East Gippsland Shire Council has a set of key priorities for the 3 May Federal election, calling on candidates in the Gippsland electorate to commit to much-needed investments in roads, community safety, economic transition, and cost-of-living relief for our rural communities.

Among our requests are support for:

• Our seniors community

• Improved management of public land

• A Bairnsdale Arts and Culture Precinct

• A Local Government Commission for rural councils

• Road safety, through access to increased funding to support the sealing of the Corryong Road

• Funding to build the Lakes Entrance Multi-Use Stadium

• Access to funding to maintain and build community infrastructure

Mayor Cr John White said Council was also advocating for an exemption from federal environmental laws requiring native vegetation offsets, which are delaying vital upgrades to the Bairnsdale Aerodrome.

“Other priorities include increased support for housing, natural disaster recovery funding, telecommunications, and attracting new industries to replace the native timber sector.”

The Council also seeks an exemption from native vegetation offsets required under federal environmental laws, which are delaying critical improvements to Bairnsdale Aerodrome.

“As elected representatives in East Gippsland, Council represents the views and needs of our community, and advocacy is an important part of our work,” John said.

“We advocate for projects and initiatives that matter to our communities and contribute to building a safe, sustainable and resilient shire.”

The list includes priorities covering a range of areas, including environment and climate, housing, natural disaster recovery funding and telecommunications.

Another priority is the subsidised relocation of industry and government offices to East Gippsland to replace the native timber industry and investment in projects that add value to local agriculture.

“East Gippsland is going through a significant change as traditional industries retire or are phased out, and we need support to replace them,” John said.

“Community-led economic development not only improves the economic well-being of a community, but it also improves residents’ social cohesion and quality of life. It will also help reduce future reliance on government welfare programs.”