Policy
One Gippsland works to secure economic and social investment from both the Federal and State Government.
We cement our policy priorities by assessing their benefit to the region and look to advocate on projects that will help advance the liveability, connectivity and productivity of Gippsland.
On this page, you can find factsheets on our key priority projects and our key strategic document, the Gippsland Regional Plan.
If you would like to view our reports and policy submissions please head to our “Reports and Submissions” page.
Freight - priority area
The future economic success of new and existing industries in Gippsland, Victoria and Australia depend on strengthening supply chains between the regions, urban centres, distribution points and air and seaports. That’s why freight is a priority area for One Gippsland.
Renewables and New Energy - priority area
One Gippsland supports moves that ensure our region continues to use our natural resources to power our country and to move towards a net zero future, and wants to ensure renewable projects have a positive, intergenerational impact on our communities.
Disaster Resilience - priority area
With more frequent destructive weather events, Gippsland has become a region prone to natural disasters. Disaster resilience is a priority area for One Gippsland.
Skills and Education - priority area
Gippsland is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in renewable energy. With abundant natural resources and a highly skilled energy sector workforce, Gippsland will deliver a diverse range of renewable energy projects.
Tourism - priority area
Gippsland’s natural beauty, connection to country and outstanding experiences have inspired the world to visit. Now, One Gippsland wants to grow our tourism footprint and increase opportunities to connect to our history and First Nations people, creating unforgettable experiences.
Digital Connectivity
This fact sheet sets out the opportunities and challenges in digital connectivity facing Gippsland and its communities.
Early Learning and Education Policy
One Gippsland’s policy position on early learning and education is available here.
Offshore Wind Policy
One Gippsland’s policy statement recognises that given the scale of renewable investment occurring in the region, a strong process of consultation must be implemented to manage any potential impacts.
Flood and Inundation Policy
Recent flooding and coastal inundation events have highlighted the importance for appropriate and timely state and local planning guidelines to minimise flooding and inundation risk across Gippsland.
Environmental Effects Statement Process
One Gippsland’s Position Statement on the Environmental Effects Statement Process.
Gippsland Regional Plan
The Gippsland Regional Plan is our key strategic document. Developed by the Gippsland Regional Plan Leadership Group in partnership with Gippsland Regional Partnerships, Regional Development Victoria, and other key regional bodies, it aims to identify and address the challenges and opportunities facing our region.
One Gippsland Policy Statement
One Gippsland’s policy statement outlines a clear path forward by investing in our enablers to build on the region’s natural endowments.
Digital Connectivity Policy
Investment in digital connectivity infrastructure is critical to improve the region’s ability to attract investment and a build productive, prosperous community.
Affordable and Social Housing Policy Paper
Addressing the availability of affordable and social housing is a key priority for the region, as demand continues to grow.
Regional Rail Policy Paper
Improving both public transport access and freight networks is a critical economic enabler to facilitate sustainable growth in the Gippsland region.
Our policy priorities
Seven regional priorities.14 practical actions.
One Gippsland advocates for the investment, infrastructure and services that will strengthen our region’s liveability, connectivity and productivity. We bring government, business and community together to champion opportunities that deliver lasting benefits for Gippsland.
Our seven regional priorities bring together 14 practical actions to strengthen Gippsland’s liveability, connectivity and productivity. Explore the actions below and download the fact sheets for the full projects and policy requests. The Gippsland Regional Plan 2025–2030 sets out a shared direction for regional growth through transition.
Regional growth through transition
Gippsland Regional Plan2025–2030
A coordinated framework for Gippsland’s long-term growth and prosperity, connecting priority industries with the skills, infrastructure, services and workforce transition needed to support thriving communities.
Priority sectors
- Food and fibre
- Energy
- Advanced manufacturing
- Knowledge services
- Visitor and experience economy
- Earth, natural and water resources
Our regional priorities
Two practical actions under each priority set out the investment and policy changes One Gippsland is seeking. Funding sought is not a confirmed government commitment.
Priority 01 · Actions 01–02
Freight and Roads
Safer roads and stronger freight connections to support Gippsland’s communities, industries and visitor economy.
- Deliver priority road and bridge projects
Invest $35 million in San Remo road infrastructure construction and $3.5 million in planning and detailed design for Mitchell River Bridge duplication.
- Restore and maintain regional roads
Deliver a $2 billion statewide Regional Roads Maintenance Package over four years, with a fair allocation for Gippsland.
Priority 02 · Actions 03–04
Renewables and New Energy
Ensuring the clean energy transition delivers lasting, intergenerational benefits for Gippsland’s host communities.
- Retain offshore wind benefits in Gippsland
Establish a Gippsland Offshore Wind Community Benefit Fund, with mandatory project contributions retained within the region.
- Fund enabling infrastructure and reform PiLOR
Support the roads, services and facilities needed for offshore wind and extend Payment in Lieu of Rates arrangements to the industry.
Priority 03 · Actions 05–06
Disaster Resilience
Helping communities prepare for, withstand and recover from bushfires, storms and floods.
- Reform disaster recovery funding
Leave no council worse off, set timely decisions and reimbursement, and include betterment within core funding to rebuild more resilient infrastructure.
- Keep communities connected during disasters
Strengthen telecommunications coverage, emergency access and service standards, including at least 72 hours of connectivity without mains power.
Priority 04 · Actions 07–08
Health, Wellbeing and Equitable Access
Health infrastructure and services that keep pace with Gippsland’s growing and geographically dispersed communities.
- Deliver West Gippsland and Wonthaggi hospital projects
Confirm scope, funding and timetables for the new West Gippsland Hospital and Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment Stages 2 and 3, accounting for upgrades already announced.
- Build a new Bairnsdale Emergency Department
Commit approximately $120 million to design and deliver a new Emergency Department at Bairnsdale Hospital.
Priority 05 · Actions 09–10
Housing and Liveability
Aligning housing, infrastructure and workforce needs so Gippsland can accommodate growth and remain a great place to live.
- Establish a Housing & Liveability Investment Fund
Create a multi-year regional fund for enabling infrastructure, social and affordable housing, key worker housing and community facilities.
- Plan the Longwarry Employment Precinct
Partner with Baw Baw Shire Council on a State-led Precinct Structure Plan for an expanded employment and logistics precinct.
Priority 06 · Actions 11–12
Agriculture, Food and Fibre
Strengthening Gippsland’s food and fibre industry through innovation, market access and a circular economy.
- Support the Gippsland Circular Economy Hub
Provide multi-year operating support for collaboration, innovation and projects that turn agricultural by-products into valuable products.
- Establish and deliver Gippsland Trusted
Invest $1.2 million over three years in the regional brand and market-access program for Gippsland food and fibre producers.
Priority 07 · Actions 13–14
Tourism
Growing a year-round visitor economy through a coordinated regional events strategy and distinctive Gippsland experiences.
- Attract major and emerging events
Invest $5 million over five years in event acquisition as part of the $7 million Gippsland Events Strategy.
- Build a sustainable regional events system
Invest $2 million in Gippsland-owned festivals, volunteer capability, coordinated promotion and a Tourism and Event Ambassador Program.
Previous policies and position papers
Explore One Gippsland’s earlier policy positions and supporting papers, preserved for background and historical reference.
For our reports and policy submissions, visit Reports & Submissions.
For further information, contact gippsland@collectiveposition.com.