News

Community facilities | October 26, 2017

Kealy – Minister turns her back on Rupanyup

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP says Labor has turned its back on the Rupanyup community by refusing to fund the renewal of the Rupanyup Retail Precinct.

The local community put the Renewing Rupanyup Retail project forward for funding by Regional Development Victoria after fire destroyed the local chemist and giftware shop earlier this year, devastating the town and its retail centre.

Plans for the precinct include a full service supermarket, pharmacy depot, café and deli, gallery and arts outlet as well as open spaces for events and market day functions.

The project will support local investment, population growth, increase tourism, create local jobs and ensure the economic revival of the town.

“I wrote to the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford back in April asking her to provide $700,000 to support this important project for Rupanyup and the surrounding community”, Ms Kealy said.

“After failing to respond for six months, my office contacted the Minister’s office only to be told that the Minister was not intending to respond to the Rupanyup community.

“This is yet another example of the Andrews Labor Government’s total lack of interest in supporting regional Victoria.

“The passionate regional community of Rupanyup needs urgent Government support to allow them to get back on their feet with this vital project to reinvigorate the town and surrounding community.

“The Andrews Labor Government needs to get behind this project, not ignore it, and immediately provide the $700,000 required to make it happen”, she said.