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MORE WELCOME AT PARKRUN
More volunteers and runners are welcome to join Lakes Entrance parkrun. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is pictured with parkrun volunteer Joyce Timmins ahead of Saturday’s run in heavy rain. The Lakes Entrance parkrun is a free community event held every...
COMMON SENSE NEEDED ON EAST GIPPSLAND PROJECTS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging the new Labor Government to support funding for two bushfire recovery projects in East Gippsland. Mr Chester has raised his concerns in writing to the Prime Minister and relevant Ministers as well as speaking in...
MORE LAKES ENTRANCE PROJECTS TO COME
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says more infrastructure projects are needed in Lakes Entrance as part of a multi-million dollar transformation of the town. Speaking at the LEADA community meeting, Mr Chester said he was excited about the future of Lakes...
STATEMENT BY MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND AND FORMER MINISTER FOR VETERANS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL DARREN CHESTER
I welcome the interim report by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and acknowledge many of the recommendations are entirely consistent with the bipartisan direction being taken by the previous Federal Government to improve outcomes for defence force...
CHESTER SEEKS URGENT FISHING INDUSTRY SUPPORT
Federal member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging the Labor Government to intervene and assist communities directly impacted by proposed cuts to commercial fishing quotas. Mr Chester has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt to...
BULLOCK ISLAND WORKS SHAPING UP
The new Bullock Island bridge and associated works are starting to take shape, according to local MP Darren Chester (pictured). Mr Chester said the project would provide a critical link between the island’s commercial fishing, education precinct, Gippsland Ports,...
NEW FLOORING AT CLIFTON WATERS
Clifton Waters Retirement Village has upgraded flooring in communal areas thanks to previous Federal Government support. Local MP Darren Chester said the $7,800 grant had been provided through the Stronger Communities Program. “New vinyl plank flooring has been...
FUEL EXCISE CUT SHOULD BE EXTENDED
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the temporary cut to fuel excise should be extended to help reduce pressure on family budgets and support the visitor economy across regional Australia. Mr Chester told Federal Parliament regional families will suffer...
MALLACOOTA AIRPORT ESSENTIAL FOR COMMUNITY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has requested an urgent meeting with the Transport Minister to overcome changes to the certification of Mallacoota airport. Civil Aviation Safety Agency (CASA) changes to the Manual of standards resulted in Mallacoota...
CHESTER: URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has challenged the Prime Minister to prove he will govern for all Australians and has sought urgent action in relation to several critically important projects in Gippsland. Mr Chester spoke in Parliament this week regarding...
FURTHER FMD MEASURES NEED TO BE IMPLEMENTED
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Labor Government’s introduction of foot mats at international airports is finally a step in the right direction. Mr Chester, who has been calling for further measures to be introduced, said Labor had failed to act...
WORLD CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY
The redevelopment of the WORLD centre sporting precinct is progressing well according to local MP Darren Chester (pictured). Mr Chester said the old netball courts and pavilion had been removed so new construction could take place. “I secured $5 million for this...
FURTHER PROTECTION NEEDED FOR LOCAL FARMERS
The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Indonesia demands further action to protect Australia’s livestock industry, according to local MP Darren Chester. The Federal Member for Gippsland has written to the Agriculture Minister Murray Watt backing industry...
HELP KEEP LOCALS WARM THIS WINTER
Local MP Darren Chester is encouraging locals to get behind the annual blanket drive at Dimmeys in Sale. Mr Chester said the annual blanket drive provided blankets to those less fortunate through the Monday Night Tucker program. “Dimmeys has blankets for sale for $10...
OFFICIAL OPENING OF MALLACOOTA ABALONE CO-OP
The new $10 million Mallacoota Abalone Co-op will future proof the industry for decades to come, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. Mr Chester attended today’s official opening and paid credit to the board, staff and community representatives...
NEW BRIDGE AT TRARALGON RAILWAY RESERVE
An upgraded bridge at the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve will improve user safety and accessibility while walking around the lake. Federal MP Darren Chester said the new Middle Bridge had been installed and works were now complete. “The Traralgon...
CHESTER BACKS LIVE EXPORT INDUSTRY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to reconsider the plan to phase out the live export industry. Mr Chester, who is supportive of the live export industry said the industry was regulated through many strict standards...
