The Victorian Coalition Government’s Gippsland Lakes Environmental Strategy was launched
in East Gippsland today, along with a range of new projects that will benefit the iconic
Gippsland Lakes. Read More

Work has begun on the $40.3 million project to connect Victoria’s largest unsewered town, Loch Sport, to a reticulated sewerage system.

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan visited Loch Sport on Friday to inspect the first construction works on the Loch Sport Sewer Project.

Mr Ryan said more than 1500 residences would receive reticulated sewerage when the project is completed in 2015.

The Victorian Coalition Government contributed $9.2 million towards the planning phase of the project, with the remainder provided by Gippsland Water.

“The project will provide significant benefits for Loch Sport residents, as well as the Gippsland Lakes and its users,” Mr Ryan said.

“This can only be a good thing for everyone who enjoys fishing, swimming and boating in the iconic Gippsland Lakes.

“This project will also end many years of community concern regarding the public health and environmental risk of more than 1500 septic tanks situated on small sandy blocks beside Lake Wellington.”

Mr Ryan said the project had been a long time coming through its conception, investigation and planning stages.

“Loch Sport is the third community in the Wellington Shire connected to sewerage by Gippsland Water through the Victorian Government’s Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program, alongside Seaspray and Coongulla /Glenmaggie,” Mr Ryan said.

“These projects are significant to the future development of the Wellington Shire.”

Media contact: Stephanie Nicholls 0437 108 870 stephanie.nicholls@parliament.vic.gov.au Read More

Almost $12 million is on offer to emergency services groups for the purchase of vital resources such as rescue equipment, trucks and facility upgrades, Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said today

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government’s $11.95 million Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program was offering grants of up to $100,000 to ensure local volunteers are equipped to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

“Emergency services volunteers play a crucial role in protecting lives and property and the Victorian Coalition Government is pleased to provide record funding to boost the capability of local volunteers to respond to emergencies,” Mr Ryan said.

“From surf lifesavers to fire fighters, our volunteers are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency services, so we want to ensure they have the best equipment available to help them carry on their vital work.

“By committing more money for equipment and upgrades than ever before, the Coalition Government is ensuring our emergency services have the resources they need to continue their vital work for the community.”

Mr Ryan said the grants may be used to pay for upgrades to group facilities or for the equipment needed to assist in emergencies, such as trucks, trailers and generators.

“The VESEP will also contribute $2 for every $1 of funding raised by local volunteer groups,” Mr Ryan said.

The VESEP grants program is open to members of the Country Fire Authority, Victoria State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association and other eligible volunteer groups.

Each agency will distribute specific guidelines on selection criteria, application forms and about application lodgement dates to its members and applications will be assessed by a panel of representatives from government and emergency services organisations.

Further information is available from www.justice.vic.gov.au, or email vesep@justice.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870 Read More

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan today announced that community groups across Gippsland South would receive $1,338,412 as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $20 million Communities for Nature grants program.  Read More