SYKES SUPPORTS STORM ASSISTANCE -

FOR MANSFIELD, MURRINDINDI & ALPINE SHIRES

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, will ask the Victorian Government in Parliament next week to assist in funding the cost of repairs to roads and bridges damaged by the storms.

Dr Sykes and Graeme Stoney MLC visited storm damaged areas in Mansfield Shire today with Shire CEO, Gary Gaffney.

Dr Sykes and Mr Stoney saw first hand the enormous number of trees torn down and the damage to roads through both flooding and as a consequence of the heavy machinery used to clear the fallen trees.

Dr Sykes said, “Mr Gaffney estimates the cost of road and bridge repairs will be at least $500,000 and similar costs are likely to be incurred in the Alpine and Murrindindi Shires.

“These small shires simply cannot absorb these kinds of unbudgeted costs without a substantially negative impact on maintenance and capital works programs.

“It is absolutely crucial that the Government assists with funding the costs of repairing and replacing damaged public assets.

Dr Sykes concluded, “If the Government is fair dinkum about its claim that it governs for all Victorians then I expect that appropriate funding will be made available immediately. After all they managed to find $50 million to replace LEAP information system and $400,000 to save one tree in the Commonwealth Games Village, surely they can find the comparatively meagre funds to assist with essential infrastructure.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989