GIPPSLAND AREA CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TO CLOSE
June 22, 2009
It is with great disappointment that I note the forthcoming closure of the Gippsland Area Consultative Committee (GACC) after the Rudd Labor Government’s decision to end funding.
The GACC has provided an outstanding service to the Gippsland community, assisting with major projects such as Rotary Centenary House, construction of the PS Curlip and redevelopment of the Port of Sale.
On behalf of the Gippsland community, I extend my sincere thanks to Executive Officer Maree McPherson and the board of the GACC, led by Chair David Power, for their commitment to improving facilities and opportunities for Gippslanders.
The demise of the GACC will leave a gaping hole for people looking to invest in the Gippsland community and importantly, for community groups sourcing much-needed funding to develop their club.
It is disgraceful that the Labor Government has decided to close down the GACC and make staff redundant from June 30, without fulfilling its promise to provide Gippslanders with a new service in its place. The Government had promised to increase the role of Rural Development Australia, but at this stage, nothing has transpired.
So we have the situation where years of knowledge and network building is about to be lost to Gippsland; as there is no opportunity to transfer the valuable staff and volunteers associated with the Gippsland AC into a new regional development group.
In closing, I wish to highlight the great work of the Gippsland Area Consultative Committee, which has been instrumental in achieving major projects for Gippsland including the establishment of Lifeline’s Multi-Purpose Centre in Morwell; Gippsland Immigration Wall of Recognition; East Gippsland Rail Trail; Redevelopment of the Port of Sale; Rotary Centenary House; Maffra Area “Connected Community” program; Nowa Nowa Community Centre, Our Future Our Place Latrobe Valley training program in construction industry; and relocation of the Lakes Entrance vessel maintenance facilities to Bullock Island.
I wish the staff and committee all the best in the future, and call on the State and Federal Government’s to expedite their promised replacement programs.