Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Philip Davis

Liberals Support Push For The Bush Rally

The Liberal Party has shown its support for country Victoria at the ‘Push for the Bush’ rally through the city and onto the steps of Parliament House today.

By Parliament of Victoria - 22nd November 2006 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said today’s rally attracted more than 260 horseman, 100 vehicles including tractors, four-wheel-drives and trucks, and about 2000 people from across country Victoria.

"To see so many country Victorians go to such great lengths to assemble in the centre of Melbourne to show their frustration from being ignored by the Bracks Government was amazing," Mr Davis said.

"The number of people present at the rally and the logistical nightmare organisers faced transporting the horses and machinery from all over country Victoria is a testament to the anger country Victorians feel about the current Labor Government.

"Many camped overnight before the rally, while some left their country Victorian homes before dawn to be part of the march.

"This commitment in a time when farmers are suffering dreadfully from the drought is striking."

Leader of the Liberal Party Ted Baillieu addressed today’s rally, assuring all those gathered that a Liberal Government would assist irrigators to recover from the drought by paying all fixed water supply rates for farmers receiving less than 50 per cent of their water entitlements.

A Liberal Government would also ensure access to public land would be protected, and it would force Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment to properly manage their land.

"The Bracks Labor Government has been the neighbour from hell for seven years," Mr Davis said.

"A Liberal Government is committed to making sure there are no more restrictions on the use of public land.

"We also hold grave concerns about the future of country Victoria under a Labor-Greens coalition, if The Greens win the balance of power in the Upper House.

"Labor will have to deliver some of The Greens policies if this does occur, and the Liberal Party has serious concerns about the future of hunting, fishing, four-wheel-driving, horse riding, prospecting, cattle grazing and other activities that are currently conducted on Crown land.

"Country Victoria’s discontent of the current Labor Government was made clear today and I would like to congratulate all country Victorians who took part in making such a poignant statement today.

"It is a shame the Labor Government did not get the message, because they were in hiding."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
  Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
  Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
  Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates.
• Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
  Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.