31 Aug 2018 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) THE State Government will construct a new Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) office and depot at Tallangatta. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) announced plans for the estimated $10.3 million project this week, saying it will streamline DELWP operations and improve services to surrounding communities. DELWP is now working through the planning process with Towong Shire Council and the local community to facilitate the development of the site. Ms Symes said the new facility will improve the capacity and ability of DELWP officers to respond to fires and other emergencies. The purpose-built complex will accommodate 24 staff and a further 15 forest and fire officers, and project firefighter positions. This facility will significantly improve DELWPs capacity to deliver important services to the local and North East Victoria communities including bushfire and emergency response, planned burning and forest management, Ms Symes said. This announcement follows Labors $2.2 million upgrade of the Corryong Airport which will also provide long term benefits for emergency response activities.