“This is another solid Budget for East Gippsland that is delivering on what we promised across the state.”

Those were the words of Upper House Labor Member for Eastern Victoria, Jane Garrett, speaking about the Andrews Labor Government announced State Budget.

While Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, has voiced his concern about the lack of new infrastructure funding, drought support and no sighting of pre-election promised funding for the Omeo Mountain Bike Park, Ms Garrett said the State Government’s budget will have a positive impact on the region.

“We’re getting on with the roll-out of three-year old kinder, which East Gippsland Shire families will be able to benefit from in 2021, alongside a share in 500,000 specialist regional appointments, so locals don’t have to travel to Melbourne to get the treatment they need,” she said.

“We’ve also funded our Great Outdoors package which is delivering record funds to get more people into our parks with funds for new campsites, walking trails and 4WD – this includes the planning needed for an iconic Sea To Summit Trail in East Gippsland, alongside our promised trails and park upgrades.

“Businesses across East Gippsland will also benefit from Payroll Tax cuts, which are slashed to just a quarter of the metropolitan rate, which will enable local companies to grow and hire more staff.

“We’re also getting on with delivering our commitment for Bairnsdale Secondary with planning money needed – like all our commitments will be met in full.”

Ms Garrett said the government is doing the best it can to support drought-affected farmers.

“We know that farmers across the state have been doing it tough with unprecedented dry conditions – and while we can’t make it rain, we can offer support and get out and listen to farmers, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” she said.

“We’re already getting on with delivering an almost $45 million Drought Relief Package, and urge farmers to visit the Agriculture Victoria website to see what support is available to them.

“We’re continuing to monitor events very closely across areas affected by unprecedented dry conditions – if we need to do more we will of course do so.”

Ms Garrett said the Minister for Agriculture has made countless trips to regions affected by dry conditions, to meet with farmers and discuss how the government can help them prepare for and manage tough seasonal conditions.

“We are continuing to work closely with stakeholders to inform where any potential further support may be required, and how we can work together to keep building drought preparedness in our rural farming communities. In addition to grant support in areas that have experienced the harshest seasonal conditions, a range of Victorian and Commonwealth Government support is available to all farmers across the state,” she said.