The Liberals and Nationals are set to give Victorian agriculture a fresh start, backing farmers, protecting productive farmland and rebuilding the roads and infrastructure our agricultural industries rely on.
A new Victorian Farmers Federation survey of more than 1,000 farmers has highlighted the need for change, with nine in 10 saying they have lost faith in the Labor Government.
Just 3.3 per cent of those surveyed believe the Government understands the challenges facing agriculture, while 77 per cent strongly believe regional issues are being ignored.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy said the message from farmers was clear.
“After 12 years of Labor, Victorian farmers are ready for a fresh start,” Ms Kealy said.
“The Liberals and Nationals are listening to farmers and have a positive plan to back agriculture, reduce unnecessary red tape and give farmers the confidence to invest, grow and create jobs.”
More than 83 per cent of farmers surveyed were extremely concerned about the condition of country roads.
The Liberals and Nationals have committed $5 billion over four years to repair and rebuild Victoria’s deteriorating road network, including fixing one million potholes.
The Liberals and Nationals have made several other recent announcements to bring a fresh start for farmers, having announced plans to scrap VNI West, pushing for greater protections around bird flu, lowering costs by scrapping the emergency services tax and also introducing the Agricultural Land and Food Security Bill to ensure productive farmland and food security are properly considered when major developments are proposed.
These announcements come as part of the Liberals and Nationals’ Fair Share Guarantee which will ensure regional Victoria receives 25 per cent of new infrastructure investment.
The Liberals and Nationals’ agriculture plan includes stronger investment in agricultural research and biosecurity, reducing unnecessary regulation and backing the next generation of farmers and agricultural workers.
“Farmers have told us what they need – decent roads, lower costs, less red tape, protection for productive farmland and a government that respects agriculture,” Ms Kealy said.
“We have listened and we have a plan to deliver.”
The VFF survey found nine in 10 farmers have lost faith in Labor after 12 years in government.
“When only 3 per cent of farmers believe Labor understands the challenges they face, it is clear farmers are ready for change,” Ms Kealy said.
“Agriculture is one of Victoria’s great economic strengths. The Nationals will put farmers and regional communities back at the heart of government and deliver a fresh start for agriculture.”