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Season’s Greetings

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. - Agnes M. Pharo

By Craig Ingram - 19th December 2003 - Back to News

The Year 2003 has been a test of individual and community spirit. It opened in continuing drought conditions and the farming community faced the heart-wrenching choice of whether to de-stock their properties or try to hang on by purchasing grain or fodder that became increasingly scarce and expensive.

Streams ceased running, dams emptied and rivers reduced to a trickle. The only good thing that came out of this was an increased awareness of the significance of water, not just for the economy but also for the environment. This focused attention on one of the major issues on which I was elected in 1999. Progress has been made in restoring flows in the Snowy River but there is a long way to go before the majority of the population understand the full implications of how we are managing our vital resources.

There is a clear need for governments to do what is right, not necessarily what is popular.

Last summer also brought with it the most devastating bushfires for many years, fulfilling predictions of most people who live and work in the mountains. Despite increasing sophistication of communications and services, and the continuing dedication of volunteers, there was widespread criticism of the management of fire fighting operations. Thankfully loss of life was minimal, but property damage was devastating. This put added strain on already stressed communities.

Despite this, people throughout the Shire responded once again to calls for assistance for the most badly affected. Droughts, fires and floods are quite clearly part of the Australian environment and we have to live with their consequences but those who choose to live in cities should not be isolated from their effects. Country people should not be expected to bear all the pain from conditions over which they have no control.

Let us hope that in the year ahead, nature may be kinder to the whole nation and good rains and more moderate climatic conditions will speed the recovery from arguably the worst drought on record. Then we can give more attention to those things over which we can exercise control and work to ensure that all Australians share, now and in the future, in a more prosperous and just society.

As the state heads towards its lowest road toll in years, I join with Victoria Police in pleading with motorists to take care on our roads during the holiday period and ask that you spare a though for those people who will be working to keep us safe during this time, away from their own loved ones.

On behalf of my wife, Anne-Marie, my children and my staff, I extend to all East Gippslanders my very best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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