Harriet Shing

The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to provide families in East Gippsland with access to quality healthcare services, with upgraded kitchen services now being used...

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting community organisations in small towns to deliver projects with a positive social impact. Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing today announced the 16 successful recipients of the Small Towns Big Difference Fund, backed with $60,000 from the Labor Government’s Mallee Regional Partnership. Community groups across seven towns will deliver a diverse range of projects covering the arts, the environment, youth engagement and education. Tyrrell College is among the recipients, and in partnership with local sporting clubs, will host The Resilience Project. The project will support mental health initatives in the Sea Lake community for people who are dealing with the impacts of the pandemic and from the sudden loss of key community members. In Wycheproof, a local youth group will fit out the scout hall for young people and the broader community to have a space for regular catch-ups, while the Nandaly Progress Association will install raised garden beds at its community garden for better accessibility. Funding will also boost visitor and community interaction in Birchip, with QR codes to be installed across historic sites and tourist attractions, to encourage a deeper appreciation of the town and its nearby attractions like Tchum Lake. While the towns of the Buloke Shire may be small in population, with an average of 665 people, they’re big on community, with high rates of volunteer organisations and activities. The $120,000 fund is a Government partnership with Buloke Shire Council, Bendigo Bank and Charlton and Donald Community Banks, and made possible through the Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. The Government has made a record investment of almost $36 billion in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. To find out more visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif. Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing “These projects will contribute so much to communities in the Buloke Shire, while encouraging more people to enjoy and celebrate local history and culture.” Quote attributable to CEO Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation David Impey “These projects will help build the capacity of community organisations, grow community pride and increase resilience – helping to build more livable communities in Buloke Shire.” Quote attributable to Mayor of Buloke Shire Cr Daryl Warren “Congratulations to all of the Small Towns Big Difference recipients who are creating meaningful change and social connections in our communities through these small but significant projects.”

The Victorian Government is unlocking more job opportunities for rural and regional Victorian communities, with the next round of the flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure fund now open for applications. Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing today launched the new round of the fund at the Gippsland Logistics Precinct in Morwell, which once completed will have the potential to create hundreds of new jobs in the Latrobe Valley thanks to support from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. Construction is underway on the development’s first stage to deliver fully serviced industrial zoned land to attract businesses to the precinct. An Expression of Interest process run by the Latrobe City Council will soon be underway to enable businesses to register an interest in securing a spot at the precinct. This year’s funding, announced in the 22-23 Victorian Budget, provides $30 million for projects designed to create new jobs, attract business investment and deliver infrastructure projects to help regional towns continue to thrive. The fund will allow local businesses, industry and councils to apply for grants to bring more projects to life that matter to locals. Since 2015, the fund has supported rural and regional Victoria’s 48 local councils and regional cities and hundreds of small to medium businesses to deliver around 1,000 projects that have created 13,000 jobs. The Fund delivers grants through three streams, including the Regional Jobs Fund, Regional Infrastructure Fund and Investment Fast Track Fund, which are covering projects from the planning stage through to completion. The Fund is part of the Government’s more than $36 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. In the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region, several businesses have been supported in their expansion plans through the Regional Jobs Fund to create up to 60 new jobs for locals.  These include Australia’s oldest copper cable manufacturer Bambach Cables, food service distributor Bidfood and outdoor living company LV Shade Sails. The Gippsland Logistics Precinct is part of plans by the Victorian Government to support, strengthen and diversify the Latrobe Valley economy by creating opportunities for growth and business development. This investment will position the Latrobe Valley as the new centre for manufacturing and logistics, supporting more jobs in the region. The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund has also supported community centres, tourist attractions and improved streetscapes which are all helping regional towns become more appealing for locals and visitors. Applications for the Regional Infrastructure Fund and Investment Fast Track Fund are open until Wednesday 17 August, while applications for the Regional Jobs Fund will be open until Friday, 30 June 2023.  For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing “I’m looking forward to seeing how our flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund will continue to help our regions reach their full potential with more jobs and economic opportunities.” “Rural and regional Victoria communities contribute so much to our state’s economy, and this funding will help ensure that continues, from our smallest towns to our biggest regional cities.” 

