Announcement

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An inclusive and caring community that respects and celebrates diversity.

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Homelessness

The ask

A dedicated (non-competitive) funding allocation from the Victorian 'Big Housing Build' to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing stock in the short to medium term, noting pre-existing homelessness has been exacerbated through COVID-19 and lost during the Black Summer Bushfires.

Funding details

The ask: $25m minimum Big Build investment (benchmarked against the minimum investment for other similar municipalities), including immediate investment in Mallacoota to address short to medium term needs.

Victorian Government contribution: $25m

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Long-term bushfire recovery and community resilience (commitment announced)

The ask

Victorian and Australian governments commit to supporting bushfire recovery services at least until year five, with a particular focus on community resilience and wellbeing related services such as mental health support, and support for economic recovery.

Funding details

The ask: Victorian and Commonwealth Governments to commit to supporting bushfire recovery services at least until year five.

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

Federal Government contribution: Yes

Project status: Funding announced

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Active ageing

The ask

Funding for awareness campaigns, events and activities to implement programs to improve physical and mental wellbeing strategies, support services that encourage participation and awareness around the focus areas of housing (older women and homelessness), respect and social inclusion (ageism, volunteers, carers), and communication and information (digital literacy, access to lifelong learning).

Funding details

The ask: $1.5 million annually

Project cost: TBC

Victorian Government contribution: $500,000 annually ($500,000 Council funded)

Federal contribution: $500,000

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Youth services (commitment announced)

The ask

We are seeking support to lead a partnership to positively impact the delivery of a range of youth-led services, activities and programs for young people in East Gippsland and Wellington shires.

Funding details

The ask: $3m total ($1.5m for East Gippsland and $1.5m for Wellington Shire Council)

Project cost: TBC (anticipated to align with funding amount)

Victorian Government contribution: $3m across East Gippsland and Wellington shires as above.

Federal Government: Black Summer Grants

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If you would like more information or wish to speak with Council about any of these Advocacy priorities, please call us on (03) 5153 9500 or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

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Planning and infrastructure that enriches the environment, lifestyle, and character of our communities.

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Mitchell River Bridge duplication

The ask

That funding is committed for the detailed design of the duplication of the Mitchell River Bridge and design of realignment of sections of the Princes Highway into a road reserve managed by the Victorian Government, in recognition of its importance to regional connectivity and interstate freight routes.

Funding details

The ask: $40m

Project cost: $40m

Victorian Government contribution: being sought

Federal contribution: being sought

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Shared approach to fire management

The ask

That the Victorian Government provides funding for local governments to review their emergency management strategies and ensures appropriate resourcing allocations.

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Bairnsdale Aerodrome upgrade

The ask

That $7 million be committed to the development of terminal building upgrades and taxiway improvements. Works would support planned and funded widening and lengthening of the Bairnsdale Airport runway to meet new CASA standards and to recognise the importance of this runway in the management of the emergencies and air patient transfers for the region.

The investment in the complementary infrastructure will support the use of the airport for commercial passenger and freight services.

Funding details

The ask: $7m

Project cost: $7.7m

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

Federal Government contribution: No

$9.9 million in Federal Government funding committed in February 2022 for other works.

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Bullumwaal Road upgrade

The ask

Funding to realign seven roads to intersect with Bullumwaal Road at a 90-degree angle at a cost of $250,000 per intersection.

Funding details

The ask: $1.75m

Project cost: $1.75m

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

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Asset management

The ask

A policy change that allows funding to be allocated to asset maintenance, and a change to funding programs to see more funding allocated on need rather than competitive funding rounds - a continuation of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund (Australian Government) and reintroduction of the Local Government Community Infrastructure Fund (Victorian Government).

The ask: $3-5 million

Project cost: $3-5 million

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

Federal Government contribution: Yes

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Marlo Road upgrade

The ask

Funding to ensure the Marlo Road has the capacity to safely accommodate current and future traffic volumes, and include a walking/cycle path to enhance access to employment, education, health services and major retail centres.

Funding details

The ask: $10.7 million

Project cost: $10.7m

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

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National disaster recovery funding reform

The ask

Review Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements policy and application in Victoria to streamline access to funding, enable appropriate betterment, broaden the coverage of essential infrastructure and ensure appropriate consideration of hazardous trees and other hazards that emerge over time.

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Industrial land supply

The ask

To overcome market failure, the Victorian Government provides direct intervention and sufficient funding for Council to enable planning for and rezoning of industrial land in East Gippsland locations such as Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota.

