RISING energy costs and constrained network capacity have been identified by regional manufactures, farmers and growers as the biggest barrier to investment, expansion and jobs during a tour of the electorate with National Party leader, Matt Canavan, hosted by Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell.
The two-day visit brough Senator Canavan to Kilmore, Echuca, Shepparton, Nathalia, Katunga and Tatura, meeting with local businesses and residents to discuss the pressures facing the region.
Exposed to the region’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors, Senator Canavan said insights gained included that high costs, unreliable supply and limited network capacity were preventing businesses from expanding production and creating jobs.
“Australia must lift productivity. Regional businesses should not be held back by energy constraints that are relatively inexpensive to fix,” he said.
In Echuca, they met with Kagome Australia, the nation’s largest tomato processor where high energy costs, the loss of irrigation water, competition from imported tomato products and rising regulatory costs are limiting the businesses’ capacity to invest and expand.
“Regional food manufacturers like Kagome process what our farmers grow and keep the jobs and value here in the region,” said Mr Birrell. “When energy costs make that harder, it is not just one business that feels it. It is every grower who supplies them and every family whose job depends on that plant staying competitive.”
Senator Canavan said the pressures facing Kagome reflected a broader failure of energy policy.
“You cannot have a serious food manufacturing industry in this country without affordable and reliable energy,” he said.
The tour also brought them to Shepparton, where they visited J. Furphy and Sons galvanising and steel fabrication operations, Rex James Stockfeed and Ryan Meat Company in Nathalia and concluded with Pollies in the Pub, an informal community forum, at Tatura’s Middle Hotel.