The fruits of major investments by the Andrews Labor Government to grow jobs and boost local communities were on full display in Tatura today with the opening of a giant glasshouse harnessing cutting-edge technology. The addition of Flavorite’s new six-hectare glasshouse underscores the Goulburn Valley’s reputation as the food bowl of the nation and will support up to 60 additional full-time jobs. The glasshouse is planted with large truss tomatoes which will produce around 4,000 tonne of fruit a year, making Flavorite the largest glasshouse producer of fresh fruit and vegetables in the country. Treasurer Tim Pallas and Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing commended the company on its achievements in the Goulburn Valley, which have been supported by the Labor Government’s Victorian Business Growth Fund and Regional Jobs Fund. The $250 million Victorian Business Growth Fund was established by the Government in partnership with Aware Super and Spirit Super in 2020 to provide support to successful small and medium businesses that are ready to grow and take the next step. Investments are made by an independent fund manager, Roc Partners. The Fund invests in Victorian businesses to expand their organisations, achieving better social and environmental outcomes and boosting jobs. The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and backs councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need. The new Flavorite glasshouse rises seven metres in height and uses world-leading technology to control every aspect of the environment. The control over sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, temperature and pests ensures Flavorite delivers premium fresh produce 12 months of the year. Glasshouse tomato production is more than 11 times greater than in the field and uses up to 80 per cent less water for the same yield. The latest construction takes Flavorite’s total production under glass from 58 hectares to 64 hectares, with plans for continued growth. Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas “We provide funds to back dynamic companies like Flavorite because they grow jobs and provide significant benefits for the local economy through the supply chain.” “It’s fantastic to see the commitment and world-leading technology being harnessed in Tatura, providing jobs and opportunities now and into the future.” Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing “This is a significant project backed by the Regional Jobs Fund that cements the Goulburn Valley’s role as a critical part of Australia’s fruit bowl – producing nearly a third of Victoria’s fruit.” Quote attributable to Flavorite CEO Mike Nichol “This project will help grow our business, diversify our product range, create more jobs for regional Victoria and drive sustainable agriculture. It just shows what can be achieved when government and industry work together.” [gallery size="large" link="file" ids="7836,7838,7837"]

Victorians are being encouraged to have their say about the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the Andrews Labor Government extending the deadline on the Call for...

The Australian and Victorian governments are improving transport connections in Victoria’s growing eastern region with works at Morwell and Traralgon stations ramping up. The waiting room on the new platform at Morwell Station is taking shape, while crews have also started signal cabling route works in the car park as works progress on the brand-new platform. Traralgon Station is also progressing well with construction on the new second platform and accessible overpass beginning in the coming weeks. The new overpass will be fully accessible with four lifts and feature a bright, light interior and full cover for protection from the weather. The existing pedestrian overpass at Traralgon Station will be closed from Friday 5 August to enable construction of the new overpass, with a free shuttle bus service in place for locals and passengers needing to cross the line. The upgraded Traralgon Station will feature a relocated bus interchange to better align with the Traralgon Station Precinct Masterplan – enabling more seating, shelter and shade. The additional platforms at Morwell and Traralgon stations, along with Bunyip and Longwarry, will help enable much-needed extra services during peak periods from Traralgon to Melbourne, with major construction aiming to be completed in late 2022. The project will also deliver a new signalling system for the Gippsland Line, future-proofing the line and improving reliability. Testing and commissioning of the new system, which will enable 40-minute off-peak services, will take place in 2023. The $532.8 million Gippsland Rail Line Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments. Works already completed as part of the Gippsland Line Upgrade include the construction of a new Avon River bridge, level crossing upgrades between Sale and Bairnsdale, and improvements to stabling facilities in Bairnsdale – allowing the new modern and reliable VLocity trains to run to and from Bairnsdale for the first time. Gippsland Line Upgrade works will continue from Wednesday 27 July until Sunday 7 August, with coaches replacing trains during level crossing removal works, including drainage improvements at Bunyip and Longwarry stations and trenching works for level crossing upgrades. Temporary coach replacement timetables for Gippsland Line services will be available at vline.com.au. Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan “Our significant investment in road and rail upgrades across eastern Victoria will improve safety and reliability for the booming communities for years to come.” “Through major projects including the Gippsland Line Upgrade and Princes Highway East Upgrade, we’re better connecting locals and making it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy everything eastern Victoria has to offer.” Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing “The Gippsland Line Upgrade is replacing and improving ageing infrastructure and future-proofing the line for further growth.” [gallery columns="2" size="large" link="file" ids="7845,7846,7844,7847"]

