The tabling of the Victoria Grants Commission’s annual report has revealed the damage inflicted by the Federal Coalition Government’s cuts to funding for local governments across Gippsland.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing said the true impact of cuts to Financial Assistance Grants had been revealed, costing Gippsland an estimated $13,265,585 between 2014-17.

The cuts have impacted each Gippsland Council as follows:

Bass Coast Shire Council – $1,214,289
Baw Baw Shire Council – $1,886,846
East Gippsland Shire Council – $3,036,115
Latrobe City – $2,520,102
South Gippsland Shire Council – $1,949,215
Wellington Shire Council – $2,659,018

Gippsland Total – $13,265,585

The report further shows that Victoria’s 79 councils have been denied an estimated $17 million in in 2014-15, with a projected reduction of $39 million in 2015-16 and $62 million in 2016-17, totalling $118 million in cuts.

Harriet Shing confirmed that the Andrews Labor Government would continue calling on the Commonwealth Minister for Territories, Local Government and Major Projects Paul Fletcher to restore the funding.

The Victoria Grants Commission’s primary function is to allocate grants provided by the Commonwealth Government to councils across the state.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing MP:

“The Federal Coalition Government has cost Gippsland’s local councils and communities an estimated $13,265,585 in funding.”

“Across the state, these cuts have cost Victoria an estimated $118 million. It’s time for the Federal Coalition Government to step up and restore Financial Assistance Grants.”