Other Projects Happening in the Region
Energy to the Regions Project
To complement existing reticulated gas in Bairnsdale and Paynesville, at least two more of East Gippsland’s towns will be connected to reticulated natural gas as part of a $100 million State Government pledge to provide natural gas to 12 Victorian towns. Lakes Entrance and Orbost are two of the identified towns. No timeframe has yet been announced. See more information about the Energy to the Regions Project.
Trade Training Centres
The $10 million program helps to improve year 12 retention rates and enhance students’ pathways to vocational careers by offering students from years nine to 12, access vocational education and training through trade training centres. Trade training centres also help to address national skills shortages in traditional trades and emerging industries. East Gippsland Secondary Colleges have identified three key areas of skills needs:
- Food sector
- Civil engineering and construction
- Allied Health
Bairnsdale Secondary College Upgrade
The Bairnsdale Secondary College will undergo a $10 million upgrade of its infrastructure as part of a Victorian Government electoral commitment. It is anticipated that the project will be included in the 2012/13 State Budget.
Great Coastal Walks
Two outstanding new walks are being developed in a partnership between East Gippsland Shire Council and Parks Victoria as part of the Great Coastal Walks of East Gippsland project.
The 5.1km Snowy River Estuary Walk was officially launched in Marlo in March and work is underway on construction of the 9.2km Mallacoota Scenic Coastal Walk, to link Mallacoota with Croajingolong National Park. The Snowy River Estuary Walk comprises a 1.4km section constructed by Council from Marlo to Mills Street, and 3.6km by Parks Victoria from Mills St to the ocean beach near Frenches Narrows, which includes boardwalk sections and a bridge replacement.
The Great Coastal Walks of East Gippsland project aims to create new tourism product for the region, increase access to and appreciation of the region’s natural assets for visitors and residents and attract investment to the accommodation and hospitality sector, while protecting sensitive environments. It received $1.6 million in funding from Regional Development Victoria, with supporting funding provided by Parks Victoria and Council giving a total project cost of $2.1 million.
VicRoads Upgrades Throughout The Shire
VicRoads has announced major upgrades to sections of road in East Gippsland to improve road safety. In response to a large number of head-on crashes, work is being done on the Stratford to Bairnsdale stretch of the Princes Highway including the addition of different road-surface textures, tactile edge lines and centrelines and the installation of safety barriers at high risk locations.
In Bairnsdale, a project aims to create an environment through the town centre that suits the 50kmh speed limit and to improve pedestrian safety. Also, over the next two years, work will be done along the highway near Orbost in an attempt to reduce the high number of run-off-road crashes on curvy stretches of road. The first part of the project will include shoulder sealing, the installation of safety barriers and sign and line-marking improvements between Orbost and Cann River.
Omeo highway Upgrade
The North Eastern Maintenance Alliance will upgrade and seal the unsealed sections of the Omeo Highway between Mitta Mitta and Glen Valley, as part of an ongoing commitment by VicRoads to improving road safety in the region.
The work, which began in January, will take up to three years to complete and includes tree removal, drainage works, road widening and bituminous sealing. It will significantly improve the safety and accessibility of the Omeo Highway for all types of road users.
The first stage of the project aims to seal 3kms at the northern end of the highway subject to planning permit approval. Works will then begin at the southern end near the Glen Wills area and gradually progress north. For further information visit the VicRoads website.