Funding details

The ask: $200,000

Project cost: $400,000

Victorian Government contribution: $200,000 ($50,000 Council contribution and $50,000 in kind)

Federal contribution: $100,000

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Great Alpine Road widening

The ask

That funds are committed to continue the widening and corner treatments of the Great Alpine Road, recognising the strategic importance of this road to connect community and industries, access to snowfields and mountain biking infrastructure, and provide uninterrupted road access during emergencies.

Funding details

As this is a Victorian Government asset, Council has not costed the improvements but understand that the Department of Transport has provided a detailed funding submission to Treasury and Finance. We therefore seek a commitment to this submitted budget bid.

The ask: $2m

Project cost: TBC

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

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Lakes Entrance Indoor Stadium

The ask

That $800,000 be committed to design and plan for the relocation and expansion of a multi-purpose indoor sports court complex (estimated cost $8-10 million) to cater for the sporting needs of East Gippsland's second-largest town.

Funding details

The ask: $800,000

Project cost: $8-10 million

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

Federal Government contribution: Yes

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Benambra-Corryong Road sealing

The ask

Commit $4m in funding to undertake the necessary detailed design, costings and feasibility analysis to facilitate sealing the remaining 65km of the road. This will support farming and livestock transport industries, improve social and commuter traffic safety, facilitate and increase in tourist traffic between East Gippsland and the Upper Murray and allow tourists to access the eastern end of the new Great River Road.

Funding details

The ask: $4m

Project cost: $40m

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

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‍If you would like more information or wish to speak with us about any of these Advocacy priorities, please call us on (03) 5153 9500 or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

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A natural environment that is managed and enhanced.

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Weed and pest management

The ask

Funding for pest management to be significantly increased to $500,000 pa and an ongoing commitment made to the funding. Private land managers are adequately supported and funded to manage pests and weeds, and the community environment sector, Agriculture Victoria and DELWP are funded to provide expert advice to landowners on an ongoing basis.

Funding details

The ask: $500,000 pa

Project cost: $500,000 pa

Victorian Government contribution: 100%

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Investment in waste management

The ask

That the Victorian Government makes a commitment that at least 50% of East Gippsland Shire Council’s landfill levies collected will be provided back to Council, on a non-competitive model, to implement a range of waste management initiatives.

Funding details

The ask: 50% of annual landfill levies

Project cost: 50% of annual landfill levies

Victorian Government contribution: 100%

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Strategic firebreaks and roadside vegetation management

The ask

In addition to the $5 million allocated to DELWP for the creation of strategic firebreaks, the Victorian Government makes a funding commitment for the ongoing management of these firebreaks.

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Lakes Entrance training walls

The ask

Support to fund the replacement of critical marine infrastructure at the entrance to Bass Strait, Lakes Entrance.

Funding details

The ask: $20 million

Project cost: $20 million

Victorian Government contribution: $20 million

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Coastal risk management

The ask

That the Victorian Government commits to an ongoing allocation of an initial $2 million per annum for the management of seawall replacement and coastal hazards. Regular and ongoing funding for local government to assist with the management of Crown land foreshores and inundation management.

Funding details

Funding details

The ask: $2 million pa

Project cost: $30 million

Council contribution: $250,000

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

Federal contribution: No

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Biodiversity strategies

The ask

The Victorian Government provides Council, as Crown Land manager, an initial $1 million per annum over the next four years to:

• revegetate and manage weed infestation in burnt areas
• map and manage local roadside vegetation and reserves
• manage crown reserves
• manage fire affected and hazardous trees and risks to public safety associated with bushfire impacts.

Funding details

The ask: Locked-in amount of $1 million pa plus additional resources

Project cost: TBC

Victorian Government contribution: TBC

Federal contribution: TBC

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Climate change mitigation

The ask

That local government and the private sector are provided access to funded programs to implement a net zero emissions target and environment strategy actions so Council can help the Australian and Victorian governments' meet their commitment to a net zero emissions by 2050.

Funding details

The ask: $250,000 pa

Project cost: $500,000 pa

Council contribution: $250,000

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

Federal contribution: Yes

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Gippsland Lakes health audit

The ask

Financial support for a full audit of the health of the Gippsland Lakes, building on the work of the already-committed one-year $350,000 project assessing the vulnerability and sensitivity of the RAMSAR-listed wetlands.

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Develop natural resource management strategic partnerships

The ask

The Victorian Government develops and implements a multi-disciplinary, decentralised approach for natural resource management policy to support the local management of natural resources in coastal and mountain areas across the state.

