May 2018
Monday, 07 May 2018 10:14

Lakes gets raw deal under Labor

Having not had a mention in the 906 pages of State Budget papers for any capital investment, it is clear Lakes Entrance is getting a raw deal under Labor.
 
That’s according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, who said the fact the electorate’s second largest town was only briefly referred to once in Labor's 2018-19 Budget papers about a channel depth performance indicator, was very disappointing.
 
“Despite Labor beating its chest about infrastructure funding, Lakes received absolutely nothing when there are a number of projects suitable for investment,” Mr Bull said.
 
Mr Bull said the previous Liberal Nationals Government had a strong record relating to capital investment in the Lakes area, with a number of new projects funded, including:
 
• Securing natural gas (estimated $10 million);
• New Toorloo Arm Primary School ($3m);
• Bullock Island refuelling facility ($500,000);
• Myer Street Jetty ($443,000);
• Entrance boardwalk ($415,000);
• Bullock Island seawall replacement ($300,000);
• Visitor Information Centre upgrade ($260,000);
• LEFCOL processing plant ($200,000);
• Fishermans Landing Jetty upgrade ($168,000);
• Croquet club redevelopment ($100,000);
• Lake Tyers boat access improvements ($70,650);
• CCTV ($60,000);
• Men’s Shed ($60,000).
 
“We also supported a number of community, sporting and emergency service organisations with smaller grants and we got the ball rolling for the replacement of the dredge,” Mr Bull said.
 
“This in stark contrast to the current Labor Government, which not only refuses to invest here, but the majority of regional and rural areas across the State.
 
“Daniel Andrews is happy to pour $25 million into metro project blowouts, but he can’t seem to get his cheque book past Melbourne’s tram tracks for projects and investments in Lakes Entrance.”
 
Monday, May 7, 2018
Published in Media
Friday, 04 May 2018 10:39

Drought help available now for farmers

Farmers across East Gippsland experiencing drought can obtain immediate assistance from the Federal Government.
 
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said a rainfall deficiency measure calculated by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) had replaced the old drought declarations as the trigger for drought assistance measures to commence.
 
“BoM rainfall data shows a serious rainfall deficiency in East Gippsland which means farmers can obtain immediate assistance through the Federal Government’s Farm Household Allowance and Farm Business Concessional Loans,” Mr Chester said.
 
“Farm Household Allowance provides up to three cumulative years of support for eligible farmers and farmers’ partners experiencing financial hardship. The allowance is equivalent to the Newstart Allowance and is designed to help recipients meet basic household needs.
 
“The Farm Business Concessional Loans Scheme makes available loans up to a maximum $1 million for a 10 year term with interest only repayment for the first five years. Applications for the loans must be received before June 30, 2018.”
 
State Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull is encouraging farmers to contact local Rural Financial Counsellor Wayne Jefferis and confirm what assistance measures are available to each individual.
 
“Local farmers I talk to have been managing the dry conditions for over twelve months now but with the worsening situation many have had to take the tough decision to sell off livestock, in some cases including their breeders,” Mr Bull said.
 
“Our local Agriculture Victoria staff will be conducting more workshops about managing in dry conditions and I would encourage farmers to keep a look out for when a workshop will be held in their local area as these are very helpful.”
 
Wayne Jefferis can be contacted at the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria – Gippsland on 0429 991 956 or by emailing him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Caroline Love can be contacted at Agriculture Victoria on 0427 515 668
 
Friday, May 4, 2018
Published in Media
Friday, 04 May 2018 10:35

Volunteer emergency service grants available

East Gippsland’s emergency service organisations are being encouraged to repeat their highly successful efforts from last year by again applying for funding through the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
 
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull said the program was now open to the Country Fire Authority, Victoria State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria and Australian Volunteer Coastguard.
 
“Last year twenty grants totalling $846,711 were shared amongst Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service and Coast Guard volunteer services with Wairewa and Mallacoota CFA brigades receiving $170,000 apiece for the new crew cab 4 X 4 light tanker.
 
“Other CFA brigades whose applications were successful included Briagolong, Bruthen, Dargo, Glenmaggie, Heyfield, Lakes Entrance, Lindenow South, Meerlieu, Newmerella, Omeo, Sarsfield, Swifts Creek and Valencia Creek.
 
“Lakes Entrance and Marlo Coastguard and the Bairnsdale, Buchan and Mallacoota Units of the State Emergency Service were also rewarded for their efforts.
 
“Our emergency services volunteers do a wonderful job in protecting the community and these grants will help to ensure that when they are performing their roles, they have the equipment and facilities to do the job.
 
“The VESEP grants can be used to fund operational equipment, including new vehicles, trucks, light and medium tankers, trailers, watercraft, vessels and engines, or funding can be put towards minor building improvements”, Mr Bull said.
 
VESEP funding will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding from the local volunteer group up to a maximum of $150,000.00 excluding GST.
 
For more information about the VESEP and to find out how to apply for a grant, visit emv.vic.gov.au/vesep
 
Friday, May 4, 2018
Published in Media
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