Gippsland Primary Health Network (Gippsland PHN) has released its Local Government Area (LGA) 2025 Snapshots, offering a detailed look at health and wellbeing across the region.
The snapshots provide tailored summaries for each of Gippsland’s six LGAs – Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, Latrobe, South Gippsland, and Wellington. A Gippsland-wide Community Snapshot has also been released.
Each snapshot compares local data to Gippsland and statewide averages, delivering valuable insights into key community health issues such as workforce distribution, service access, economic wellbeing, and population trends.
Gippsland’s population continues to grow, with 307,653 residents in 2023 and projections indicating a rise to 338,070 by 2031. The fastest growth is occurring in Bass Coast and Baw Baw which saw increases of 2.2 per cent and 2.3 per cent respectively in 2022–23.
The Gippsland-wide Community Snapshot offers insights related to health risk factors and social determinants which have a significant impact on health and wellbeing.
Gippsland insights:
– Almost nine in 10 people (89 per cent) in Gippsland accessed a GP; higher than Victoria (86 per cent).
– Almost nine in 10 GP consultations (87 per cent) were bulk billed; higher than Victoria (77 per cent).
– A high smoking rate (19 per cent of adults) compared to Victoria (16 per cent).
– High alcohol consumption at levels likely to lead to lifetime harm (65 per cent of adults compared to 60 per cent).
– Youth unemployment is high at 15.1 per cent, compared to 10.7 per cent across Victoria.
– Higher rates of family violence incidents compared to Victoria: in East Gippsland +110%, Latrobe +94% and Wellington +53% (2024).
LOCAL LGA INSIGHTS
Wellington: 214 out of every 1000 Emergency Department presentations are for lower urgency issues – significantly higher than Gippsland (163) and Australia (124).
East Gippsland: 30.9 per cent of the population is aged 65+, much higher than Gippsland (24.8 per cent) and Victoria (16.8 per cent).
South Gippsland: Only 28 full-time equivalent psychologists per 100,000 people well below Gippsland (44) and Victoria (117).
Baw Baw: 10.0 per cent of people had a GP mental health consultation – higher than Gippsland (8.7 per cent) and the national average (7.9 per cent).
Latrobe: Avoidable deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are 22.2 per 100,000 – significantly higher than Gippsland (13.8) and Victoria (8.5).
Bass Coast: 73 per cent of adults consume alcohol at levels likely to increase the risk of lifetime harm, compared to 65 per cent in Gippsland and 60 per cent across Victoria.
Chief executive officer at Gippsland Primary Health Network Amanda Proposch said the data provides a clear view of the region’s
health landscape.
“While our region has made great progress, the Snapshots highlight areas that remain concerning. High rates of avoidable deaths, emergency department use, and mental health presentations show where our communities are struggling – and where our efforts must continue,”she said.
“Each of Gippsland’s Local Government Areas has unique strengths and priorities. As a region-wide organisation, we know the importance of tailoring services to meet local needs. Through our commissioning and local partnerships, we’re already addressing these issues – from mental health access to reducing avoidable hospital visits. These Snapshots help sharpen our focus and strengthen our commitment to better health for all of Gippsland.”
