Mond

Wednesday, 2 August 2006

NATIONALS $1.5 BILLION FOR COUNTRY VICTORIA

A boost of $1.5 billion for country infrastructure in The Nationals Regional Development Policy has been welcomed by Bill Sykes, Nationals Member for Benalla.

Dr Sykes said, “The Nationals Country First $1.5 billion funding package equates to $1 million a day for the next four years to go towards projects such as libraries, community centres, recreation facilities and swimming pools as well as upgrades to rail tracks, extension of natural gas, upgrading power supplies and repairs to roads and bridges.

“This policy is about giving country Victoria a fair share of the $36 billion per year income of the State Government.

“Currently billions of dollars are spent, often unwisely, on Melbourne projects with only crumbs being handed out to country Victoria.”

In North East Victoria, communities would have access to funds to repair and replace infrastructure and upgrade community services as considered important by the community.

For example, natural gas connections to communities such as Myrtleford, Porepunkah and Bright would significantly lower energy costs for householders and businesses.

Fast tracking of sewerage/water projects at Glenrowan and Bright/Porepunkah would be possible and Benalla residents could have a new library.

At Mansfield, projects such as the Health and Community Centre and the Year Around Aquatic Facility can be a reality and sealing of the Eildon-Jamieson Road would be a boost to the towns of Eildon, Jamieson and Mansfield.

Euroa residents would welcome upgrades to the facilities at Memorial Oval and an upgrade to the Creighton’s Creek Road would be welcomed by many.

Dr Sykes concluded, “The Nationals care about country Victorians and recognise the importance of investing in infrastructure to ensure continued wealth generation whilst at the same time protecting our environment and ensuring an enjoyable lifestyle for those of us who choose to live in country Victoria.”

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