Wind farm fears on the council table

THE South Gippsland Shire Council hosted a visit from two Federal and State ministers during the week with some difficult subjects on the table.

For one, how will the drive for offshore wind farms, and the associated power pylons that will inevitably march across our rural landscape to the Latrobe Valley affect this community?

The visit followed on from a recent advocacy trip to Canberra by Mayor Nathan Hersey, Deputy Mayor Clare Williams and CEO Kerryn Ellis.

The Hon Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and also the Member for Eden-Monaro which borders the Gippsland region, and the Hon. Melissa Horne, State Minister for Local Government, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Minister for Ports and Freight visited South Gippsland to talk about key issues impacting the South Gippsland community.

This included discussions surrounding renewable energy and securing better engagement with residents, as well as transport and regional development, both subjects championed by South Gippsland Mayor, Cr Nathan Hersey.

“The recent visit by Minister McBain and Minister Horne presented Council with a good opportunity to discuss our regional priorities and issues that are of concern to local residents,” said cr Hersey.

“We would like to thank both Ministers for their visit and look forward to more productive conversations in the near future.”

Also discussed were Council’s priority road projects, namely the Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Alternative Route (Stage Two) and South Gippsland Highway Realignment at Korumburra.

“Council is continually advocating for improvements to our region that will see tangible results for our future and increased economic diversity,” said Cr Hersey.