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‍If you would like more information or wish to speak with us about any of these Advocacy priorities, please call us on (03) 5153 9500 or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

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A thriving and diverse economy that attracts investment and generates inclusive local employment.

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The Hub, Bairnsdale

The ask

$600,000 to implement the next phase of the masterplan to transform the current Council-owned site into a true collaborative education centre.

Funding details

The ask: $600,000

Project cost: $600,000

Council contribution: $250,000

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

Federal contribution: Yes

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Education

The ask

The Victorian Government to finalise funding for the upgrade of Bairnsdale Secondary College. Provide additional funding and support for regional students having to relocate for tertiary education.

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Develop arts and culture precinct

The ask

$300,000 in funding support to identify the appropriate space for a regional performing arts / arts centre and for the detailed design of such a facility.

Funding details

The ask: $300,000

Project cost: Unknown

Victorian Government contribution: Funding opportunities being sought

Federal contribution: Funding opportunities being sought

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Digital connectivity

The ask

Commitment to funding infrastructure upgrades to increase the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure during disasters, improve the quality and extent of coverage to support regional living, provide equitable access to services and digital technologies to improve productivity in agriculture, and meet demand during holiday periods.

Funding details

The ask: Equity of access and affordability of digital connectivity services for people across East Gippsland, despite their geography or population constraints

Project cost: Ongoing funds required through Federal, State and telecommunications service providers

Victorian Government contribution: Connecting Victoria funding

Federal contribution: Regional Connectivity Funding, Black Spot Funding

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Native timber industry transition and Local Development Strategies

The ask

That the Victorian Government replaces the practice of clear-fell native timber harvesting as soon as practical with a new approach to silviculture that maintains or improves forest health and reduces vulnerability to the impacts of bushfire, while also providing sawlogs for timber processing. Extends the development of Local Development Strategies to impacted communities that have not yet made an effective transition. Supports the use of forest resources by a range of other forest users, including tourism and recreation.

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Housing availability for workers

The ask

Access to housing, and availability at a reasonable price, is a barrier to East Gippsland businesses securing the workforce they need to operate and grow. Access to funding is required to support provision of suitable land and infrastructure to support housing. There is an opportunity for partnerships to support increased worker accommodation.

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Supporting the visitor economy on public land

The ask

Supporting the visitor economy through investment in parks and state forest to strengthen visitor offering and maintenance, and increased capacity for private operators.

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Fuel prices

The ask

That the Victorian Government works with the Australian Government to continue the temporary reduction of fuel excise for East Gippsland Shire Council. Provide additional funding to Council through the annual General Purpose Grant allocation in recognition of Council's costs in providing services to 10% of Victoria (geographically) and high reliance on fuel for service delivery and maintenance functions into remote areas, to lessen impact of fuel increases on organisation.

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If you would like more information or wish to speak with us about any of these Advocacy priorities, please call us on (03) 5153 9500 or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

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A transparent organisation that listens and delivers effective, engaging and responsive services

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Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process overhaul

The ask

The Victorian Government review the EES framework and that the process takes into account the financial and resource burden on local government in engaging and representing local interests, and that an independent expert group be established and funded by the proponent or Victorian Government to ensure the technical integrity of the EES. Support from the Municipal Association of Victoria and Rural Councils Victoria to establish a local government working group that has a focus on improving processes and outcomes for community and local government throughout the mine licence application process.

Funding details

The ask: Process review

Victorian Government contribution: Yes

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Council rates - Consumer Price Index and rate cap

The ask

That the Victorian Government considers the volatility in CPI when setting rate caps and engages with the local government sector in advance of the next setting of the rate cap.

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School crossing supervision

The ask

That the Victorian Government fully fund school crossing supervision and not impose costs on ratepayers and residents for a service that is unrelated to core local government functions.

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If you would like more information or wish to speak with us about any of these Advocacy priorities, please call us on (03) 5153 9500 or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

Council supports a high quality, low volume native timber harvesting industry where our communities continue to thrive, forests have multiple uses and biodiversity is protected.

While recognising there are a wide range of views in relation to native timber harvesting, Council is concerned about the impact of the Victorian Government’s decision to cease native timber harvesting by 2030 on businesses, workers and the communities of East Gippsland.

Council advocates that the practice of clear-fell native timber harvesting be replaced as soon as practical with a new approach to silviculture (utilising thinning and select harvest) that maintains or improves forest health and reduces vulnerability to the impacts of bushfire, while also providing sawlogs for timber processing and supports the use of forest resources by a range of other forest users, including tourism and recreation.

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Council adopted the position paper on 16 August 2022.

Read the media release.

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