STATEMENT ON THE VICTORIAN BUDGET 2025-26

One Gippsland has acknowledged the Victorian Government's funding for road maintenance, schools and public transport in this week’s State Budget as additional investment in Gippsland.

One Gippsland Chair Cr Nathan Hersey also acknowledged the significant State Government funding allocated in the budget to run more train services to Traralgon, maintain the San Remo bridge and open the Phillip Island Community Hospital to its first patients.

Cr Hersey said funding to fix potholes and resurface roads, undertake capital works at local schools, and operate urgent care clinics, including one each in Baw Baw and Latrobe, was needed.

However, Cr Hersey said the lack of investment in critical road upgrades, skills and tertiary education, and tourism was disappointing.

“One Gippsland has been actively engaging with all major parties over the past 18 months to ensure the priorities and interests of Gippsland are well-known, understood and supported,” Cr Hersey said.

“For Gippsland to thrive, we need government investment in education, roads, ports, better digital and telecommunications and tourism," Cr Hersey said. 

"We understand the state's finances are under significant strain and we want to continue to work with the Victorian Government so that Gippsland's needs are front and centre of the government's investment decisions as our region supports Victoria through a once-in-a-generation energy transition," Cr Hersey said.

 “Our funding priorities focus on what Gippsland needs to ensure the energy transition is smooth and brings on-going benefits to our communities, while also ensuring our region remains an attractive place to live, work and enjoy,” Cr Hersey said.

 "We will continue to listen to the community and our member organisations about what is important to our region," Cr Hersey said.

 “We look forward to continuing to work with the Victorian Government to ensure our priority needs are realised,” Cr Hersey said.