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GIPPSLAND SHARES IN FEDERAL HYDROGEN HUB CASH
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the Latrobe Valley’s role as a critical energy generator will be boosted by the decision to include the region as one of seven hydrogen hubs in Australia. The Federal Government’s $1.2 billion hydrogen investment is set...
2022 #LOVEGIPPSLAND CALENDAR COMPETITION OPEN
Local MP Darren Chester is encouraging Gippslanders to enter their best photographs in the 2022 #lovegippsland calendar competition. Mr Chester said the competition was now open and the winning photos would be featured in the annual calendar. “I love Gippsland and...
FUNDING FOR SOIL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Funding is available to improve soil management practices through the Federal Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants: Soil Extension Activities program. Local MP Darren Chester said local organisations and individuals can apply for grants of up to $250,000 to undertake...
LAKES ENTRANCE LOOKING A MILLION DOLLARS
The multi-million dollar upgrade of The Esplanade in Lakes Entrance is continuing with the latest section of footpath being installed. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester secured funding for the work in 2016 and says the transformation will save lives, improve...
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT STEPPING UP FOR GIPPSLAND FARMERS
The Coalition Government is bolstering support for farmers in East Gippsland and Wellington through the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed the announcement that the Australian and Victorian governments...
ASSISTANCE DOGS SAVING LIVES
Former Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer Dale Potter from Seaspray, is amongst the first people to receive a psychiatric trained assistance dog from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Mr Potter, who had a distinguished career in Victoria Police and the...
CHESTER WELCOMES OFFSHORE WIND FARM LEGISLATION
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the introduction of legislation to develop offshore electricity infrastructure with local jobs at stake. Mr Chester said the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill introduced to Federal Parliament would...
$3 MILLION TO ADVANCE MANUFACTURING IN GIPPSLAND
The Federal Government is providing $3 million in funding through the Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) to DefendTex to conduct Australia’s first 3D printed rocket booster for space launch here in Gippsland. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said...
FUNDING BOOST FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDEN
SEED Lakeside Community Garden in Sale will benefit from funding from the Federal Government. Local MP Darren Chester said the grant was part of the Federal Government’s funding of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program....
BETTER MOBILE COVERAGE FOR GIPPSLAND
Gippslanders are safer, and the economy has prospered because of more than $15 million being spent to reduce mobile phone black spots, according to the Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. Mr Chester said the Federal Government had committed $5.47 million...
BUSHFIRE FUND ‘RIP OFF’ CAN BE PREVENTED
East Gippsland community groups will be ‘ripped off’ if the Federal Government doesn’t boost the region’s allocation under the $280 million ‘Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program’, according to Federal MP Darren Chester. Mr Chester joined with State MP Tim...
AIRFIELD ROAD TRARALGON TO BE MADE SAFER
A popular Traralgon road will receive safety upgrades, thanks to the Federal Government. Local MP Darren Chester said Airfield Road in Traralgon would be upgraded through the Federal Government’s 2021-22 Black Spot Program to improve safety for road users. “Airfield...
LANDHOLDERS TO LEAD RECOVERY REFUGES IN EAST GIPPSLAND
The Federal Government is backing local landholders and communities in East Gippsland to lead the way in bushfire recovery through a $1 million grant to support the regeneration of impacted plants and animals. Not-for-profit organisation Trust for Nature will...
NEW VISA TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the introduction of the Australian Agriculture Visa to help address workforce shortages and ensure local goods make it to market. Mr Chester said the visa was important for security of supply and agricultural production...
BOOST FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES IN EAST GIPPSLAND
Two child care providers in East Gippsland have received a welcome funding boost to meet the needs of local families. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said over $380,000 has been allocated to the providers to help with operational costs. “Uniting Gippsland...
BOOST FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES IN WELLINGTON
Three child care providers in Wellington have received a welcome funding boost to meet the needs of local families. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said over $230,000 had been allocated to the providers to help with operational costs. “Maffra Queen Street...
BOOST FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES IN LATROBE
Two childcare providers in the Latrobe Valley have received a welcome funding boost to meet the needs of local families. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said $110,000 had been allocated to the providers to help with operational costs. “Tilly’s Dream Pty...
