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Labor shuts down Regional Roads Victoria, abandoning critical road safety projects, says Martin CameronThe Nationals' Martin Cameron criticises Labor's closure of Regional Roads Victoria, accusing the government of neglecting regional road safety, stalling critical projects, and underfunding maintenance, endangering rural communities. By news@gippsland - 3rd October 2024 - Back to News The Allan Labor Government has covertly shut down Regional Roads Victoria in a move that shows it has officially abandoned its duty of care for roads outside of Melbourne, according to The Nationals' Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron. The Regional Roads Victoria website has been taken offline and was replaced by a "Transport Victoria" website in August, and the phone line is dead. 
Mega city projects have exceeded budgets by over $40 billion, while reduced road funding jeopardises regional road safety, with resurfacing works cut by two-thirds since 2020, endangering rural communities Regional roads abandonedLaunched by the former Minister for Roads in 2018, Regional Roads Victoria was touted as an agency that would ensure "regional communities have the safe and reliable roads they deserve". Documents obtained by the Opposition under Freedom of Information also reveal that Labor skimmed $1.57 million from a federal BlackSpot Program fund that was meant to improve safety on regional roads. The last remaining government-owned road maintenance firm, Sprayline Road Services, is also being prepared for sale. "By dumping Regional Roads Victoria, Labor has sent a clear message that it was never serious about improving roads and road safety for regional Victorians There are several critical road projects across the Latrobe Valley that have stalled under Labor, and now we're left with the impression they've been abandoned altogether," Mr Cameron said. Promised upgrades uncertainMr Cameron also said, "Residents have been campaigning for works to begin at the Bank Street intersection in Traralgon and the Waterloo Road-Lloyd Street level crossing in Moe - are these long-promised upgrades going to be dumped too? Mega city projects have blown out by more than $40 billion, and it's the taxpayers who bear the costs, and they'll bear the costs again of Regional Roads Victoria shutting down." "Road maintenance funding is 16 per cent less than it was in 2020 and the amount of road resurfacing works this year will drop by two-thirds. The chronic under-spending across regional Victoria is having dire consequences on our roads, and ultimately the safety of regional Victorians is being compromised. Labor can't manage money, can't manage regional roads, and Victorians are paying the price.," Mr Cameron said. Pictures from Martin Cameron MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed. - 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. - Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events. - Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare. - One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience. - Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers. - Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection
Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms. - Omeo celebrates opening of 114 km world-class mountain bike park set to transform regional adventure tourism
Omeo has opened a $10 million, 114-kilometre mountain bike park, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and celebrating new streetscape and flood-recovery works that strengthen the town’s recreation spaces and future growth. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - Darren Chester quits shadow ministry, vows to keep fighting for Gippsland and regional Australia
Gippsland MP Darren Chester has resigned from the Coalition shadow ministry but says he remains committed to representing Gippslanders and regional Australians in Parliament despite political tensions over legislation proposed. - East Gippsland Shire Council seeks independent safety audit quotes for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to ensure community safety
East Gippsland Shire Council seeks quotes for an independent safety audit of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to assess risks, compliance, and required remedial works, ensuring a safe environment for staff and community. - Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction. - East Gippsland Council launches pool and spa safety inspection service to ensure compliance and protect residents
East Gippsland Council reminds residents to ensure pools and spas meet safety regulations and offers a $385 Barrier Compliance Inspection Service, including inspection, report, follow-up, certification, and database lodgement. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities. - 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. - Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers. - Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action. - Bass Coast Shire Council presents free Woolamai Beach Safety event featuring Dr Rip’s 'Science of the Surf' on 7 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host a free, family-friendly beach safety event at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club on 7 March 2026, featuring Professor Rob Brander’s Science of the Surf and live rip demonstration. - Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to use free blind safety kits to prevent tragic child accidents
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges residents to order free Consumer Affairs Victoria blind safety kits, warning unsecured curtain cords are a hazard and simple fixes can prevent child deaths. - Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members. - Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth. - Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security. - Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities. - Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government. - Latrobe City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors. - Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams. - Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - Baw Baw Council and community oppose large-scale solar, battery projects threatening prime farmland and farming livelihoods
Baw Baw Council and community express strong concerns over poorly sited solar and battery projects threatening prime farmland, seeking transparency, consultation, and protection of local farming livelihoods and regional character. - Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors. - Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - 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. - Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions. - 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. - Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality. - Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated. - Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities. - Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts November community briefing in Trafalgar to discuss key projects and engage residents in shaping the town’s future
Baw Baw Shire Council will hold a community briefing in Trafalgar on 18 November, inviting residents to discuss key projects, provide feedback, and engage with Councillors and Council officers. - Future of Orbost Project strengthens water access, supporting agricultural innovation and long-term regional growth
The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland. - Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government. - Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures. - Tim Bull says kangaroo overpopulation devastates farms, with permits insufficient to protect crops and livelihoods
Gippsland farmers face severe crop damage from exploding kangaroo populations. MP Tim Bull urges urgent permit reforms to allow practical, case-by-case management, protecting livelihoods and ensuring ongoing food production. - Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events - Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses. - Bairnsdale Nicholson Street Mall set for revitalisation with investor support, safety measures, and redevelopment plans
Bairnsdale Nicholson Street Mall holds redevelopment potential, with council pursuing funding, investor support, and short-term activations while addressing anti-social behaviour and ensuring safety for traders and the community. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - Tim Bull criticises sudden last-minute VLine reductions from six to three carriages, causing tension due to limited rolling stock
Victorian country train passengers are forced to stand up to four hours after last-minute carriage cuts, with MP Tim Bull urging PSOs and additional services to protect booked seating. - Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - South Gippsland farmers dig into practical carbon farming at Down to Earth field day
Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers. - Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy. - 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 denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services. - Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia. - Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s mismanaged renewable energy transition, as targets remain unachievable
Three Gippsland offshore wind projects have collapsed and a fourth stalled, with Nationals’ Melina Bath criticising the Allan government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s renewable energy transition and rising energy insecurity. - Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
Darren Chester delivered a $3000 Volunteer Grant to Rosedale Historical Society, funding eco-friendly heating upgrades that improve safety and sustainability while supporting volunteers and preserving the district's heritage for future generations. - Gippsland faces sobering family violence rates during 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Danny O’Brien warns
Gippsland records some of Victoria’s highest family violence rates, says Danny O’Brien, urging community action during the 16 Days of Activism to promote respect, safety, and awareness across the region. - Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season. - Danny O’Brien criticises ongoing social housing maintenance delays leaving vulnerable Gippslanders waiting far too long
Danny O’Brien warns ongoing delays in social housing maintenance leave vulnerable Gippslanders waiting months, highlighting a vacant Foster property and urging timely repairs and better decision-making to address shortages. - 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. - Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition. - Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening. - Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to obtain licences as new state licensing scheme is enforced from 1 February 2026
Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to comply with Victoria’s new licensing scheme, aiming to curb illegal sales, organised crime, and ensure consistent enforcement for safer regional communities. - Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication. - 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.
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