Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP
Delays on commitment to assist with bushfire impacted Ensay and Sarsfield Recreation Reserves from Andrews Labor government
Concerns on the delayed government commitment to the bushfire impacted communities.
I rise to raise my concerns in relation to delays by the current government in honouring a commitment to bushfire impacted communities made prior to the May federal budget. I refer specifically to the $2.3 million for the Ensay Recreation Reserve and the $3.6 million for the Sarsfield Recreation Reserve.
Bushfire impacted communities shouldn't need to fight again to secure much-needed funding for their facilities
Provide value for taxpayers' money
I have provided the new minister, Minister McBride, with a copy of a letter from former minister Joyce which clearly stated that the 2022-23 budget would provide funding under the Community Development Grants Program to these communities.
To be clear, these commitments were not contingent upon the May election result. It is my understanding that they were both assessed to have merit and provide value for taxpayers' money well before the government entered caretaker mode.
Honouring the commitment
A failure by this new government to support both these projects would amount to an enormous breach of trust with two communities that were directly impacted by the Black Summer bushfires. The people in my community are fatigued.
They shouldn't need to fight again to secure much-needed funding for community facilities. Many of these people have had to rebuild their own homes. They've had to fix burnt assets on their own properties. They've already suffered emotionally and mentally from the devastating fires.
This ongoing uncertainty four months after we believed we'd already won the fight to secure the funding is simply retraumatising residents in my region. I urge the new minister to do the decent thing and honour the commitment of $5.9 million for Sarsfield and Ensay immediately.
Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to groundCommunity feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024