BUSHFIRE PRONE AREAS WITHOUT BASE STATIONS
Federal MP Darren Chester has written to the Communications Minister seeking an update on projects approved under round one of the Regional Connectivity Program. Mr Chester said he was concerned that projects in fire prone areas with little to no mobile coverage were...
FINAL DESIGNS OF NEW TRAIN STATIONS RELEASED
Final designs have been released showcasing the major train station upgrades at Traralgon and Morwell Stations. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, who secured $504 million for the Gippsland Line Upgrade said the new stations would be more accessible and user...
NEW BRIDGE AT TRARALGON RAILWAY RESERVE
An upgraded bridge at the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve will improve users safety and accessibility while walking around the lake. Federal MP Darren Chester said the new Middle Bridge had been installed and works were now complete. “The Traralgon...
WORK UNDERWAY AT BAIRNSDALE SKATE PARK
The next stage of the Bairnsdale Skate Park is progressing well according to Federal MP Darren Chester (pictured). Mr Chester worked with East Gippsland Shire Council to upgrade the recreation precinct. “The $460,000 project at the recreation precinct includes...
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY AT LAKES REC RESERVE
Local MP Darren Chester (pictured) inspected the progress of the new amenities block at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve. Mr Chester said the new facilities were a part of a $400,000 project at the recreation reserve. “The reserve is a gathering place for the...
DOWNIES BRIDGE REPLACEMENT NOW COMPLETE
The replacement of Downies Bridge in Traralgon South is now complete. Local MP Darren Chester said the new concrete bridge would ensure local residents and farmers could safely use the track and crossing. “The old timber bridge was no longer fit for purpose and needed...
CHESTER CROSSES FINISH LINE FIRST
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester was across the line first at Lakes Entrance parkrun on Saturday, and says it should never happen again. Mr Chester (right) is pictured with parkrun volunteers Lynn Oates, Samantha Payne and Andrew Symons. “The volunteers do...
OFFICIAL OPENING OF SALE OVAL REDEVELOPMENT
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester officially opened the Sale Oval redevelopment today alongside Wellington Shire Councillor John Tatterson and community members. Mr Chester said the upgraded facilities would support players, officials and spectators using...
OFFICIAL OPENING OF GLENGARRY MECHANICS INSTITUTE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester officially opened the Glengarry Mechanics Institute today with Latrobe City Council Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan and Glengarry Mechanics Institute CoM President Alan McAuliffe. Mr Chester said the upgraded hall would suit the...
CHESTER CALLS FOR LOCAL PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has written to new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the funding of local projects which are critical to the future of the region. Mr Chester urged the new Prime Minister to visit the region and to ensure essential...
GREAT ALPINE ROAD NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION
Gippsland MP Darren Chester has written to the State and Federal Goverments about the urgent need for upgrades along the Great Alpine Road. Mr Chester, who has been very vocal about the poor road condition, said he was becoming increasingly concerned after driving the...
GIPPSLAND FIRST SEAT ‘OFFICIALLY DECLARED’
The seat of Gippsland was the first in Victoria to be ‘officially declared’ by the Australian Electoral Commission, with local MP Darren Chester recording the highest number of primary votes in Australia. Mr Chester secured a 3.79 per cent swing towards him despite...
HIGHWAY INTERSECTION NEEDS WORK
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he’s keen to secure Federal Government funding to upgrade a notorious intersection on the Princes Highway in Sale. The intersection of Dawson Street, Maffra Road and the Princes Highway is poorly designed and needs urgent work,...
CHESTER HUMBLED BY ELECTION WIN
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he’s ‘incredibly humbled’ by the election result which delivered significant swings to him across the region, despite the change in government. Mr Chester recorded an increased primary vote of more than 55%, as voters...
GIPPSLAND VETERANS WELFARE CENTRE BOOST
The Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre in Sale will receive a $2 million boost if the Federal Coalition Government is returned on Saturday. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the money would upgrade facilities to provide additional services for local...
VALLEY LANDS A BIG BARRA
The Latrobe Valley will become home to the world’s largest indoor barramundi aquaculture farm with a $30 million boost from the Federal Government. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the consortium of private investors planning to build the $125 million farm...
