Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Bracks Backflips Again On Wimmera Mallee PipelineShadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis has welcomed the Bracks Government’s second backflip on securing funds for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline. By Philip Davis - 3rd March 2005 - Back to News Mr Davis said the Bracks Government was dragged kicking and screaming into changing its mind a second time on whether to support the Federal Government’s National Water Initiative, which would fund the pipeline.
Farmers in Wimmera Mallee have been pinning their hopes on the Bracks Government seeing the error of its ways, because without state support the project would be stalled further.
"Despite signing the agreement in June 2004, the Bracks Government changed its mind only three months later during the Federal Election campaign and stated it no longer supported the scheme," Mr Davis said.
"Now, only a further five months down the track, the Bracks Government has changed its mind yet again, indicating to the Federal Government that it is willing to support the initiative which will result in the funding of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline and other vital water projects.
"In the space of 10 months, the Bracks Government has managed to support the scheme, back away and label it a ‘hoax’ and then pledge support again.
"It would seem the only ‘hoax’ that went on was the Bracks Government’s electioneering."
Mr Davis said the Bracks Government had been slow to commit its one-third share of funds for the project, rejecting Liberal Party moves to have it funded from the environmental levy through the Water Industry (Environmental Contributions) Act 2004.
Mr Davis said although it was clear that the Bracks Government was incapable of making up its mind, he was pleased the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline project was now secure.
"This important project has had an enormous amount of community participation in trying to stop water loss through seepage and evaporation while operating the stock and domestic channel system," he said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - Darren Chester returns to Shadow Cabinet as Veterans’ Affairs Minister, advocating for ADF personnel, veterans and families
Darren Chester returns as Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, pledging bipartisan support, accountability, and ongoing reforms to ensure timely, accessible assistance for Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families. - Darren Chester quits shadow ministry, vows to keep fighting for Gippsland and regional Australia
Gippsland MP Darren Chester has resigned from the Coalition shadow ministry but says he remains committed to representing Gippslanders and regional Australians in Parliament despite political tensions over legislation proposed. - Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Victoria leaders tour proposed Hastings terminal highlighting region’s central role in offshore wind future
Regional leaders toured the proposed Hastings Renewable Energy Terminal, highlighting its crucial role in Victoria’s offshore wind strategy and clean-energy transition, with industry, government and communities collaborating for regional benefits. - Life Saving Victoria launches multilingual campaign to protect older adults around water, heat and rip currents
Life Saving Victoria has launched a multilingual campaign to help older adults, especially from multicultural communities, stay safe around water and during extreme heat across Victoria. - Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend. - Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible. - Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond.
|
|
