LATROBE VALLEY PROJECTS IN LINE FOR FUNDING UNDER NATS PLAN

Key local projects such as a bicycle path between Morwell and Traralgon, road improvements and local indoor netball courts would be in line for State Government funding under The Nationals $1.5 billion plan to boost spending on infrastructure in rural and regional Victoria.

The Nationals have announced a 'Country First Fund' which will focus on building for the future of country towns and also set aside $500 million over four years for repairing public assets.

The Nationals Candidate for Morwell, Russell Northe has welcomed the initiative, describing it as a much-needed boost for country communities.

"It is a great plan for the future of country areas. The feedback I am receiving from local residents is that we are not getting our fair share of government funding for vital improvements to facilities in our region," Mr Northe said.

"Under The Nationals plan, there would be $1.5 billion allocated for regional infrastructure improvements like the sealing of local roads and tourism and recreational facilities.

"One particular project I would like to see funded is the construction of an off-road bike track between Morwell and Traralgon. When this project was initially proposed some years ago it received widespread community support and it is time it is put back on the agenda.

"The State Government has poured funding into cycle track improvements in Melbourne, but the Latrobe Valley has not received its fair share.

"I believe building a bike path linking the communities of Traralgon and Morwell, as well as the Latrobe Regional hospital, airport and several caravan parks would be a great way to promote safe local recreational cycling and encourage tourists to our wonderful area.

"I'm sure many people would also use the track to commute to work, including me."

In making the announcement, Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan said the Country First Fund would target key areas for improvement in services such as natural gas reticulation, upgrading power supplies, small town sewerage schemes, rail track upgrades, water-saving projects and repairing significant public assets including roads, bridges, jetties and boat ramps.

Gippsland MP Peter Hall said the Country First Fund was a key component of The Nationals plan for regional development to be released in the lead up to the November election.

"Country Victorians are telling us that they want their fair share of government funding to build for the future," Mr Hall said.

"Under Melbourne Labor we have seen billions of dollars spent on metropolitan projects and not enough invested in the future of country communities. The Fund would provide $1.5 billion over four years to accelerate the roll-out of important infrastructure projects and help build for the future of prosperous country communities."

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066