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Council lobbies Shadow Defence MinisterWellington Shire is pleased that yesterday’s visit by Shadow Minister for Defence Kim Beazley resulted in the Labor Party’s absolute and public commitment to fast-track the relocation of the RAAF Training College from Point Cook to RAAF East Sale. By Wellington Shire Council - 7th September 2004 - Back to News The opportunity to meet and make a strong representation to the opposition on the issue followed an extensive advocacy campaign by the council. Mr Beazley met with Mayor Jeff Amos, CEO Lyndon Webb, council directors and community representatives and reaffirmed the Labor Party’s commitment to the project - earmarking a completion date ‘well in time for the next election’.
Importantly, yesterday’s announcement means that both Coalition and Labor parties are publicly committed to the expansion of the RAAF East Sale Base. The relocation of the training college will add considerably to the $20 million per annum that the Base currently injects into the Wellington and Gippsland economies.
In addition the council seized the opportunity of the meeting with Mr Beazley to seek opposition support for several shire projects including a proposed aged care facility for Rosedale. The council also sought confirmation that it will continue to receive its fair share of Federal tax revenue, along with essential funding for its roads with continuation of the Roads to Recovery program.
Health care issues were a high-agenda item with Wellington Shire requesting a major increase in Health And Community Care (HACC) funding to adequately address the shire’s needs, and a funding allocation increase for its role in immunisations. Both issues have strong backing from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
Said Wellington Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Webb: "It has been crucial that the urgency of the RAAF expansion project be recognised by both political parties. Now, with this latest commitment from Labor, we can rest easy that the expansion of RAAF East Sale will go ahead regardless of which party is in power after this election. The most important aspect of yesterday’s visit we believe, is the Labor Party’s demonstrated commitment to a rapid relocation of the RAAF Training College, bringing it forward considerably from the current completion date assigned by the Liberals. The community’s backing for this project has been invaluable."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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