across Gippsland
  Entries have closed for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar, with 344 stunning photos submitted capturing Gippsland's iconic landscapes. Winners will feature in the free 2026 calendar, distributed later this year.
• Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
  Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene.
• Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
  Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'.
• Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.
• Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
  Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media.
• Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
  Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• Wellington Shire Council responds to AKD Yarram closure, pledges support for 73 affected workers and community
  Wellington Shire Council expressed heartbreak over AKD Yarram’s closure, impacting 73 employees, pledging support, advocating state assistance, and encouraging redeployment and economic opportunities to sustain the community.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 27 August 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council's 27 August meeting covered petitions, Warragul planning permits, Aberfeldy roadworks, draft strategies, community consultation, governance updates, with meetings live-streamed and open for public participation.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• Darren Chester completes 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners in iconic Gippsland sporting tradition
  Darren Chester completed his 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners. The sold-out event celebrated fitness and community spirit, with Chester inspired by marathon legend John "Dobbo" Dobson's 47th consecutive run.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Wellington Shire Council elects Cr Cindy Madeley as Mayor and Cr Liz Foat as Deputy Mayor marking up historic female leadership
  Cr Cindy Madeley and Cr Liz Foat were elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Wellington Shire, marking historic female leadership and a focus on community, innovation, inclusion, and strategic development.
• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
  Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools.
• Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience.
• Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.