Regional Victorians have used the Liberals and Nationals’ Fresh Start Tour to send a clear message – they’re paying more, getting less, and they’re ready for a government that backs their communities.
The tour made a timely visit through north-east Victoria with The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland receiving more than 100 complaints over the past week alone about the shocking condition of local roads, with major routes across the electorate becoming a parking lot for vehicles stranded with blown tyres and damaged rims after hitting potholes.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson joined Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien and Ms Cleeland across the Euroa electorate on Sunday, visiting Creightons Creek CFA, attending the Longwood v Avenel football match and meeting with locals at the White Hart Hotel as part of the statewide Fresh Start Tour.
Ms Cleeland said the concerns raised throughout the day reflected what her office was already hearing from constituents.
“Whether it was firefighters, farmers, sporting volunteers, small business owners or local families, people told us they’re paying more, getting less and feeling forgotten by the Allan Labor Government,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Over the past week alone, my office has received more than 100 reports from people whose vehicles have been damaged by roads the Allan Labor Government has allowed to fall into disrepair. Families are paying thousands of dollars for blown tyres, cracked rims and suspension damage simply because basic road maintenance has been neglected.
“Regional Victorians do not expect special treatment, but they also do not expect to be neglected altogether. They deserve safe roads, reliable healthcare and the infrastructure every community deserves. They deserve a fair share and right now, they’re simply not getting it.”
Among the community concerns raised included growing pressure on healthcare services, rising living costs and years of underinvestment in regional infrastructure.
“Regional Victoria helps power this state’s economy, yet we’re too often expected to make do with crumbling roads, overstretched services and infrastructure that simply hasn’t kept pace,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Victorians want a government that listens, delivers and understands the unique needs of regional communities.”
Ms Cleeland said a key commitment of the Liberals and Nationals’ Fresh Start plan was the Fair Share Guarantee, ensuring regional Victoria receives at least 25 per cent of state infrastructure funding because one in four Victorians lives outside metropolitan Melbourne.
“For too long, regional Victoria has been expected to settle for whatever is left over after Melbourne projects are funded.” Ms Cleeland said.
“Only a Liberals and Nationals government will provide a fair share for regional Victorians and ensure they receive the investment they deserve. Only a Liberals and Nationals government can give country Victoria the confidence that our needs will no longer be pushed to the bottom of the list.”
Ms Cleeland said the conversations throughout the day reinforced that regional Victorians were ready for a fresh approach.
“The message couldn’t have been clearer. People want a government that backs regional Victoria, invests in our communities and delivers the roads, healthcare and infrastructure families rely on,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I’ve never been more determined to keep fighting until regional Victorians receive the resources and respect we have earned.”
