From the Chair - July 2024

It has been a busy time for our region as One Gippsland as we took our messages to Canberra and Spring Street ahead of the state and federal budgets. 

Despite the challenging financial conditions, One Gippsland did have some ‘wins’ on our priorities list that will start to improve the connectivity of our region. Of particular note was funding for the Sale Alternative Truck Route in Gippsland and additional funding for the Gippsland Rail Line.

In the background we have been representing the region on some key bodies impacting our communities including the Forestry Transition Implementation Reference Group and the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel.

The transition to renewables occurring in the region has ramped up with six feasibility licences being granted by the Federal Government and a further six more moving to the next stage of first nation’s consultation.

One Gippsland has been engaging with Vic Grid as they revealed details of their wind transmission study area and put our views to them on the details of our community benefit framework.

Of course in the energy space the most talked about issue is the recently announced detail of the federal coalition’s policy on nuclear energy.  The naming of Loy Yang Power Stations as a future site for nuclear energy production puts Gippsland at the centre of this policy. 

One Gippsland will have more to say on this issue in the future but will be seeking briefings with the Federal Coalition to further understand their policy.

 As we prepare for our future delegations and look ahead to the remainder of 2024, a successful planning day was held on 28 June to discuss our strategies moving forward and consolidate our combined vision and priorities as the voice for the region.

Regards,

Cr Ian Bye

Chair, One Gippsland