Danny O’Brien MP Member for South

Community Report

Gippsland deserves a better deal. We work hard and make a huge contribution to the rest of the state and nation. But too often Gippslanders feel their needs are overlooked in favour of the city. Too many feel their voice is not heard. That’s why as your local State Member of Parliament, I’ve undertaken my Your Future, Your Say campaign to get a clear understanding of the needs and desires of the communities of Gippsland South.

Over the past 12 months I ran an extensive program of engagement so you could tell me what your priorities are for you – and your community – for the future. This included: • formal community meetings in 12 local towns • dozens of listening posts on streets, at country halls and shows • a hard copy survey posted to all households in the electorate • an online survey • a local economy survey to Gippsland South businesses • interactive social media engagement • advertisements in local newspapers seeking feedback

The numerous surveys and meetings resulted in an estimated 850 individual items of feedback on our needs for the future. Obviously the COVID-19 pandemic impacted this process and no doubt some priorities will change in future as we look to recovery. This Community Report outlines some of the key themes, projects and policies that the people of Gippsland South want for their future. As your local MP, I’ll be using this to develop policies ahead of the next election and to lobby the Andrews Labor Government on our needs.

dannyobrienmp.com.au Danny O’Brien MP Member for Gippsland South Key findings Feedback from the community covered the full spread of State Government responsibilities. However there was a consistent theme of the need for Gippsland residents to have a strong voice in the face of city-centric decision making, and for more State Government attention to be placed on country areas. Overall, there were half a dozen key themes that were repeated in many of the responses. The need for more JOBS in Gippsland and desire for DECENTRALISATION of both government departments and industry from were high on the agenda of many people. Transport, including additional TRAIN services to Sale and the return of PASSENGER RAIL to South Gippsland and/ or improved coach services were favoured by many people. There was also support for a BUS SERVICE from Yarram to Sale and better services between South Gippsland towns and to the Latrobe Valley. Likewise, many people want us to FIX THE ROADS including many who wanted the duplication of the to Sale finished. The high level of local COUNCIL RATES was raised by many people, while a number of respondents also wanted to see more action to tackle CLIMATE CHANGE or to support renewable energy jobs in Gippsland. Equally, many expressed their opposition to proposed wind farms at Alberton and Delburn. There was also support for better local HEALTH facilities and a tough approach on CRIME and ILLEGAL DRUGS. Your say... Some things people wanted from the State Government:

“More trains to Sale – I frequently drive to to catch “Spread the trains as they’re more “Help out with population “We deserve the same frequent.” council rates – privileges as ‘city folk’ enjoy”. disgusting!” growth.” “Resign!”

“Greater “Address promotion of “Create more the Prom.” sustainable agricultural “Reduce offshore windfarm “More public the cost with enthusiasm.” “Make the industries.” of living.” bush count!” transport”

There was also some advice for me as the local MP – both positive and negative!

“Speak up and “Push Daniel Andrews “Fight for locals “Resign!” “We are lucky to get us our fair to help Gippsland and follow through have Danny.” share.” instead of ignoring us.” with this survey.” Local priorities Gippslanders are fiercely proud of their local towns and districts and there was much feedback on specificlocal projects, some of which have now been achieved or funded (see below panel). This included:

More Upgrades for the funding for & development of Hyland Highway Central Gippsland between Traraglon Health A safe and Yarram harbour for Loch Sport Funding for the Korumburra community hub Securing $ more GPs for Yarram

Priority projects listed that are now funded or underway Princes Highway duplication to Sale Completing & Black Spur bends on South improving the Gippsland Highway New Sale TAFE Campus heavy vehicle Improving bypass the South Keeping South Gippsland Gippsland Water at Foster Highway Expanding Latrobe River irrigation (feasibility study funded)

…and many more. These are projects that I was pleased to be able to champion with the State Some of these projects are a work-in-progress and I’ll continue to Government on behalf of Gippsland work with the State Government to get funding and action for our South. region.

dannyobrienmp.com.au Next Steps This feedback has given me valuable insight into the needs and wishes of the Gippsland South community – as well as reinforced and confirmed what I’ve been hearing as I travel around the electorate in recent years. This document will be sent to the Premier, Treasurer and relevant Ministers and some of the specific issues I will be taking up further with the State Government to seek funding, planning or progress. I will also be using this feedback to help with the development of policy for The Nationals and election commitments for Gippsland South in 2022. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, I’ll be back in a community near you, listening, lobbying and acting. I will continue to advocate strongly for the people of Gippsland South – to ensure we get our fair share and a better deal.

COVID-19 Update Gippsland will need significant government investment and tourism promotion to get our economy moving again after the 2019-20 bushfires and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the projects listed in this document would make excellent local economic stimulus projects and I’ll be pushing them with the State Government. The Nationals and Liberals have issued a comprehensive plan “Back to Work, Back in Business” with a suite of measures we believe can help kickstart the Victorian economy. You can find a copy atdannyobrienmp.com.au/our_plan .

GOT MORE FEEDBACK? You can always contact me by emailing me at [email protected], call 5144 1987 or go to my website www.dannyobrienmp.com.au

You can also follow dannyobrienmp on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Authorised by Danny O’Brien MP, 54B Cunninghame St, Sale VIC 3850