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One Gippsland advocating to Federal government funding for new industries and better connectivity

One Gippsland seeks funding for industries and transport, advocating in Canberra for projects crucial to regional development, emphasising fair resource allocation.

By news@gippsland - 28th February 2024 - Back to News

One Gippsland has made an ambitious bid to boost the region's economic output, with a new Pre Budget Submission prioritising emerging industries and improved connectivity. With planning for the Federal Budget now in full swing, One Gippsland has submitted its key funding priorities in a series of high level meetings in Canberra.

Front row: Mr Barry Rogers Chair Food & Fibre Gippsland, Cr Ian Bye Mayor of Wellington Shire Council and Chair of One Gippsland Second row: Mr David Morcom CEO Wellington Shire Council, Ms Jan Fitzgerald Chair Destination Gippsland, Mr Ben Gebert CEO Food & Fibre Gippsland, Cr Annemarie McCabe Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council and Deputy Chair of One Gippsland

Gippsland's funding priorities

One Gippsland has met with officials in Canberra to highlight its key priorities for funding. Mayor of Wellington Shire and Chair of One Gippsland, Cr Ian Bye, emphasised the need to kick-start existing and new industries to ensure long-term economic growth throughout Gippsland. He also stressed the importance of investing in transport infrastructure to accommodate the region's growth.

"We would like to see investment for existing and emerging industries for the long-term economic growth of Gippsland, as well as investment to build a transport network equipped to support this rapid move towards new industries. From a big picture perspective, One Gippsland is ready to play a major role in the nation's energy transition and this requires significant investment on the ground at the local level," Cr Bye explained.

One Gippsland advocates

Throughout the week, representatives from One Gippsland have met with various stakeholders in Canberra, including ministers and local MPs, to advocate for support. The collaborative One Gippsland budget proposal focuses on critical areas such as transportation, renewable energy, tourism, and education.

"Leading Gippsland's push for economic growth through this budget proposal is crucial work. We are at a critical juncture to ensure sustainable development for Gippsland's next generation. Prioritising investment in both existing and emerging industries is key for our region's long term growth and success," Cr Bye said.

Gippsland advocacy meetings

This week One Gippsland has been in Canberra meeting with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and local members of parliament advocating for a better deal for the region. Meetings included:

• Hon Catherine King MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
• Hon Darren Chester MP Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Regional Education and Federal Member for Gippsland
• Senator the Hon Carol Brown Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
• Office of the Hon Brendan O'Connor MP Minister for Skills and Training
• Office of Senator the Hon Don Farrell Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State
• Mr Russell Broadbent Federal Member for Monash

One Gippsland has identified a number of key regional projects that are critical for the future economic and social success of the region. These include connectivity (transport and freight), industry (energy, tourism) and building for the future (education).

Gippsland investment priorities

The One Gippsland Pre-budget Submission 2024-25 names a number of key investment areas that are critical to the development of the region:

• Transport and Freight: Network investment, planning and road safety
• Offshore Wind and New Energy: Local and Community Benefit Framework and Hydrogen Hub
• Tourism Recovery: First Nations Cultural Experience and Historic Dinosaur Trail
• Education: Building the skills for the future

Cr Bye concluded, "Gippsland is ready for growth, but we need targeted support to unlock our full potential. One Gippsland urges the federal government to ensure fair allocation of resources to our region in the upcoming budget."

Pictures from One Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com