A WEEK before Christmas, I am glad for many things. But, above all, I’m glad I live in Australia.
While we have done it tough, other countries continue to suffer badly with unchecked coronavirus outbreaks and worsening economic conditions.
Moreover, I’m particularly glad I live in the regions. We often refer to our clean air, clear skies, and warm, friendly communities, but this year those things are a few of the reasons I’m delighted to be a country girl.
Now that I’m back on the road, travelling throughout the Mallee electorate, it’s great to see the hard work, passion for the land and community spirit that you just don’t get in the city.
This week I’ve been in Horsham, Donald, Wycheproof, Charlton and Nhill, among other towns. My mobile offices were standing room-only as people were eager to tell me about their fabulous region, what they are up to, and where they might need assistance.
I have heard from wonderful businesses who are keen to benefit from the new round of the Modern Manufacturing Fund. There are so many businesses eager for this opportunity that my biggest fear is how many will miss out on this competitive grant. However, I am optimistic about the future of manufacturing in Mallee.
I’m also thrilled to have successfully lobbied for $200 million for our Murray Basin Rail Project. This isn’t the end of the story, but it certainly gets the ball rolling and provides impetus for the Victorian Government to step up and deliver for regional industries in Mallee and beyond.
Agriculture is the heart of the Australian economy. It always has been and will continue to be. Rail and road infrastructure are the arteries that pump our produce to market. Those arteries have been malfunctioning for some time, and while the Victorian Government have been prepared to throw a stent at the problem, what we need is a quadruple bypass. My fight for full standardisation of the network will continue.
This year has thrown many challenges our way but, as usual, we in the country have risen above them.
I hope and pray that you have time this Christmas to be with those you love and that you can reflect on the good that has occurred through one of the most difficult years of Australia’s modern history.
