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Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland

West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives.

By news@gippsland - 30th September 2026 - Back to News

The Carroll Labor Government is backing Victorians of all ages to protect the environment, with almost $4 million for hundreds of community and Junior Landcare projects across the state. The 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants will provide $3.58 million to support local volunteers to restore habitat, improve waterways and landscapes, tackle weeds and bring communities together.

14 arms wide around a gum tree - courtesy of Maffra Landcare

Landcare funding boost

Minister for Environment Jaclyn Symes said, "For 40 years Landcare has brought Victorians together, and we’re making sure the next generation can continue that proud legacy. We are delighted to facilitate Landcare across West Gippsland and that over 22 projects and 18 support grants projects were granted funds this year totalling $337,250. The exciting projects will drive change across Landscapes continuing Landcare’s proud tradition of working together to care for the places we love."

Projects span from restoring koala habitat with Yarram Yarram Landcare Network and revegetating the Tarwin River floodplain, to creating opportunities for families and young people to connect with nature through community events in Wellington Shire.

Landcare projects receive funding

A range of support grants will also help to keep the powerhouse that is Landcare up and running. These highlighted projects include:

• Koala Binge in Bingie – Yarram Yarram Landcare Network and Wonyip Landcare Group
• One Tree For Me, One Tree for the Tarwin - Tarwin Landcare Group
• Creating Small Footprints: Nature Connection Event Series - Maffra & Districts Landcare Network

"Together, all projects demonstrate the diversity of Landcare across West Gippsland, combining on-ground environmental works with education, community engagement, and volunteer participation. Landcare in West Gippsland celebrates 40 years this year and these projects are the start of the next 40 years of action," Martin concluded.

Hill revegetation progress - courtesy of Flock, Stock and Basil

Successful projects in West Gippsland region

Creating habitat for koalas in Binginwarri

Koalas Binge in Bingie, will restore and reconnect koala habitat across three private properties near Binginwarri, by planting thousands of eucalyptus trees and excluding stock from key areas. Yarram Yarram Landcare Network facilitator Anna Feely said the funding would help local volunteers and landholders contribute to a much larger vision for koala conservation.

"Put simply, the funding enables us to put koala eucalyptus food trees back into our environment to create safe places for them to live and move for breeding and forage reasons," she said. The project will involve local landholders, volunteers, and students from Yarram Secondary College, with field days planned to encourage community participation and promote the importance or native habitat restoration.

Anna said engaging young people and the broader community was critical for the long-term success of environmental projects. "The koala is an umbrella species, which helps the koala and many other species also flourish," she said. Beyond environmental outcomes, the project aims to strengthen community connections while creating important wildlife corridors across the landscape.

Restoring the Tarwin River floodplain

Tarwin Landcare Group’s One Tree for Me One tree for the Tarwin project will focus on revegetating part of the Tarwin River floodplain, an area that has experienced significant loss of native vegetation. According to the group’s representative, Kirby Leary, restoration work is urgently needed. "The river health is extremely poor and the floodplains depleted of almost all natural vegetation," Kirby said.

The project will include a community seed collection workshop and planting days designed to build local knowledge and support future restoration efforts. Tarwin Landcare Group said community involvement is central to achieving long-term success. "Involving the community is the only way to ensure grant success. Seed collection is important to protect the supply of trees into the future," Kirby said.

Over time, the group hopes the project will deliver significant environmental benefits and inspire others to undertake similar restoration work. "Success would be native vegetation restored, reduced weeds, and a home to a variety of native animals and birds."

Connecting families with nature in Maffra

While the other projects focus primarily on revegetation, Maffra & District Landcare Network’s Creating Small Footprints: Nature Connection Event Series will strengthen environmental stewardship by helping people build a deeper connection with the natural world.

The program will deliver a range of inclusive and family-friendly events combining environmental learning, citizen science activities, nature play, and creative workshops. Maffra & District Landcare Network coordinator Bonnie Reeves said fostering understanding, availability and connection was the first step towards meaningful environmental action.