Local basketball, netball, football, and badminton are just some of the sports set to benefit from the recent transformation of the Foster Stadium thanks to the Victorian Government. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today officially opened the redeveloped stadium, made possible by a $2.26 million investment from the government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program. Sport is the lifeblood of regional communities with local venues like the Foster Stadium part of the social fabric of community life. The stadium upgrades feature a redeveloped competition basketball court, also line-marked for netball and badminton, as well as female friendly upgrades to change rooms to include accessible and baby change areas. There’s also an expanded gym and dry program space, improved meeting room, expanded kiosk and kitchenette space and more storage space. Together the new stadium upgrades provide a great new home court advantage for the Foster Basketball Association, the South Gippsland Badminton Association, Foster Football Netball Club as well as local groups including the University of the 3rd Age, Foster Craft Market, the Show Society and local school groups. The project created 11 full time jobs during the construction phase. The Victorian Budget 2022/23 is contributing $88 million to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure and programs to boost participation in local sports clubs and organisations. It’s part of the more than $1.2 billion the Government has provided for community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014. From playspace redevelopments to new stadiums, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation. They are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities. Ms Shing acknowledged the South Gippsland Shire Council its commitment and $253,000 financial contribution to the project. For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria and Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing “This project is such a wonderful addition to existing facilities for Foster – the stadium upgrades are a game changer and will go a long way to supporting the growing numbers of locals keen to get involved in an even wider range of indoor sports.” “Better sports and recreation facilities across Eastern Victoria are encouraging more people than ever to get back to local sport and recreation, and to participate in ways that involve and include the whole community.” [gallery size="medium" link="file" ids="7854,7855,7852"]

Students at Heritage College Officer Campus will now have bigger, better classrooms and school facilities to learn in, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today visited Heritage College Officer Campus to open its new $4.97 million Primary School facility, which includes 11 new general-purpose classrooms, a dedicated music room, a multi-purpose space, kitchen facilities, and outdoor play spaces. In the past seven years, the Victorian Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries. It is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 62 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024. The Labor Government is building the Education State, ensuring every student can access a great local school and a quality education. Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing “We’re ensuring local students have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers, and every child is given every chance to succeed.” “These new classrooms will be well-received by local families and students at Heritage College, who can look forward to a transformed learning space with new classrooms and new facilities that will give students the best opportunities for their futures.” [gallery link="none" size="large" columns="2" ids="7757,7756,7762,7761"]

The Andrews Labor Government is making sure students at Officer Specialist School have better learning environments, with a huge investment to deliver a major upgrade for the growing school. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced the Victorian Budget 2022/23 invests $3.7 million to deliver upgrade works at Officer Specialist School. The funding will upgrade and modernise the school, including new permanent classrooms to make sure every student has the space they need to learn, grow and play. Officer Specialist School is one of 36 special schools to share in $326 million in capital upgrades in the Budget – making sure that students with special needs receive the same opportunities as every other student in our state. Upgrades will deliver more space for schools in growing communities, improved learning spaces and sports facilities – giving students better educational outcomes in more modern facilities. That means since the Labor Government was elected, every single special school in Victoria will have received funding for a major upgrade. Alongside upgrading special schools, major upgrades will be delivered at 29 mainstream schools – with funding provided to expand capacity to meet enrolment growth at an additional two established schools – making sure every Victorian family has access to the best learning facilities, close to home. In the past eight years, the Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries. The Government is well ahead of schedule in its work to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024. Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing “You can't get a first-rate education in a second-rate classroom – this investment will go a long way towards improving the facilities for students at Officer Specialist School and making their educational journey a modern and engaging one.” “We are building a modern new school to ensure Officer students and their families have access to a great education close to home in the Education State.” “It’s only a Labor government that will deliver an education system that supports every Victorian child to reach their full potential, no matter whether they attend a specialist school or a mainstream school.” Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “We’re making sure every Victorian student has access to the best facilities at school, no matter where they live.” [gallery size="large" columns="2" link="none" ids="7782,7781"]

