The anticipated loss of the successful Regional Living Expo, despite its success in recent years, is not good news for East Gippsland.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said when asked in Parliament, Jaala Pulford refused say whether the Expo would be held next year – leaving East Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils in limbo.

The Minister’s own agency, Regional Development Victoria, hailed the Expo as “a success, attracting a record 10,156 patrons” in its latest annual report.

“The Regional Expo has been a fantastic way to showcase our local region to people living in Melbourne, and to attract more people to live and work here.

“The Andrews Labor Government did not fund the Expo in this year’s budget and instead launched a review – one of around 100 reviews it has initiated in 12 months.

“Since then, despite repeated questioning by the Coalition, we are still in the dark.

“Jaala Pulford must end months of uncertainty and tell us once and for all whether she will axe the Expo.”