Sad day when the Nationals shun the Bush: Pitt
Published Wednesday, 11 March, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
The Nationals’ failure to back the Blueprint for the Bush is a sad reflection on a party built on a country base, Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said today.
“They have forgotten their heartland,” said Mr Pitt.
“The Blueprint for the Bush has been one of the great co-operative efforts between government and the bush, but to see unsolicited direct criticism of the Nationals for not backing the bush is unimagined,” he said.
ABC Radio in Western Queensland (7.30am) reported that the Remote Area Planning and Development Board says it is vital that whichever party wins next weekend’s State election, they must continue to support rural funding initiatives.
It reported that Ed Warren, the board’s chair, says initiatives such as the Blueprint for the Bush had played an important role, and that the LNP has not committed to supporting such programs.
“This is unbelievable, simply unbelievable. The Nationals have turned their back on the bush and diehard supporters will be shattered by this,” Mr Pitt said.
“Two years into the implementation of the Blueprint for the Bush, the program is really kicking goals for people in rural and regional Queensland, thanks to the $153 million in new funding that we allocated at the start of the program.
“Since 2006, 27 initiatives have been completed and fully implemented and dozens more are currently under way.
“We organised the Inaugural Rural Women’s Symposium in Roma last September, giving rural women a chance to have input into the challenges and opportunities that confront families in rural Queensland.
“We have implemented the Pest Offensive, which involves $4 million worth of projects to manage pest plants and animals.
“We have also completed 32 Safer Roads Sooner projects in bush areas worth $25 million, and we’ve delivered 20 dwellings for low-income residents in rural and regional Queensland, including six to Barcoo and Bulloo shire councils.
“We have supported the Every Family Needs a Farmer campaign and have hosted Country Week to elevate the profile of the rural sector to people in urban areas.
“These are just a few of the positive projects that are helping keep the bush sustainable and prosperous.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
“They have forgotten their heartland,” said Mr Pitt.
“The Blueprint for the Bush has been one of the great co-operative efforts between government and the bush, but to see unsolicited direct criticism of the Nationals for not backing the bush is unimagined,” he said.
ABC Radio in Western Queensland (7.30am) reported that the Remote Area Planning and Development Board says it is vital that whichever party wins next weekend’s State election, they must continue to support rural funding initiatives.
It reported that Ed Warren, the board’s chair, says initiatives such as the Blueprint for the Bush had played an important role, and that the LNP has not committed to supporting such programs.
“This is unbelievable, simply unbelievable. The Nationals have turned their back on the bush and diehard supporters will be shattered by this,” Mr Pitt said.
“Two years into the implementation of the Blueprint for the Bush, the program is really kicking goals for people in rural and regional Queensland, thanks to the $153 million in new funding that we allocated at the start of the program.
“Since 2006, 27 initiatives have been completed and fully implemented and dozens more are currently under way.
“We organised the Inaugural Rural Women’s Symposium in Roma last September, giving rural women a chance to have input into the challenges and opportunities that confront families in rural Queensland.
“We have implemented the Pest Offensive, which involves $4 million worth of projects to manage pest plants and animals.
“We have also completed 32 Safer Roads Sooner projects in bush areas worth $25 million, and we’ve delivered 20 dwellings for low-income residents in rural and regional Queensland, including six to Barcoo and Bulloo shire councils.
“We have supported the Every Family Needs a Farmer campaign and have hosted Country Week to elevate the profile of the rural sector to people in urban areas.
“These are just a few of the positive projects that are helping keep the bush sustainable and prosperous.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819