September 2020
Monday, 14 September 2020 14:07

Marlo-Conran pathway a good start

A shared bicycle / pedestrian pathway from Marlo to Cape Conran will be a popular tourist attraction for the region.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull said the pathway, which will be part of the tourism upgrades he has called for in the area, is a great start, but there is much more that can be done.

“To have confirmation that our lobbying has been effective and the pathway will be built, along with potable water connection, is good news, but I am looking forward to seeing more fire recovery investment in the area.

“As is well known, three of the cabins in Conran were destroyed by fire and they need to be replaced with upgraded facilities as a matter of urgency, while those remaining cabins that were spared fire impact, should also be renovated as well.

“It is very unique area and anything that is done must fit in with the natural environment, but the fire has delivered an opportunity to build back better,” he said.

“I am advised that the partial opening of the camp ground area was planned for the September school holidays had COVID allowed this, but by now it should all be ready to be opened when restrictions ease - it’s been eight months.

“As soon as it is safe to lift restrictions and we can welcome back visitors to our area from other parts of regional Victoria (or the city when restrictions permit), we need to have all those sites open.

“There will be a lot of people with cabin fever looking for a break who want to get into the outdoors and we need to be able to welcome them to our area. Our economy is relying on it,” he said.

Monday, September 14, 2020

 

Published in Media
Monday, 07 September 2020 17:10

Statement on Kmart Bairnsdale situation – Tim Bull MP

There is uncertainty with many in the Bairnsdale community around the pending move of Woolworths into the Kmart store announced late last week.

I was made aware of this on Thursday night (September 3).

It was pleasing to see Kmart management issue an immediate statement that it wishes to maintain a presence in Bairnsdale and is exploring potential sites for relocation this week.

Since Friday and over the weekend, I have been involved in discussions with the council, local real estate agents and potential landlords and discussions are well advanced.

Kmart management arrives in Bairnsdale this week and we look forward to working together to achieve a suitable relocation and save these jobs.

 Monday, September 7, 2020

Published in Media
Monday, 07 September 2020 16:59

Businesses need more certainty

East Gippsland businesses are being punished as a result of regional Victoria being considered ‘as one’ under the current Coronavirus restrictions.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said it was unfair this region was being thrown into the one basket with the likes of Geelong and Colac.

“Six weeks ago we had businesses like cafes, restaurants and pubs open for 20 customers. This resulted in no increased cases and it was seen as the first step back to recovery after the fires and Coronavirus.

“Then, after no fault of East Gippslanders, who were largely doing the right thing, we were forced into further restrictions because of problems in other areas. All the while, nothing has changed here, with rates either low or nil over the ensuing period.

“By all means, keep the strong travel restrictions in place until Melbourne gets itself under control, I strongly support that, but we need to allow East Gippslanders to support East Gippsland businesses as we were successfully doing without impact six weeks ago.

“I was expecting this to be announced on Sunday and am very disappointed we find ourselves, with very low active cases and no new cases, but still no clear way out,” said Mr Bull.

“When the Premier states numbers are still too high in regional Victoria, he is referring to the situations in Geelong and Colac. I don’t consider Geelong part of regional Victoria and we should not be aligned with what is going on in Colac.

“If you look at the thresholds the Government has set, much of country Victoria meets them, but we face the prospect of ongoing lockdowns due to outbreaks in places on the other side of the state. At the very least, the Government should be considering something such as western, northern and eastern Victorian regions.

Mr Bull said he would also ask the government to provide data on geographic location rather than postcode.

“If we are to meet a numbers criteria to get back on track, having cases aligned to home postcode is not accurate. I know of multiple cases where the person contracted Coronavirus in Melbourne, quarantined in Melbourne – but had their cases recorded here because they had a home address in East Gippsland.

“It is not fair that cases such as this are used to stop an area from hitting the required benchmark.

“The response needs to be measured and balanced with community health remaining the priority and that is why the travel restrictions need to be maintained, but we can do this by allowing the restricted opening of our local businesses as we had before and effectively managed,” Mr Bull said.

Monday, September 7, 2020

 

Published in Media
Thursday, 03 September 2020 13:36

All abilities challenge to get more active

People with a disability are being urged to get more active with GippSport launching the ‘All Abilities Physical Activity Challenge’.
Starting Monday, September 7, the week-long challenge aims to bring a healthy lifestyle focus to those with special needs.
Gippsland East Nationals MP and Shadow Minister for Disability, Tim Bull, joined with Kayci Westwood, an ambassador for the program, to promote the theme.
“I’ve known Kayci for many years and she is a great role model to promote this program, having performed exceptionally in a range of sports at State and National level, including swimming and equestrian.
“The idea of the week is to become more active and that can be as simple as doing a little more exercise for the week and then hopefully seeing the benefits and continuing.
“The GippSport website has some great ideas for those wanting to take part and participants who register are eligible for prizes,” said Mr Bull.
Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, with Kayci Westwood aboard ‘Rafa’ to promote the All Abilities Physical Activity Challenge that kicks off Monday.
Published in Media
Thursday, 03 September 2020 13:15

East Gippslanders need to be able to support local businesses

With changes to Coronavirus restrictions to be announced this Sunday (September 6) for implementation the following Sunday (September 13), Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, is seeking an outcome that will allow East Gippslanders to support East Gippsland businesses.
“Dependent on what happens in Melbourne between now and then, if travel restrictions to rural areas need to be kept in place, so be it, but it is critical we allow our local businesses - including restaurants, cafes and pubs - to again open for local patrons as they did in stage two last time.
“While many have been able to get by through to now by operating with altered business plans, including expanded take away menus and home deliveries, they cannot survive for ever with this model.
“I have been contacted by a range of business people over recent weeks, stating that if they cannot open their doors to sit down patrons on September 13, they will likely have to close. The reality is some businesses already have closed and will not re-open, so we simply have to stop the damage.
“It is about a common-sense balance. While we need to get local businesses opening their doors again, we cannot take unnecessary health risks. One does not have to be exclusive to the other, it can be achieved with careful consideration and planning and co-operative communities.
“Under stage two last time, we had up to 20 people visiting cafes and restaurants and this was being done without any detrimental impact as local business people and patrons adhered to the rules. We at least need something similar in place as a first step on September 13 in rural areas.
“The situation in Melbourne is trending well at present, but should there be a relapse, by all means maintain or strengthen restrictions where required around travel and the like, but it is crucial we are able to start allowing locals to support our local enterprises that are hurting.”
Metung Hotel image courtesy of Visit Victoria Content Hub
Published in Media
Tuesday, 01 September 2020 15:15

EES will be released Thursday

The State Government has announced the Environmental Effects Statement for the Fingerboards mineral sands project will be released to the public for comment on Thursday, September 3.
The Minister has announced it will be publicly exhibited for 40 days, 10 days more than usual due to the Coronavirus restrictions. This is the period for community and stakeholders to make submissions on its contents.
On top of the EES process, the project requires a range of other approvals, including:
• The Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act
• A mining licence and an approved work plan under the Mineral Resources Sustainable Development Act
• Environment Protection Act sign off
• A cultural heritage management plan under the Aboriginal Heritage Act
• Approvals under the Water Act, and
• Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act consent
It will be exhibited at engage.vic.gov.au
Published in Media
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