Building environmental awareness

Bonnie said, "By building knowledge and awareness first, participants develop a stronger connection to the land, which naturally leads to meaningful action, ongoing participation, and long-term stewardship." The events are designed to engage people of all demographics, particularly children and families, through tangible hands-on experiences and creative activities. Bonnie hopes that approach reflects changing community expectations around volunteering and participation.

"These events provide an alternative way for people to connect with Landcare, making it a win-win situation for both the community and the environment." she said. A full list of recipients and more information can be found in Victoria State Government website.

Pictures from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippsland Water urges customers to prepare alternative water supplies during the Fire Danger Period, recommending three litres of drinking water per person daily and monitoring service updates during emergencies.
• Gippsland Water installs filter-to-waste system to better protect Maffra drinking water from contamination risks
  Gippsland Water has installed a filter-to-waste system at Maffra treatment plant, improving drinking water protection, reducing supply disruptions, and strengthening resilience against pollution, storms, bushfires and other water quality events.
• Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
  Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• Gippsland students impress Darren Chester with their understanding of Australian democracy and government
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised St Mary’s Primary School Maffra students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy, Parliament and government during a recent civics visit and discussion.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Gippsland families face rising cost pressures as Nationals criticise Labor government over interest rates, spending and inflation
  The Nationals say rising interest rates are increasing pressure on Gippsland families, criticising Labor’s spending and inflation while outlining plans for budget discipline, tax cuts and productivity.
• East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
  East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity.
• East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day
  East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
  East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
  High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  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.
• Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres.
• Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
  The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
  Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3.
• 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 encourages Gippslanders to capture region's beauty for the 2027 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition un 25 September 2026
  Gippslanders are invited to enter the 2027 #lovegippsland photography competition, with 13 images selected for the calendar and entries closing September 25, 2026.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
  Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment.
• 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.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
  Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects.
• Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
  The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health.
• Danny O’Brien urges premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien urges the Premier to delay VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s election, allowing community input and addressing landholder and environmental concerns.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.
• 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.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
  Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth.
• The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
  The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Latrobe City Libraries offer free live music celebrating local Gippsland talent from October to December 2026
  Latrobe City Libraries will host free, family-friendly live music from local Gippsland musicians across Morwell, Traralgon and Moe from October to December 2026. No bookings are required; everyone is welcome to attend.
• 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.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Regional ambulance response times deteriorate across Eastern Victoria under Labor, Melina Bath demands answers from Carroll government
  Melina Bath has criticised deteriorating ambulance response times across eastern Victoria, saying every local government area is worse than 12 years ago and calling on Labor to restore timely emergency care.
• 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.
• Melina Bath accused Labor of ignoring bird flu advice and delaying vaccinations for Victoria's vulnerable little penguin colonies
  The Victorian government is accused of ignoring expert advice to proactively vaccinate little penguins against H5N1, delaying action until after infection was detected, potentially leaving colonies vulnerable.
• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• Nationals introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security
  The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security.
• 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.
• Latrobe City completes major lighting upgrade across all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve, boosting netball opportunities
  Latrobe City Council has upgraded all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve with 200-lux lighting, enabling extended evening use, expanded competitions and training for Traralgon Netball Association 1,400 annual participants.
• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• New drinking fountains improve free water access across Sale's popular recreation facilities
  Sale's major recreation facilities now offer improved free drinking water access, with new fountains at Aqua Energy, Port of Sale and Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, supporting hydration and reusable bottle use.
• Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
  Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Baw Baw book boxes bring free children’s books and reading opportunities to communities across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul
  Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin Men’s Shed have installed community book boxes across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul, offering free children’s books while encouraging literacy, reading and family connections.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
  The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets.
• The Nationals pledge to keep Victoria's coal-fired power stations operating amid growing electricity supply concerns
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has pledged existing Victorian coal-fired power stations will not close early, warning of electricity shortages, higher prices and job losses while advocating firm generation and gas investment.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
  A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
  The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils.
• Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services.