BUSHFIRE ENVIRONMENTAL RECOVERY BOOST
Nearly 20 projects in East Gippsland will receive funding to aid the recovery of native wildlife and habitat severely impacted by the 2019/20 black summer bushfires. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed the announcement of more than $3.8 million in...
FUNDING BOOST FOR BENGWORDEN ROAD
Major works to upgrade safety and improve driving conditions on Bengworden Road will be delivered with a boost in Federal Government funding. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said $5.04 million would be spent to improve safety measures along the road. “The works...
FUNDING BOOST FOR STRATFORD-MAFFRA ROAD
Major works to upgrade safety and improve driving conditions on Stratford-Maffra Road will be deliver with a boost in Federal Government funding. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said $1.476 million would be spent to improve safety measures along the road. “The...
FUNDING BOOST FOR TRARALGON-MAFFRA ROAD
Major works to upgrade safety and improve driving conditions on Traralgon-Maffra Road will be delivered with a boost in Federal Government funding. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said $3.024 million would be spent on stage two of works to the Traralgon-Maffra...
A PATHWAY TO WATER SECURITY IN GIPPSLAND
The Macalister Resilience and Critical Infrastructure project will receive $2.5 million in Federal Government funding. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Government was pleased to support the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) project that would...
FUNDING TO UPGRADE BAIRNSDALE AIRPORT
Bairnsdale Airport will be upgraded thanks to a $220,000 funding boost under Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Regional Airports Program. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the project would involve upgrading the airport water system to support...
FUNDING TO MAKE YARRAM AIRPORT SAFER
Yarram Airport will be upgraded thanks to a $300,000 funding boost under Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Regional Airports Program. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the project would involve the installation of security and animal proof fencing to...
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR DROUGHT RESILIENCE INNOVATION
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for organisations to apply for projects to manage and prepare for drought. Local MP Darren Chester said $34.2 million was available through the Future Drought Fund’s Drought Resilience Innovation Grants program. “Gippsland...
CHESTER ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO GET VACCINATED
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging eligible Gippslanders to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Mr Chester, who received his second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine recently, said that high vaccination numbers would help bolster the fight against...
FUNDING TO IMPROVE BUCHAN STREETSCAPE
Buchan streetscape will be upgraded thanks to Federal Government funding through the Local Economic Recovery Program. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester announced $1.4 million in Federal Government funding towards the $2.9 million project. Mr Chester said the...
LIVES AT RISK AS BUREAUCRACY DITHERS
Gippsland motorists are being robbed of life-saving road upgrades because State and Federal Government bureaucrats are failing to do their jobs, according to the Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. Mr Chester said tens of millions of dollars in Federal Government...
MARLO ANGLING CLUB SET TO RECEIVE A $336,000 UPGRADE
Local MP Darren Chester has announced the Marlo Angling Club community hall will receive a much-needed upgrade thanks to funding from the Local Economic Recovery Program. Mr Chester said the Marlo Angling Club would receive $336,000 to repair the hall so it was...
IMPROVED MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE IN EAST GIPPSLAND
Five remote areas in East Gippsland will receive improved mobile phone coverage thanks to Federal Government funding. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said Anglers Rest, Goongerah and W Tree Creek will all have a small cell installed, while Pheasant Hill...
SHOP LOCAL AND SUPPORT GIPPSLAND JOBS, SAYS CHESTER
Gippslanders are being called on to support local businesses during the current lockdown to help secure local jobs in the region. Local MP Darren Chester has challenged the community to buy local produce, takeaway meals and coffee and clothing and gifts from local...
HAUNTED HILLS BIKE PARK SHAPING UP
There has been quite a transformation underway as the Haunted Hills Bike Park in Hernes Oak begins to take shape. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester recently visited the site to check in on the progress of the works. “Since breaking ground at the end of last...
FIT OUT UNDERWAY FOR GIPPSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
The focus has shifted to inside the building as work continues on the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said with the structure now complete, works to fit out the shell were underway. “The auditorium has been designed with...