The Andrews Labor Government is making sure students at Yinnar Primary School have better learning environments, with a huge investment to deliver a major upgrade for the growing school. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced the Victorian Budget 2022/23 invests $7.3 million to deliver upgrades and modernise existing facilities at the school including Block A and the Stadium at Yinnar Primary School. Major upgrades will be delivered at 29 mainstream schools – with funding provided to expand capacity to meet enrolment growth at an additional two established schools – making sure every Victorian family has access to the best learning facilities, close to home. Upgrades will deliver more space for schools in growing communities, improved learning spaces and sports facilities – giving students better educational outcomes in more modern facilities. Students with special needs should receive the same opportunities as every other student in our state. Alongside upgrading mainstream schools this Budget will upgrade 36 special schools. That means since the Labor Government was elected, every single special school in Victoria will have received funding for a major upgrade. In the past eight years, the Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries. The Government is well ahead of schedule in its work to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024. Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing “These upgrades to Yinnar Primary school will ensure that our younger students have the best educational experience as they continue through their educational journey.” “You can't get a first-rate education in a second-rate classroom – this investment will go a long way towards improving the facilities for students at Yinnar Primary School and making their educational journey a modern and engaging one.” “We’re supporting every Victorian child to reach their full potential – whether they live in the city or across regional Victoria.” Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino “We’re making sure every Victorian student has access to the best facilities at school, no matter where they live.” [gallery size="medium" ids="7629,7630,7631"]

Regional cancer patients will have access to brand new radiotherapy services closer to home, thanks to a massive funding boost in the Victorian Budget 2022/23. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre will receive a new a new Linear Accelerator (Linac) as part of an $11 million funding package, which will also fund Linacs at Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre and University Hospital Geelong. Linacs use high energy radiation beams to target different cancers with pinpoint accuracy and can be used to treat a range of patients with both simple and complex issues. The three Linacs will each be able to treat up to 50 people per day, and the new Linac in Gippsland will deliver approximately 425 extra radiation courses each year. The investment will reduce the number of regional Victorians being referred to city services and increase the number of patients who are able to get their treatments faster and closer to home. The Victorian Budget 2022/23 is delivering a massive investment in regional health, including huge investments in local projects and more health workers to care for regional Victorians. Regional health projects across the State will be funded through a massive $300 million boost to the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, taking total investment in the fund to $790 million since it started in 2016. The extra investment will give health services the resources to do targeted upgrades and expands on what is the largest health grants program in the state’s history. We’re backing our healthcare workers with training and the extra pair of helping hands they need, so they can give you the very best care. That’s why the Budget is delivering funding to train and hire up to 7,000 new healthcare workers, including 5,000 nurses. We’ll provide 1,125 new Registered Undergraduate Nursing Positions and 75 new Registered Undergraduate Student of Midwifery roles over the next two years, and we’re also recruiting up to 2,000 ex-pat and international healthcare workers through a global workforce recruitment drive. Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley “These new machines will mean more regional Victorians diagnosed with cancer will have access to the very best treatment, close to their family, friends and support networks.” “Victorians are entitled to get the best quality health care, no matter where they live – which is why we’re making such significant investments right across regional Victoria.” Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing “A cancer diagnosis can be an incredibly tough time for families – our aim is to make it that little bit easier by ensuring regional Victorians can access timely treatments, without the hassle of travel.”   “Having a new Linac machine in our own backyard will be so important for patients in Gippsland and will mean they have the best technology possible on hand during their treatment.” [gallery size="medium" link="none" ids="7786,7784,7624"]

The Andrews Labor Government is improving safety and travel times along the Strzelecki Highway with a new overtaking lane along the key tourism and agricultural route. The Victorian Budget 2022/23 includes an $8.25 million package of works to deliver a northbound overtaking lane on the Strzelecki Highway between Morwell and Mirboo North near Creamery Road, providing safer overtaking opportunities for drivers and reducing the risk of head-on and run-off road crashes. The overtaking lane will feature centreline and left-hand side flexible safety barriers where possible, to maximise safety. There were 34 recorded casualty crashes between 1 January 2017 and 3 November 2021 along the Strzelecki Highway, resulting in two fatalities, 15 serious injuries and 17 minor injuries. Early works on this project are expected to commence in the 2022-23 financial year and take up to three years to complete. This project is part of a $226.7 million investment high-priority road and intersection upgrade projects at locations across Victoria including the Bass Highway in Kilcunda, the Bellarine Highway in Moolap, and the Princes Highway at Bairnsdale-Dargo Road. Over the coming year, the Labor Government’s road maintenance blitz will step up with $780 million invested across Victoria, including record asset expenditure of $187 million on road rehabilitation, drainage renewal and bridge works. This means safer and more efficient journeys and is a major boost to the freight and tourism industries that rely on these roads. Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing “We are delivering the first northbound overtaking lane between Mirboo North and Morwell, dramatically improving safety along this route.” Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett “The Strzelecki Highway is a popular agricultural and recreational route, and the upgrades will better connect Victorians from Latrobe Valley and Princes Highway to tourist hotspots in Bass Coast and South Gippsland.”