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Local issues on O'Brien agenda in Welshpool and Toora

Danny O'Brien visited Welshpool and Toora to address flood recovery, labor shortages, and public land access. He met locals, discussed flood impacts, and urged support for ViPlus Dairy and Agnes Falls accessibility improvements.

By news@gippsland - 9th August 2024 - Back to News

Flood recovery, labour shortages and better access to public land were on the agenda when The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien took his mobile office to the Welshpool and Toora areas on Wednesday. Mr O'Brien met with locals in Welshpool who are still battling to recover from the Boxing Day flood that devastated parts of the town.

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien with Darren Piasente at the ViPlus Dairy plant in Toora

Supporting local recovery

Mr O'Brien said, "This was a very significant event for Welshpool, but unfortunately many of the rest of us have moved on. It's important that we continue to follow-up with government departments and insurance companies to ensure that the town is returned to normal and we do as best we can to minimise flood impacts in future. I've been listening to the community since the floods and trying to help where I can to ensure there is support for recovery and future planning."

Mr O'Brien also visited ViPlus Dairy in Toora where he heard of significant staff shortages. "ViPlus is a great facility utilising a previously closed dairy factory to provide jobs and economic activity for our region. While activity at the plant has been up and down over recent years post-pandemic, they are currently seeking more staff and struggling to fill vacancies. I encourage any locals looking for a job to make contact with ViPlus and help fill the vacancies they need to remain viable."

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien with local supporters of Agnes Falls talking about better accessibility to the reserve

Improving Agnes Falls

Mr O'Brien also visited Agnes Falls with the Friends of Agnes Falls and other local residents to discuss accessibility at the site. "There is some frustration at the management of public land by our state government and the need for better facilities to encourage visitors to places like Agnes Falls. I'm happy to work with the Friends of Agnes Falls to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy this magnificent reserve.

"It truly is a hidden wonder of Gippsland and I'm happy to work with the government to better promote Agnes Falls and make sure it is accessible to as many people as possible," he said. Mr O'Brien continues his mobile office visit programme around the electorate with his next visit to Loch, Poowong and Nyora in late August.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com