HIGHWAY SWITCH AT FLYNN
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) says the Princes Highway duplication project has reached a major milestone with traffic switched to the new section at Flynn. The $250 million final three stages of the project is 80% funded by the Federal...
BACKING CLEAN HYDROGEN AND CARBON CAPTURE IN GIPPSLAND
The Coalition Government is backing the development of clean hydrogen and carbon capture and storage technologies in Victoria’s Gippsland region, providing job and economic growth opportunities for the community. The Government is investing more than $42.9 million in...
CHESTER ATTENDS MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (left) and Mother’s Day Classic host Darren McCubbin at the start line of the 8km charity run. Hundreds of locals ran and walked around Lake Guthridge to support breast cancer survivors, remember loved ones and raise money...
PRINCES HIGHWAY WORKS BOOSTING SAFETY
A $3.6 million upgrade to one of the worst sections of the Princes Highway will improve safety and resilience of the key transport link, according to Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured). Mr Chester inspected progress on the Mt Drummer section of the...
CHESTER TIPS RECORD PRE-POLL
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is predicting record numbers of pre-polling as early voting centres open today (Monday) across Gippsland. Mr Chester said the combined impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and increased opening hours of early voting...
MAJOR CONNECTIVITY BOOST FOR EAST GIPPSLAND
Further funding to reduce mobile phone blackspots and improve connectivity in East Gippsland will deliver long-term safety, social and economic benefits, according to local MP Darren Chester. The Federal Member for Gippsland has welcomed over $2 million of funding in...
NEW VIEWING PLATFORM FOR HEYFIELD WETLANDS
Heyfield wetlands volunteers are continuing to transform the popular nature reserve with upgraded trails, revegetation and a new viewing platform. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) met with volunteer Barry Donahoe who provided a guided tour of the...
ROAD DELAYS RISKING LIVES
A failure to upgrade a busy intersection in Lakes Entrance is putting residents at risk of serious injuries, according to Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. Mr Chester has written to the State Government seeking an urgent explanation why work hasn’t started on the...
BACKING LATROBE VALLEY MANUFACTURING FUTURE
The Morrison Government is investing $48.2 million in a state-of-the-art energy from waste facility in the Latrobe Valley, helping to power Opal’s pulp and paper mill while driving down emissions. The Government has today announced funding for Masdar Tribe Australia’s...
CHESTER SEEKS GREAT ALPINE ROAD BOOST
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says a multi-year program of upgrades is needed to improve safety on one of Gippsland’s most important arterial roads. Mr Chester has called on the Federal and State Governments to list the Great Alpine Road as a ‘Road of...
BONANG ROAD SEALING THIS YEAR
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) says he has been assured that work to complete the sealing of the Bonang Road will be completed within 12 months. Mr Chester secured $9 million for the sealing of the final 12 kilometres of the road to improve...
WHAT’S NEXT FOR LAKES ENTRANCE?
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester will be asking Lakes Entrance residents “what’s next for our town” in a survey to be distributed ahead of the election on May 21. Mr Chester said the town was halfway through a major transformation and it was timely to ask...
FUNDING BOOST FOR RAYMOND ISLAND KOALAS
Raymond Island’s koala population and native wildlife has received a major boost as part of a $1.3 million initiative funded by all levels of government. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated Raymond Island Landcare volunteers and friends who...
WELCOME FUNDING FOR GIPPSLAND VETERANS WELFARE CENTRE
The home of Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre in Sale is about to receive a new roof thanks to a $120,000 Federal Government grant. The Sale RSL has successfully applied for funding under the government’s ‘Veteran and Community Grants’ program which is aimed at...
CHESTER BACKS FIGHT FOR TIMBER JOBS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has told a Timber Towns Victoria Roundtable ‘we need to keep fighting to save our timber industry because people and wildlife die in poorly managed forests’ Speaking at a forum in Heyfield this week, Mr Chester urged TTV to...
LAKES ENTRANCE BOARDWALK TO BOOST JOBS
Work to construct an all-abilities boardwalk and shared pathway around the shores of Cunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance will start this year thanks to $5.8 million in Federal Government funding. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has secured additional funding for...
HUGE WIN FOR BUCHAN COMMUNITY
The Buchan Recreation Reserve will receive a $4.2 million facelift after an additional $3 million in bushfire recovery funding was secured this week. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) said he had been advised by Bushfire Recovery Victoria that an...