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small business | January 25, 2016

Nationals Leader focuses on impact of dry conditions

Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy will host a visit to the electorate next week by Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh to focus on water management issues and the impact on livestock producers.

“We are keen to listen to our local communities to give them the opportunity to discuss and highlight important issues facing regional Victoria,” Ms Kealy said.

Emma Kealy and Peter Walsh will be visiting the Hamilton, Casterton, Balmoral and Horsham areas. They will be discussing a range of issues covering water resource management, unprecedented seasonal conditions and low rainfall impact on the red meat industry, kangaroo culling trial and processing for pet food, as well as the deteriorating condition of our local roads.

“I have been receiving an increasing number of water related enquires and concerns which is reflection that our region is hurting during these dry seasonal conditions,” Ms Kealy said.

“There are many conflicting demands for our scarce water supply and we need to ensure that water is management is efficient, that losses are minimised and that investment is made for pipeline solutions to drought proof our local areas.

“Many farmers are carting water for stock and domestic purposes and in some cases are selling stock as a result of no water,” she said.

Emma Kealy and Peter Walsh will also meet with Victorian Pet Food Processors to gain further understanding of the processing of kangaroos for pet food.

“I have called on the Labor Government to help landowners to manage the plague number of kangaroos across the Lowan electorate and to implement a permanent Kangaroo processing program.  The current trial of processing kangaroos for pet food did not include the Glenelg and West Wimmera Council areas,” Ms Kealy said

“While in the area we will also be taking the opportunity to meet with Longerenong College to see their recently refurbished accommodation block, made possible through Liberal-Nationals Coalition, and to discuss other redevelopment opportunities,” she said.