The Allan Labor Government is once again trying to spin a photo opportunity as meaningful support – this time at Rocklands Reservoir – while regional businesses continue to suffer without real help.
Dressed up as a good news story, Labor’s announcement of more fish and a concrete boat ramp at Rocklands Reservoir does nothing to address the devastating losses faced by small businesses
across the Grampians after bushfires four months ago.
Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, said Premier Jacinta Allan’s claims of “immediate” support for the area are not only misleading, but also insulting.
Labor has offered only $5000 in support to those affected by bushfires in the region, and the money is only just starting to trickle through.
“Premier Allan is trying to pretend she’s come to the rescue, but $5000 in support – which was not announced until months after the fires and is only rolling out now – is far too little, far too late for local businesses who have faced catastrophic downturns,” Ms Kealy said.
“This is not immediate support. It’s delayed, inadequate, and fails to meet the scale of the crisis.
“The Allan Labor Government went missing when our communities needed them most. While New South Wales and Queensland delivered up to $75,000 in support within days of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred last month, Labor in Victoria left Grampians businesses in limbo.
“Instead of standing with small business owners facing closure, Labor is celebrating a concrete boat ramp and hoping no one notices the real damage that’s been done.
“Labor is happy to show up for the photos once the weather clears and the boats are back on the water – but where were they when livelihoods were on the line?”
Ms Kealy said the Grampians and broader Western Victorian communities deserved a government that delivered, not looking to spin.
“This is just another example of a government more interested in appearances than outcomes,” she said.
“Labor can’t mange money and regional Victorians are paying the price.”