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South Gippsland community mourns over the passing of three well-respected members and other council updates

South Gippsland Shire Council update on their projects and more.

By news@gippsland - 10th August 2023 - Back to News

The deaths of three well-respected members of our community - and the serious condition of another - have shocked and saddened us all. Many of us knew them well due to their contribution to the Korumburra community and the significant contribution they have made to education, religious and community support organisations. This loss will be felt greatly for a long time.

Community mourns the tragic loss of three esteemed community members and one critical has deeply saddened us. Their impactful contributions are cherished

Council has been in touch with the family and will do what we can to support them. They are taking strength from the community rallying around them - demonstrating the same caring qualities that they would have extended to others during such a difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and all of you who are impacted by this loss.

One Gippsland visits Canberra

This week, our Mayor Nathan Hersey and Chief Executive Officer Kerryn Ellis along with other representatives from One Gippsland, went to Canberra. With representatives from Latrobe and Baw Baw Shire Councils, as well as Food and Fibre Gippsland, it was the perfect opportunity to continue our ongoing advocacy on behalf of our region.

The delegation was led by Mayor Nathan Hersey and met with:

• The Honourable Catherine King MP
• The Honourable Kristy McBain MP
• The Honourable David Littleproud MP
• The Honourable Darren Chester MP
• Senator the Honourable Carol Brown
• Senior ministerial advisors

Key topics discussed included the new energy transition, offshore wind, the ports at Barry Beach, and investment in roads. Being part of One Gippsland gives us the opportunity to show a united front on behalf of our residents and make our voice even stronger to those at higher levels of government.

Mayor Nathan Hersey, CEO Kerryn Ellis, and One Gippsland members, including Latrobe and Baw Baw Councils and Food and Fibre Gippsland, advocated for our region in Canberra

Offshore Wind Meetings

A few weeks ago, representatives from Star of the South briefed councillors on how their project is progressing and other relevant matters to South Gippsland. At this time, they announced their interest in seeing some of their operations based out of Port Anthony and Barry Beach Marine Terminal in addition to Port Hastings. This was welcomed by the council as we consider it the most appropriate and logical way to achieve employment benefits and economic success for our region.

The ports at Barry Beach are much closer to the proposed Gippsland Offshore Renewable Energy Zone, in fact they are the only industrial ports within 10 hours sailing time, and are surrounded by industrial land. Their use has economic and environmental advantages and will help minimise transport costs and maximise efficiencies. Rigorous Environmental Impact Studies showing any impacts to our natural surroundings and how they can be effectively managed are a must for council to support this.

Renewable energy briefing

Councillors were also briefed by Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien MP this week on his recent trip to overseas offshore wind farms and the benefits of the energy transition to renewables. Danny O'Brien also released a statement regarding what he would like to see as part of the offshore wind development in Victoria. Much of what he said he is taking to Parliament is what we have been advocating for since initial consultation with the Federal Government occurred.

South Gippsland Shire Council is working hard in this space to ensure that, where possible, our community's voice resonates through and we get as much benefit as possible from this new industry.

Star of the South expressed intent for operations at Port Anthony and Barry Beach, in addition to Port Hastings. Council appreciates this strategy for regional employment and success

Visit from Tom McIntosh

On Tuesday, Tom McIntosh MP (Member for Eastern Victoria) came to Mirboo North to view the Mirboo North Kindergarten. Council recently received $150,000 from the Victorian Government to undertake pre-construction planning for the future development of a new Early Learning Centre for Mirboo North.

The planning will include the development of a scope, facility design and costings. While in town, Tom also stopped by the ArtCubes to have a chat with local artists and check out the magnificent artwork on display. Tom is pictured here with Cheri Rose - 3D and painting artist.

Tom McIntosh MP visited Mirboo North Kindergarten to assess plans. Council got $150,000 from Victoria for pre-construction work on a new Early Learning Centre

Radovick Street trees

Trees along Radovick Street in Korumburra will soon have a new look, after they are pruned using a process called 'pollarding' next week. The London Plan and Desert Ash trees have historical significance as they are representative of the trees planted as part of the town's original streetscape, but have since been impacted by asymmetrical crown growth caused by selective pruning to accommodate powerlines.

To determine the best treatment, 17 trees along the street were assessed by an independent arborist who determined the health, structural condition and risk of each tree, and provided a number of recommendations. The report stated that 12 trees have high retention value and three have moderate retention value. It is also advised that two should be removed due to ongoing safety concerns, which has since occurred.

The recommended treatment for the 15 remaining trees is pollarding, which is an extreme pruning technique that will cut the tree limbs back substantially to stimulate regrowth. The trees will be pruned back to these same points annually, limiting asymmetrical growth, and help retain the health of the trees for another 50 years.

