IF elected at the November state election, the Liberal-National Coalition has pledged to ensure that regional Victoria receives its fair share of infrastructure spending.
The Liberal Party says that under Labor, only 12 per cent of state infrastructure funding has gone to regional Victoria, despite making up a quarter of the state’s population.
Liberal Party candidate for Northern Victoria, Steve Brooks, said feedback from local business owners highlighted growing frustration about the lack of investment in regional areas.
“Local business owners are being forced to step up and fill the gaps left by this government, like paying for motels for their workers who can’t find accommodation due to the lack of housing available in the regions,” he said.
Under Liberal Leader Jess Wilson, the Liberal-National Coalition has pledged a 25 per cent ‘Fair Share Guarantee’ for regional infrastructure spending if elected in November.
“We represent 25 per cent of Victoria’s population, so it is only fair regional communities receive the same proportion of infrastructure funding,” Mr Brooks said.
Greater Shepparton Business Network vice president Jac McCarty welcomed the proposal, describing it as a common-sense commitment for regional Victoria.
“Regional Victorians make up a quarter of Victoria’s population, and they should get their fair share of investment,” she said.
“Steve has been listening to local businesses here, and he gets that they’re doing it tough. That’s why this announcement is so important, to bring investment back to regional Victoria and the businesses that operate here.”
