Our region was hit by unprecedented flooding in October and while communities are still recovering, work has already started on identifying what could be done to mitigate future floods.

Every flood is different, and funding in the first round of the DRF will help Councils and communities better understand what occurred and build a foundation of knowledge for developing projects to protect communities and critical infrastructure

I continue to have regular discussions with government ministers about what will be required to better protect our communities in future.

In order to seek funding in future rounds we first have to understand the problems and the best solutions to put forward.

The work from this funding round will inform bids for more significant funding in future rounds from the billion dollar fund over the next 5 years.

Local Sporting Champions is an Australian Government initiative that helps young people pursue their sporting dreams.

The program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships. 

If successful, applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

I encourage locals to apply and give youngsters a hand up in pursuing their sporting dreams. 

Applications close July 31, 2023. 

ARTS ROUNDTABLE –  I recently brought art organisations from across the region together to meet with Special Envoy for The Arts, Labor MP, Susan Templeman. 
It’s important regional arts are supported as it drives economic growth and forges social connections. Like all issues that affect our region, I’m determined to work across the aisle with the Government to get better outcomes for our region. 

YOUR CLUB MATTERS –  My advocacy for governments to support sporting club infrastructure has continued. I recently had the opportunity to train with Avenel FNC.
I also travelled to Toolleen to catch up with the board at Mount Pleasant FNC  to discuss the need for new netball courts. Our clubs deserve to be supported and i’ll continue to fight for funding.

I know households across our electorate are hurting. Every time you open a bill, shop for groceries or pay your mortgage or rent, it has increased.

Labor is pulling the wrong economic levers and making life harder. This includes radical industrial relations reforms, a failed energy intervention that is driving up costs, increasing taxes for our farmers and producers that will further fuel inflation. 

It could be getting the economy moving by:
* Introducing an Agriculture visa to reduce workforce shortages and increase productivity.
* Investing in infrastructure that improves productivity like the Shepparton Bypass.
* Reducing the cost of key inputs for businesses (energy, and red tape) so costs aren’t passed on.
* Freezing the truck tax instead of putting it up by 6 per cent every year for the next three years – leaving businesses no choice but to pass on costs to consumers.

 I do however acknowledge the Government’s improved trade relationships which will hopefully benefit agricultural regions like ours but there is so much more it could be doing.