The Victorian Government's decision to allocate $700,000 for planning on a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, without committing a single dollar towards construction, has been labelled a waste and falling well short of what local volunteers and the community have been fighting for. Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, told Parliament the new location of the station is known, the type of facility to be built (2C) is known as it’s a standard CFA design, and we know the cost for this build is $7.5 million – so why on earth spend $700,000 on planning. “This appears just another waste of taxpayers’ money, and we know the Labor Government is very good at that.” Mr Bull said prior to the 2022 election, the community was advised by the government the announcement of funding for the full station “was imminent”. However, here we are four years’ later, and we are only getting planning money. “The Lakes Entrance CFA needs its new station now, not another round of paperwork and consultants." Mr Bull said the community has known for years that the existing facility is overcrowded, outdated and no longer fit for purpose. “The station does not have adequate space, and this has been the case for years as the community grows. Despite these shortcomings, the brigade continues to protect not only Lakes Entrance, but communities across the wider district. “The station has been identified as the highest priority for the region, so why is only planning money being announced? "Planning money without a commitment to build risks becoming little more than a holding pattern," he said. Caption: CFA vehicles packed in like sardines at the current and outgrown Lakes Entrance CFA Station. Tuesday, 9 June 2026

The Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging neighbourhood houses, food relief providers and community organisations to apply for the Victorian Government’s Community Food Security Program – Local Grants, as demand for assistance continues to grow.
Mr Bull said rising costs for groceries, energy and housing were placing increasing pressure on local families and the organisations supporting them.
“Across our region, more people are turning to neighbourhood houses and food relief services for help,” Mr Bull said.
“These include hardworking families, pensioners and single parents who are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
“Local volunteers and community groups are doing the heavy lifting to ensure people don’t go without.”
The grants aim to improve food access and strengthen frontline support services. Eligible applicants include neighbourhood houses, volunteer and faith-based groups, multicultural organisations, social enterprises, councils and public health services.
Mr Bull urged local organisations to seek their share of funding.
“Our community groups do an outstanding job but are being asked to do more with limited resources,” he said.
“Every dollar secured will help strengthen services that local families rely on. I encourage all eligible groups to apply.”
A dedicated funding stream is also available for First Peoples organisations in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
For more information, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-local-grants.

Monday, 6 July 2026