From where I sit as a resident and parliamentary representative for Gippsland,
2003 has been a year of disappointments.

The biggest positive of the year has been a return to reasonable rain falls across the region. However, there is not much else for us to be pleased about.

The year started disastrously with bushfires occurring in most parts of Gippsland, with those in the east causing greatest devastation.

The magnificent efforts of community and volunteers to assist those affected by the fires stood in stark contrast to the minimal care demonstrated by Government. Typical was the Bracks Government's record on replacement of burnt fences. Of the $5.7m promised, only $930,000 has been spent because of the stringent criteria attached to assistance. Put simply, very few farmers could afford to apply.

Early in the year, we were also advised that Gippsland had been chosen as the dumping ground for 90,000 tonnes each year of contaminated soils. This senseless and illogical decision will impact severely on the efforts to promote the region as a clean, green area to live and visit and poses real environment and traffic safety risks.

The Bracks Government has ripped the heart out of Gippsland's timber industry with a 50% reduction of timber harvesting in the east and a further 50% planned for central Gippsland. Literally hundreds of both direct and indirect jobs have been lost.

In addition the promise of compensation for contractors and associated business has been broken and it now seems some, whose businesses have been destroyed by the Government's "No Forests No Future" policy, will never be compensated!

In 2003, we also saw professional fishing licences cancelled, without any consultation, at Mallacoota and Lake Tyers.

Basslink pylons and hundreds more wind turbines are set to destroy the South Gippsland landscape. The local community continues to be locked out of the decision making process.

The merits are very dubious at best. The Government had conceded its target by 2006 is 1000mw of potential capacity, which equates to 300mw of actual output. One small gas generator could do the same job as the Government's 500-plus, 110 metre high, planned wind turbines.

Bairnsdale and Leongatha still do not have their trains. The Gippsland regional fast train service is still not on the radar and no one knows at which stations it will stop and how much travel time it will save.

This year also saw the introduction of work permits required for children staying with grandparents on the farm. And if their friends wish to stay with them, grandma and grandpa will have to have police checks.

The red tape was also extended, so that if a landholder wants to manage his or her property by ripping up rabbit burrows, a permit is required if native vegetation or grasses are disturbed.

And all these permits, fees and fines were increased by CPI and we have been told by our Premier that every year from now on they will automatically increase in line with the CPI.

School global budgets are in disarray and the Government is palming off Workcover costs onto schools and ultimately onto parents by way of fees or fundraising.

TAFE students face a 25% fee increase for 2004. Carers in our community continue to be totally ignored by Government. Aged and disabled people will have their taxi use curtailed by savage cuts to their multi purpose taxi program entitlements.

I am mostly an optimistic person and, yes, some positives emerged from 2003. But these were largely as a result of the industry of individuals and the selfless efforts of volunteers in our community.

In my opinion the State Government has done very little this year to advance the needs of the Gippsland community.

What can we look forward to next year?