TCDA's Beginnings         
It all began in the late 1990, when Latrobe Shire decided to sell civic assets in Traralgon to use the proceeds towards a new civic centre in Morwell.

Public meetings at Traralgon in May 1998 to oppose the sale, attended by about 1,000 people, saw passionate opposition to it. There were also serious concerns about the cost of new headquarters in Morwell.

After a petition containing 3,441 signatures opposing the asset sales was presented to a Council Meeting in June 1998, a loose organization was formed in opposition to the policies and objectives of Latrobe Shire, and the actions by Councillors who were being led by Cr Brendan Jenkins. This residents group was known as the Traralgon Action Group (TAG), and also the “Fair Play Campaign ”. It was an informal body of citizens that functioned right through from 1998 to about 2003.

It soon became apparent that an incorporated organization was needed to progress the community’s cause and to protect Traralgon's interests. Thus, the Traralgon City & Rural Community Development Association was formed as an incorporated body in 2003. It continues today as the Traralgon Community Development Association, a strong community organization, meeting regularly and working towards projects and events for the betterment of Traralgon and its rural districts.

Achievements
In a major victory for the TCDA, we managed to protect our Civic Centre when a prior Council attempted to sell it to finance the new Council building in Morwell (following a rally and procession through the Kay Street Gardens in August 2003, we were able to force the council to protect the Traralgon Civic Centre Precinct by way of a planning scheme amendment). We also played a major role in keeping the land in which the swimming pool resides from going to developers, when a former Council attempted to sell it. We were represented on the committee convened by Council to investigate and develop plans and methods for a new, enclosed Aquatic Centre in Traralgon. This new facility would potentially host significant swim meets, and would benefit of all of Latrobe City. If our local Tennis complex can bring in people from around the world to partake of our hospitality, why not the same from an Aquatic Centre? It would be a boost for local tourism.

The TCDA (along with MADRA from Moe) was instrumental in securing the Electoral Representation Review, which resulted in a more fair and balance Council (more about that below).

Performing Arts Centre
Because the current facility in Traralgon is ageing, doesn't meet current OH&S requirements, and is now too small for our growing town, we are in urgent need of a new Performing Arts Centre (PAC). The lack of an adequate PAC means that touring performers and shows go from Warragul to Sale, bypassing Traralgon. It also means that our entertainment and hospitality dollars are not supporting our own businesses.

Costly studies were done regarding the location of a new PAC and, based upon findings, Council officers ultimately recommended a new, modern facility be built in Traralgon. However, political shenanigans saw the Council of the day vote to build it at the Kernot Hall location in Morwell, despite the wishes of many residents, and the lack of public transport and other facilities to support the venue. The fight continues!

IMPORTANT NOTE - The PAC location is currently undergoing a review again. Stay tuned!

The TCDA takes an interest in any mooted changes to Traralgon and districts, which includes the proposed Traralgon Activity Centre Plan, among other things. Over the years, our representatives have served on various Council committees. We make submissions regarding council rate revenue decisions, and hope to see the both the Traralgon Courthouse and the Victory Park Sound Shell, put to good use.

TCDA maintains relationships with our Federal and State elected representatives so that we can be kept informed of, and have input into, proposed policies or changes that may impact upon our residents.  They include the proposed Traralgon by-pass, infrastructure requirements, Gippsland Water major projects, and the equitable distribution of capital works funding between all towns and districts in Latrobe City, without favouring any one over the others.

Desperate measures
It got to the point just prior to the first decade of the new millenium, when things became so bad for Traralgon - due to an unresponsive Council - that many believed there was no other option but to secede from Latrobe City.

While thousands of residents showed their support in rallies and petitions, and although many representations to governments were made to highlight the issues faced by Traralgon, it was all to no avail. No one listened.

Finally, in 2011, we submitted a petition of nearly 4,000 signatures to the Baillieu government. This led to the opportunity to meet with Jeannette Powell, Minister for Local Government in May 2011.

At the meeting, Mrs Powell proposed a complete review of internal ward boundaries within Latrobe City, in the hope that an arrangement could be found which would bring about more equitable representation for everyone. She advised that rather than encourage individuals to make submissions, we should get together with other members of the Latrobe City community to do a “quality” submission. We agreed to work with the Moe and District Residents Association (MADRA).

After months of working with MADRA, we jointly submitted a plan for an entirely new ward structure. It was followed up with more than 800 letters of support from residents of the towns. Ultimately, it was modified by the VEC to include Traralgon in a larger ward with its rural districts (as opposed to both being separate wards), and was subsequently accepted by the Minister. The new arrangement took effect at the last Council elections in October 2012. We are now seeing the results of a much fairer Council, and hope to continue to work with them for the best outcomes for all.

Many people in Traralgon were thrilled with the first election results after the review of Latrobe City's electoral boundaries.

Finally…
The progress of the TCDA can best be recognized by understanding the value of the various rallies and meetings conducted since 1998. Large attendances at all meetings and rallies sent a strong message to the Council (and government) that the people of Traralgon and districts expect to be heard, and our opinions considered.

It's most important to us to improve Traralgon's (and districts') "quality of life" by working towards building a true sense of community for residents. We hope to create, or assist others with, fun events and programs which will get people out and about, and also highlight what a unique and special place Traralgon is. The possibilities for what can be done, are endless.

We encourage all of our members to join us at our Annual General Meeting, as one means of keeping people informed and engaged in events impacting our town. It's also a good way for our members to tell us what they would like to see for Traralgon. We have been fortunate enough to have Councillors attend our meetings when they are able to, so that residents can ask questions about issues which may concern them.

At present, we post any urgent notices to our membership (which is quite costly), so we’re looking into setting up a more regular e-mailed newsletter as well, for those who’d prefer that option. The best option at present for the most up-to-date news is our Facebook Page.

The TCDA will continue to do all that we can to represent the interests of Traralgon and its districts, and we hope that you will join us in doing so.