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O’Brien Calls On Labor To Commit To M.I.D.

The Nationals Member For Eastern Victoria And Candidate For Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, Has Invited The Minister For Water Lisa Neville To Visit Gippsland To See First-Hand The Merits Of Modernising The Macalister Irrigation District (Mid).

By Danny O'Brien - 24th February 2015 - Back to News

Mr O’Brien said he was disappointed that Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford had stated the project was "not a priority" for the Labor Government but was hopeful that would change if both Ministers visited the MID.

"I’ve written to Lisa Neville and asked her to visit Gippsland so we can arrange a meeting where local famers can explain the very strong merits of the MID project for our region," Mr O’Brien said. "I’ve previously extended the same invitation to Minister Pulford."

Last week the Federal Government announced a $60 million investment into five irrigation schemes in Tasmania based on a Tasmanina Government co-contribution and Mr O’Brien said it was now time for the Victorian Labor Government to step up and engage with the Commonwealth so that Gippsland irrigators do not miss out.

"Agriculture, especially dairy, underpins a number of Gippsland communities and the MID modernisation has a strong business case," Mr O’Brien said.

"Given the precedent of the Tasmanian funding, there’s a very good chance of leveraging the Commonwealth funds we need to complete the next phase so long as the State Government reinstates the $10 million the former Coalition Government previously had on the table.

"I’ve been working with Member for Gippsland Darren Chester on federal funding and have spoken directly with Federal Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce to press home to him the merits of the project.

"More efficient infrastructure will help boost productivity, which in turn will mean stronger farm businesses, jobs and investment for Gippsland."

"Minister Pulford is new in the role and hails from western Victoria so I think she and Lisa Neville just need to come and see the MID and they will understand what a good business case there is.

"The MID delivers annual economic activity of $500 million to our region and the next phase will increase that by a further $45 million. I urge both the Water Minister and Minister for Agriculture to meet with us in Gippsland to hear first-hand about the many benefits this project will deliver."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com