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Road funding not speed limit reductionsMember for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath has backed a call from the RACV for the Andrews Labor Government to restore funding to rural and regional roads. By Portal Admin - 20th April 2017 - Back to News Ms Bath has also added her voice to the many concerned about the speed limit on many rural roads being dropped to 80km/h, which she says is a consequence of the funding cuts to road maintenance.
"Budget cuts by the Andrews Labor Government two years ago are obviously now having a negative and visible impact on rural roads," Ms Bath said.
"The Country Roads and Bridges Program was axed by this government, and VicRoads had its maintenance budget cut by 10% in 2015/16, too."
"Every day I see roads in need of urgent repair."
"The solution to this seems to be dropping the speed limit on many rural arterial roads to 80km/h, although this is happening on roads in good condition as well," she added.
Ms Bath said that the RACV’s budget submission to the government for 2017/18 further highlighted the need to reinstate funding to the levels provided under the previous Coalition Government for the management of roads in rural and regional Victoria.
The RACV submission states:
"RACV commissioned an independent review of the funding and condition of Victoria’s regional highway network that has found that the network is seriously underfunded and its condition is declining."
The RACV has called for "substantial increases in funding to repair and maintain Victoria’s highway network, which has deteriorated alarmingly in recent years and is now causing increased safety risks" among its critical initiatives in the 2017/18 budget.
Ms Bath said many people across Gippsland had expressed their concerns to her around reductions in speed limits.
"We all want to do things that are reasonable to promote road safety, but the limit on more and more rural roads seems to becoming 80km/h overnight. What these roads need is to have their funding restored to allow for overdue maintenance work."
Media contact: Shaun Lennard 0417 589 091
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity as Labor mismanages the renewable energy transition, delaying projects, electricity reliability, raising prices, causing gas shortages, and threatening jobs and households. - Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to urgently fix South Gippsland Highway dangerous, deteriorating road conditions statewide
Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently repair the deteriorating South Gippsland Highway, citing potholes, failing patches, and community frustration across key stretches before the busy holiday period. - Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government. - Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention. - Crime in Victoria surges to record highs under Allan Labor, leaving communities less safe, says Tim Bull
Crime in Victoria has reached record levels under the Allan Labor government, with rising offences and family violence, police under-resourced, and weakened laws leaving communities increasingly unsafe, says Tim Bull. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Victoria leaders tour proposed Hastings terminal highlighting region’s central role in offshore wind future
Regional leaders toured the proposed Hastings Renewable Energy Terminal, highlighting its crucial role in Victoria’s offshore wind strategy and clean-energy transition, with industry, government and communities collaborating for regional benefits. - Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow. - Life Saving Victoria urges parents to continue children’s swimming lessons to meet water safety benchmarks and prevent drowning risks
Life Saving Victoria warns many children to stop swimming lessons early, falling short of water safety benchmarks, urging parents to continue lessons to ensure skills, safety, and survival in pools and open water. - Life Saving Victoria urges parents to continue children’s swimming lessons to meet water safety benchmarks and prevent drowning risks
Life Saving Victoria warns many children to stop swimming lessons early, falling short of water safety benchmarks, urging parents to continue lessons to ensure skills, safety, and survival in pools and open water. - Life Saving Victoria 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals alarming increases, with 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents, exceeding 10-year averages, with rises among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and during traditionally cooler months. - Life Saving Victoria launches 2030 Strategic Plan and 2024/25 Annual Report, advancing water safety across Victoria
Life Saving Victoria launches its 2030 Strategic Plan and 2024/25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, community impact, and a bold vision to prevent drowning and enhance water safety statewide. - Life Saving Victoria launches multilingual campaign to protect older adults around water, heat and rip currents
Life Saving Victoria has launched a multilingual campaign to help older adults, especially from multicultural communities, stay safe around water and during extreme heat across Victoria. - Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - Life Saving Victoria report reveals alarming 52 deaths, 123 drownings, urgent water safety action needed
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal drownings, with rising incidents among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and outside traditional summer months, urging urgent water safety action. - Life Saving Victoria warns of ongoing water safety risks following busy patrol season and fatalities
Life Saving Victoria urges continued vigilance over Autumn and Winter water safety risks as patrol season ends, highlighting rescues, drownings, and prevention advice. - Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend. - Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance over Easter holidays after record drowning deaths last year
Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to stay alert over Easter holidays, urging safety at beaches, pools, and waterways after last year’s record 13 drowning deaths nationwide. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria urges federal action on black and grey telecommunication spots to support regional sustainability and growth
Peri Urban Councils Victoria urges federal action on black and grey telecommunication spots, highlighting risks to communities, emergency warnings, and the need for essential infrastructure recognition and targeted investment. - Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road. - Allan Labor government invests $860,000 to support and strengthen Men's Sheds across Victoria
