A better deal for Lakes Entrance
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A better deal for Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance residents will get a better deal under a Liberal Nationals Government, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull.
 
Mr Bull said among many commitments announced by the Liberal Nationals, new train sets for the Gippsland line, an increase in patient transport subsidies and a review into farm rates were among those popular with various sectors of the local community.
 
“While we have announced hundreds of policies state-wide to improve the life of regional and rural Victorians, these are just some that will have real meaning in Lakes Entrance,” Mr Bull said.
 
“They come on top of our commitment to provide $1.5 million to build a new on-water café with public access toilets, viewing platform and waterfront deck at Bullock Island,” he said.
 
Mr Bull said he believed the plan to replace all existing long-haul carriages on the Bairnsdale line with new train sets was exciting.
 
“They will be more comfortable, have a buffet service and we will also upgrade the rail line for a service from Bairnsdale to Melbourne in around two hours,” he said.
 
“We have also committed to an expansion of the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme, which provides many locals who have to travel further afield for specialist medical treatment with financial assistance.
 
“The current subsidy for accommodation per night in Victoria is $45 and the kilometre reimbursement is 21c and the Liberal Nationals will increase this to $60 and 25c respectively,” Mr Bull said.
 
Having met with drought-affected farmers in East Gippsland over recent months, including with Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy and Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh, Mr Bull said the review into a farm rates review would result in a better deal for families on the land.
 
He said a rate cap limit would be applied to all rating categories while the review is undertaken.
 
“Other commitments of interest to Lakes Entrance residents include:
 
• $1 billion in additional funding to improve country roads;
• A more common-sense rollout of wire rope and roadside barriers;
• Returning all boating registration fees back into facilities;
• A $50 million autism package to better support families with special needs children;
• Payroll tax cuts for country businesses from 2.4 per cent to 1 per cent.
• Royal Commission into fire service culture and presumptive legislation for CFA volunteers; and
• $195 million to grassroots sport, not AFL.”
 
“The Nationals look forward to having the opportunity to deliver these policies and projects if elected on November, just like we delivered a number of big-ticket items when last in government including a new Toorloo Arm Primary School, the delivery of natural gas and a new Myer Street jetty, among others, between 2010 and 2014.”
 
Monday, November 12, 2018