A $4 million Healthy Forest Plans pilot project has been announced for Noojee and Orbost.
Unveiling the State Government's plans for the great outdoors at Erica last week, Premier Jacinta Allan announced the funding for Noojee, which is another step in the town's transition from a timber town.

Following the end of native timber harvesting, the Government commissioned the Great Outdoors Taskforce to reimagine the future of Victoria's forests to meet community expectations with targeted investment to promote community access, support regional economies, and better manage the forest. 
The government has committed to investing $30 million to unlock 1.8 million hectares of state forests in Gippsland and North East Victoria with better tracks and trails, and amenities to boost regional tourism.
The $4 million will be shared between the pilot projects being delivered in Noojee and Orbost to give the two local communities a say on what projects matter most and how money should be spent in their patch of the bush.
Healthy Forest Plans were a core recommendation of the Great Outdoors Taskforce and will enable communities to guide where and when land managers prioritise management activities, including forest restoration, recreation, economic development and cultural heritage.
The pilot projects are being rolled out in Noojee and Orbost - communities who both engaged strongly with the Eminent Panel and the taskforce about their ideas for the future of forest management after the end of native timber harvesting.
The project comprises three key working groups that feed into the strategic direction of Noojee including: a eco tourism working group, a specialised agricultural industry development working group; and, the power and connectivity reliability working group.
Baw Baw Shire welcomed the Noojee funding commitment.
Mayor Danny Goss acknowledged the government's recognition of the work undertaken in Noojee over the past three years to support economic transition and create local jobs that align with the community's values.
"'The Shaping the Future of Noojee project has been running since August 2022 and was established to support the local economy in the forestry transition.
"We've worked closely with the community to support local businesses to establish, expand and create local jobs."
Noojee is one of 11 Victorian towns receiving support in its transition from native timber harvesting and implementing new strategies to support the local economy.
Announcing its investment and plan for the great outdoors, the Premier said her focus was to bring more families to the bush and more jobs to the regions.
"Our forests remain open to every single Victorian and visitor alike – to enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, bushwalking and all the benefits of the bush," she said.
The State Government also announced a $1 million Forestry Transition Fund investment to Gippsland businesses to assist in their transition to new business opoortunities.
Five Tales Farm in Piedmont will receive $45,164 to construct a greenhouse for high-value crops. Five Tales Farm is a member of the Shaping the Future of Noojee project and is the second business to receive a grant to expand operations and create new local employment opportunities.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said the Forestry Transition Fund resulted in investment driven by local communities for projects that "will make a real impact."