SNOWY TRESTLE BRIDGE WILL BOOST TOURISM
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the restoration of the historic Snowy River railway trestle bridge is an essential part of plans to boost the visitor economy of East Gippsland. Mr Chester met with community leaders who will manage the State...
COUNCIL MUST RETHINK PLAYGROUND PLANS: CHESTER
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is campaigning to save the Lakes Entrance rotunda from an ill-conceived East Gippsland Shire Council plan. Mr Chester said he fully supports the development of a proposed foreshore playground but says Council is about to...
SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURERS TO CREATE JOBS
Manufacturers, research institutions and organisations in Gippsland are being encouraged to work together on job-creating projects as part of the $800 million Collaboration stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI). Local MP Darren Chester says the...
EAST GIPPSLANDERS DISMAYED BY FIRE GRANTS PROGRAM
East Gippsland community leaders have written to the Prime Minister to express disappointment with a bushfire recovery grants program they say is insulting to the local community. East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Mendy Urie, State Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull,...
EXTENSION OF GUARANTEES FOR HOME BUYERS
An extension to the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, the temporary New Home Guarantee program and the Family Home Guarantee will continue to support more Gippslanders achieve their dream of owning a home, says Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. The Federal...
OFFICIAL OPENING OF MALLACOOTA COMMUNITY CLUBROOMS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester officially opened the Mallacoota Community Clubrooms over the weekend. Mr Chester said the new clubrooms would be a valuable asset for the community now and into the future. “These clubrooms will be able to be used by the...
FEEDBACK WANTED ON DAIRY CODE OF CONDUCT
Local MP Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland dairy farmers to have their say on the Dairy Code of Conduct. Mr Chester said the Code of Conduct was introduced at the beginning of 2020 to address market imbalances in the industry and was about to undergo its first...
SUPPORT SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
People with a disability in Gippsland will be encouraged to interact with a new dedicated one-stop shop providing advice and up-to-date information as a national campaign rolls out across our televisions. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the name of...
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT FAILS TO SUPPORT ASH
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says Gippslanders are owed an explanation after the State Labor Government backed imported timber over the local product for a signature building project. Mr Chester said the decision by the Victorian Government to award the...
FURTHER SUPPORT FOR GIPPSLAND JOB SEEKERS
Job seekers in Gippsland will benefit from continued support with the extension of the Employment Facilitator services in the region. Local MP Darren Chester said the Gippsland Employment Facilitator would continue to coordinate employment and training opportunities...
CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON PRINCES HIGHWAY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has reminded local motorists to allow extra travel time and be alert to changed road conditions on the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale. A number of traffic changes have been implemented along the highway in the...
BULLOCK ISLAND UPGRADE UNDERWAY
The ongoing investment on Bullock Island is starting to take shape with almost $10 million worth of works set to transform the island for locals and visitors. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) said all levels of government had committed funding to...
GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR BUSHFIRE RECOVERY GRANTS
The guidelines have been released for the $280 million Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the grants are designed to support bushfire impacted communities in their continued recovery. “The early release of...
WELLINGTON NOW ELIGIBLE FOR STORM RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
Residents in Wellington affected by the recent floods and storms are now eligible for Federal Government assistance. Local MP Darren Chester welcomed the announcement and said eligible residents could make claims from today, Friday July 2, 2021. “The Federal...
LOCAL HOTELS TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Hotels across Gippsland can now improve energy efficiency and lower power costs thanks to the Federal Government. Local MP Darren Chester said three accommodation providers in Wellington received funding. “Power bills can be a huge cost for local accommodation...
LOCAL HOTELS TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Hotels across Gippsland can now improve energy efficiency and lower power costs thanks to the Federal Government. Local MP Darren Chester said four accommodation providers in East Gippsland received funding. “Power bills can be a huge cost for local accommodation...
NEW TRAILER FOR MATHISON PARK VOLUNTEERS
Local MP Darren Chester has announced Mathison Park Community Asset Committee in Churchill have received a $2,500 grant. Mr Chester said the committee was using the grant to purchase an equipment trailer and tools to help the volunteers. “The new trailer will help the...