The Allan Labor government is investing $860,000 to support 31 men's sheds across Victoria, funding upgrades, expansions, and new equipment to strengthen communities and foster connection through shared skills. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond. - Bass Coast Shire Council joins Victorian councils urging review of mandatory separate kerbside glass recycling bin policy
Bass Coast Council joins 35 Victorian councils urging the State Government to review mandatory glass recycling bins, seeking flexibility, transparency, cost-effectiveness and alignment with existing Container Deposit Scheme initiatives. - Auditor-General report criticises Victoria’s timber shutdown, citing job losses, insecure work and failed transition planning
Auditor-General report criticises Victoria’s native timber shutdown, highlighting failed transition, job insecurity, and ongoing regional economic harm under the Allan government’s policy. - Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry. - Danny O’Brien congratulates local football and netball clubs recognised through this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program
Gippsland South football and netball clubs have secured TAC Club Rewards funding, promoting safe driving and road safety awareness through community-led initiatives supported by AFL Victoria. - Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners. - Farmers demand urgent government action as pest animals surge across East Gippsland and Victoria
Farmers in East Gippsland and eastern Victoria face rising pest animal impacts, with ASAC urging coordinated government action, long-term funding and improved control measures to protect agriculture, livelihoods and communities. - 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. - Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull. - Tim Bull urges faster rollout of cabins, blaming Melbourne bureaucracy for delays, not local parks staff
The first Cape Conran replacement cabin has finally been installed after six years, with calls to fast-track remaining bushfire recovery cabins. - Baw Baw Shire Council encourages community groups to apply for 2026‑2027 grants supporting projects and minor capital works
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2026‑2027 Community Grants Program supports not-for-profit groups with funding for projects up to $5,000 and minor capital works up to $10,000, promoting thriving, sustainable communities. - West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance. - East Gippsland CMA protects Gippsland Lakes seagrass meadows through targeted conservation and Aboriginal partnership initiatives
The East Gippsland CMA, with Australian government funding, is protecting one hectare of Gippsland Lakes seagrass, restricting vessel access, collaborating with GLaWAC, and monitoring growth for ecosystem health. - Martin Cameron calls on Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train capacity during free travel April promotion
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train carriages, warning free travel and school holidays will overwhelm current V/Line services, creating unsafe, overcrowded conditions. - Latrobe City Social Inclusion Action Group application is now open, submit expressions of interest by 24 April 2026
Latrobe City Council seeks community members to join its Social Inclusion Action Group, helping guide funding decisions, strengthen connections, and improve inclusion and wellbeing, with applications open until April 24, 2026. - Committee for Gippsland hosts investment briefing with Victoria’s Coordinator-General Donna Findlay in Warragul
The Committee for Gippsland hosted Victoria’s Investment Coordinator-General Donna Findlay in Warragul, discussing minerals, data centres, and strategies to attract private investment and boost regional economic growth. - Baw Baw Shire Council Awards ten local artists and groups as Arts and Culture Fund recipients 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded ten local artists and groups funding through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting creative projects, skill development, and community engagement across diverse artistic disciplines. - East Gippsland community impact grants fund projects strengthening communities and supporting environment
East Gippsland’s 2025 Community Impact Grants received 36 applications, funding 15 projects focused on community strengthening, environmental sustainability, facilities, and open space, supporting local growth, inclusion and creative initiatives. - 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. - 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. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - Danny O’Brien warns Labor’s wasteful spending threatens local Neighbourhood Houses’ future
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien warns Labor’s mismanaged spending risks Neighbourhood Houses, urging $11.7 million funding to prevent closures, staff cuts, and protect vital community services supporting thousands weekly. - Danny O'Brien calls on Allan government to support Nyora early childhood education centre, improving access and community connections
The Nationals urge the Allan government to collaborate with Nyora community and education stakeholders to establish a local early childhood centre, improving access, school transitions, enrolments, and long-term community sustainability. - Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities. - Tim Bull calls on the state government to prioritise commercial fishers in fuel supply efforts amid ongoing shortages
Tim Bull urges State Government to prioritise fuel access for commercial fishers, highlighting their economic and food production role, while seeking federal excise relief amid rising costs and industry pressures. - Buckley Park Community Farm receives $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant for irrigation, hothouse and sustainable food production upgrades
Buckley Park Community Farm received a $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant, funding irrigation upgrades, a chlorine filter, and a hothouse system to boost sustainability and local food production. - Interim report calls for flexible childcare system, improved regional access and supports for families across all service types in Gippsland
Victoria’s childcare inquiry interim report urges stronger child safety, improved regulation, workforce standards and better regional access across the early childhood education sector. - CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability. - Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities. - Pip Courtney brings National Agricultural insights to Orbost Show’s Far East Victoria Landcare Expo
ABC Landline presenter Pip Courtney was keynote at the Orbost Show Landcare Expo, sharing agricultural insights, promoting sustainable farming, soil health, and collaboration between producers, Landcare groups, and regional communities. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
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