Re-elected Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he will be focused on delivering local projects that will boost the visitor economy and improve the liveability of local towns in this term of government.
Mr Chester said the Coalition’s victory meant he could deliver the $880,000 announced during the election campaign to upgrade Sale Football Netball Club changerooms and facilities.
He’s also confirmed funding commitments of $31 million for the Macalister Irrigation District modernisation and $100,000 for outdoor fitness equipment along Loch Sport’s foreshore.
Mr Chester has announced a further $60 million to improve the Princes Highway east of Rosedale.
“The additional $60 million will be focused on safety with new rest areas and improved streetscapes to encourage visitors to take a break in our towns,” he said.
“I want to stress that this money won’t be used for centreline barriers like the State Government is installing between Sale and Bairnsdale.”
Mr Chester said it was an enormous honour and privilege to be elected to represent Gippsland in Federal Parliament.
“I have never taken Gippslanders for granted and I am extremely grateful for the support of my family, friends, staff and community members who made this win possible,” Mr Chester said.
“Work begins immediately to keep putting locals first and delivering everything we promised during the election campaign.
“I am humbled by the support I received from Gippslanders and the many supportive comments which inspired my team over the past month.
“We have a big job to keep making Gippsland an even better place to live, work and raise a family. By working together with other levels of government and the community, I believe we can make huge progress in the new term of government.
“I will remain focussed on supporting jobs in our traditional industries and creating new opportunities, particularly for young people. We need to invest in the education and training opportunities for Gippslanders to allow our youth to achieve their full potential in our own communities, without always being forced to relocate to big cities.
“We also need to see more government investment in new and emerging industries, particularly tourism. I want state and local governments to put forward decent infrastructure investment plans that the Federal Government can support to boost the visitor economy across Gippsland.
“As an optimistic person by nature, I believe the best days for Gippsland lie ahead of us and by working together we can achieve a great deal more than by promoting division and disruption.
“To that end, I will be calling on the State Government to show more interest in the Gippsland electorate and inviting the Premier and his senior ministers to work with us on positive plans to grow our region, starting with budget funding for the Princes Highway duplication and the Macalister Irrigation District.
“There is a lot of work to be done and I am confident I have the experience, passion, enthusiasm and positive team behind me to keep building an even better Gippsland.”
