East Gippsland Shire Council places a high value on being a key member of One Gippsland - the peak regional advocacy body representing Gippsland.
There is significant value for East Gippsland to be represented at this level of advocacy. We value the collaborative approach with other councils and key partners to champion the interests of Gippsland. Any calls to the contrary about our membership are misguided.
One Gippsland is a member-based association whose members have a range of diverse views. A strength of One Gippsland is that only after member consensus a position can be struck.
Council is confident that One Gippsland will remain clearly focused ensuring the needs of those impacted by the Andrews Government's decision to end native timber harvesting significantly earlier than expected.
East Gippsland Shire Council will remain a key member of One Gippsland. Being at the table allows us to have input and influence on priorities that will improve the region, but East Gippsland more specifically.These include, but are not limited to, road freight, digital connectivity, attracting tourism funding, improvements to the passenger rail network, and industry support and development.
One Gippsland has successfully advocated for many projects and services that have directly or indirectly benefitted East Gippsland. In the recent State Budget, this includes One Gippsland priorities such as hospitals, education, mental health and transitional energy. Our involvement adds weight to that advocacy.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mark Reeves is the current One Gippsland chair and CEO Anthony Basford is also an East Gippsland local government representative.
