October 30, 2010
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has used a visit by Senator Barnaby Joyce to highlight the opportunities to secure further growth in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID).
Senator Joyce, who is the Coalition’s Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Water, met with representatives from the local dairy industry and toured the MID with State Candidate for Gippsland East Tim Bull on Friday.
He was briefed on the MID2030 plan which is aimed at improving irrigation infrastructure to minimise the amount of water wasted in the system and to maximise production in the region.
“Barnaby was impressed by the current level of production in the MID and recognised the opportunities that would flow from further investment in irrigation infrastructure upgrades,” Mr Chester said.
“I believe that both State and Federal Governments should be working closely with the local community to support the implementation of MID2030 and Barnaby’s visit was another opportunity to push our case.”
Senator Joyce said it was important that Labor and the Greens recognised the critical role of the irrigation sector in providing food security for Australia.
“The current debate in the Murray Darling has highlighted the dangers of a Labor-Green Coalition when it comes to jobs in our traditional industries like agriculture,” Senator Joyce said.
“Governments should be supporting regional communities, not stripping away water rights and endangering the future of country towns.”
Mr Bull said he was looking forward to working with the MID farmers if he wins the State seat of Gippsland East on November 27.
“I’m concerned that there has been no progress in terms of funding commitment to MID2030 under the current governments,” Mr Bull said.
“The dairy industry is critically important to our region and the opportunity to invest in improved infrastructure would provide benefits for the economy and the environment.
“If I’m elected I will be working with the industry to promote further growth rather than ignoring its needs.”