The pair joined state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland on Sunday, July 5, visiting Creightons Creek CFA, attending the Longwood v Avenel football match and meeting with locals at the White Hart Hotel.
Ms Cleeland said the concerns raised by community members who had attended reflected what her office was 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,” she said.
“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 were 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.”
During the visit to the Euroa electorate, and the Fresh Start tour, the coalition has campaigned with its Fair Share Guarantee, which promises to see 25 per cent of state infrastructure spending going to regional Victoria.
“For too long, regional Victoria has been expected to settle for whatever is left over after Melbourne projects are funded,” Ms Cleeland said.
Ms Cleeland said the conversations had 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,” she said.
“I’ve never been more determined to keep fighting until regional Victorians receive the resources and respect we have earned.”
