- TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 06/Aug 00:35

Seven projects gain funds in Gippsland

The state government has allocated more than $2 million towards seven projects in Eastern Victoria, set to have an effect on economic growth in Gippsland. Source: Aiden Knight Latrobe Valley Express The allocations are part of Round 2 of the Community Development Fund. Heyfield has received close to $500,000 through the state government and the Heyfield Community Resource Centre to help the Future of Heyfield project (in the works since 2022) and its offshoot, Heyfield Adventure Hub pilot program. Initiated by Wellington Shire Council, the Future of Heyfield project focuses on a Local Development Strategy being formulated in the wake of the town’s economic landscape drastically changing over the years, with the timber industry reducing more and more annually. The Future of Heyfield project collaborated with the DEECA Forestry Transition Fund, Regional Development Victoria, Gippsland Community Foundation and the Heyfield Lions Club to ensure the best grant application was put forward, which has paid off in favour of improving the economy of what is an actively ageing community. Just as important to the project is the further development of the visitor economy. The Heyfield Community Resource Centre took the reins from Wellington Shire Council last year. The total amount allocated to the Future of Heyfield project as part of the recent (Community Development Fund) Round 2 was $251,406, which was granted to go towards the establishment of a Heyfield Adventure Hub pilot program. “The Heyfield Traders and Tourism Association will use the funds to promote tourism in the area, deliver a 12-month calendar of events, support visitors and engage local businesses and residents,” the state government said in its press release unveiling the funding for Round 2. Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh also spoke on the funding, stating: “Transitioning communities continue to work day-in-day-out to provide a better future for their towns.” “These grants are supporting countless volunteer hours and input from the community over a long period, and are another positive step forward in agriculture and tourism.” His Labor colleague and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, views it as great potential growth for the area. “We are determined to continue our support for programs, services, facilities, and housing across Gippsland,” she said. “Victoria is building and approving more homes than other states, but there’s always more work to do. “On top of this, we’ve invested more than $75.5m in Latrobe through the Big Housing Build, Regional Housing fund and other programs, which includes homes in Traralgon, Moe and Morwell.” The early 2024 native timber closure hit Heyfield hard, especially after a broken state government promise to support the sector until 2030. The Future of Heyfield project works to guide the town’s economic transition, identifying other areas for growth while trying to preserve the history and connection the town has with timber, and the ways Heyfield can continue to produce it. The Latrobe Valley stands to benefit from the investment, despite not being listed in the receiving townships for Round 2. The Valley and other nearby areas such as Noojee are eligible to apply for grants in Round 3, coming eminently in the Community Development Fund. This would boost key local sectors: tourism, housing, and agriculture – all vital to the Latrobe Valley’s economy and recurring themes in Latrobe City’s June’s council meeting on the 2025-29 Community Vision and Council Plan.