Mayors and CEOs from Gippsland’s six councils met with Victoria’s Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Minister for Public Transport and Roads Terry Mulder last week to discuss a unified freight vision for Gippsland.
The Gippsland Freight Strategy was collaboratively produced by Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, South Gippsland, Wellington and Latrobe City Councils.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Murray Cook was full of praise for the strategy.
“It is vital that the six Gippsland councils continue to cooperate on issues that affect the whole region. We must recognise that as a bloc we have the power to influence decisions and create better outcomes for all Gippslanders. This strategy is just one example of that.”
Mr Ryan said the Gippsland region played a fundamental role in meeting Victoria’s electricity needs as well as providing a significant supply of dairy, beef, fruit and vegetable produce, gas and oil.
“The Gippsland region supplies 90 per cent of Victoria’s electricity needs. It also provides 32 percent of Victoria’s milk, 25 percent of its beef and 14 percent of its fruit and vegetables.
“One of the key considerations in ensuring these industries continue to thrive is providing a fully functioning freight network.
“An efficient freight network, where existing infrastructure is developed and new infrastructure is delivered, is paramount to the continued success of Gippsland’s key industries.”
The strategy can be viewed at: glgn.com.au/images/stories/gippsland_freight_strategy_2013.pdf