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Report indicated 12 trees along Radovick Street in Korumburra, with high retention value, three with moderate, and advised removal of two for safety, now done

Unsealed road re-sheeting

In exciting news, our unsealed road re-sheeting is underway for 2023! The goal is to enhance 100 kilometres of roads in Leongatha South, Outtrim, Korumburra South, Kardella, Pound Creek, Tarwin Lower, and Middle Tarwin areas.

To accomplish this monumental task, we are working hand-in-hand with local suppliers who will provide us with close to 60,000 tonnes of high-quality materials. This teamwork ensures that we have all the necessary resources to pave the way for success.

Improving roads over 100 km in Leongatha South, Outtrim, Korumburra South, Kardella, Pound Creek, Tarwin Lower, and Middle Tarwin regions

Hard waste collection

Bookings for the annual hard waste collection service are now open. This provides residents with a convenient way to dispose of hard rubbish, particularly if they are unable to attend a transfer station themselves.

All residents are eligible to receive one collection at a fee of $150 per property. A reduced rate of $53 applies for pension card holders. Bookings close in August. To book, please visit the Hard Waste Collection page.

Community Grants

The first round of community grants are open now until Thursday 31 August. Grants can be used for both minor and major projects and equipment, planning and developing reports, and festivals and events.

If you weren't able to make it to any of the drop-in sessions, contact Sophie Bolding, council's Community Strengthening Officer on 5662 9200 or sophie.bolding@southgippsland.vic.gov.au to arrange another time to discuss your project idea. For more information and to apply, please visit Community Grants page.

Strzelecki Ward Council

Mayor Hersey along with Councillors Felton and Keerie are providing opportunities for locals in their Ward to come and have a chat. So far, there have been opportunities in Loch, Meeniyan and Kongwak, with two more scheduled. These are:

• Friday 11 August 12.00pm to 1.30pm - Poowong Hall
• Friday 11 August 2.00pm to 3.00pm - Nyora General Store

Mayor and Deputy Mayor Sessions

The Meet the Mayor and Deputy Mayor sessions are back again in August. Held on Tuesday 15 August between 10.00am and 2.00pm, these sessions are 20-minutes long and provide an opportunity for the community to chat directly with Mayor Nathan Hersey and Deputy Mayor Clare Williams.

To book, please contact OfficeoftheCEO@southgippsland.vic.gov.au Preference will be given to those who have not had an opportunity before.

EPA Gippsland info sessions

The EPA Air Science and Citizen Science teams are hosting two information sessions to talk about air quality and other environmental monitoring projects in the Latrobe Valley. The Citizen Science team will be there to talk about other initiatives happening across Victoria and help them understand interests of citizen scientists. Here are the details:

• When: Wednesday 6 September
• Where: EPA Gippsland Office, 8-12 Seymour Street, Traralgon
• Session One Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm
• Session Two Time: 5.30pm to 7.00p

To register, please email Stacey Clark with the session you wish to attend.

Adam and Poh's Australian bites

We are thrilled that Adam Liaw and Poh Ling Yeow have filmed an episode of their program 'Great Australian Bites' at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum. The episode will be on SBS on Tuesday 22 August and forms part of a wider Gippsland feature, so make sure you check it out!

Offshore Wind transmission

You might remember earlier this year there was an opportunity to provide your feedback into the offshore wind transmission in Gippsland.
A second round of consultation is now open with some pop-ups taking place in South Gippsland on Thursday 17 August at the following locations:

• Foster IGA: 10.30am to 12.30pm.
• Leongatha Memorial Hall: 2.00pm to 4.00pm

For more information and to provide your feedback, please visit Offshore Wind Transmission in Gippsland and Portland website. Consultation closes Sunday 27 August 2023.

Council meeting date

Council Meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm in the council Chambers, Leongatha. The next council meeting will be held on Wednesday 16 August, 2.00pm.

To find out about future council meetings, head to Council Meeting Dates Schedule 2023 page.

Request for tenders

Council is seeking submissions from qualified companies/applicants for the following:

• RFT/372 - Koonwarra Landfill Cell 5 - Provision of Environmental Auditing, GITA and Third Party CQA Services. Tenders close Tuesday 15 August 2023 at 2.00pm AEST
• RFT/380 - Provision of Bituminous Surfacing and Associated Services. Tenders close Tuesday 22 August 2023 at 2.00pm AEST
• RFT/369 - Koonwarra Landfill Cell 5 Construction

Tenders close Tuesday 29 August 2023 at 2.00pm AEST. Documentation is available from council's e-Tendering Portal.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com