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February 2011
Dear Residents in Murray
We have had a difficult start to the new year.
There have been hundreds of homes, farms and businesses inundated by the flood waters and we are expecting even more rain. Many are now in clean up mode and others still can’t get onto properties. But there is still a long way to go towards full recovery. I have included information in this newsletter about funding and assistance.
We have a big year ahead with the Murray Darling Basin Authority Plan Guide mess. I am a member of the House of Representatives Parliamentary Committee which is undertaking an inquiry into the social and economic impacts the proposed guide will have on communities. The Committee (see picture left) have already visited Shepparton and taken evidence and will continue to talk to other Basin communities in the coming months.
I took part in Australia Day Celebrations last month. It is good to see the Australian spirit strong and alive.It has been a tough 10 years for us here in Murray with drought, locusts and flooding, but we have battled on through. Australians have come to each others aid by donating money, goods, and a willing hand to help those who really could not have done it all alone. The stories of neighbours helping each other during flooding and volunteers who have gone above and beyond their duty. The people of Murray are truly amazing.
Please don’t hesitate to call if there is anything I can do to help.
Sharman Stone MP
Help for those affected by flooding
There is some financial assistance available for those who need a helping hand.
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More information:
Visit the Centrelink website for information about Commonwealth Government Flood Assistance.
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Can you volunteer some time to help?
I encourage anyone who has a little spare time to volunteer with the huge task of getting flood affected areas back into business.
Unfortunately those on our farms don’t tend to get the media’s attention and are often out of sight and out of mind, but their need is so great right now that any help will be appreciated.
People need help to pull debris off fences, to prop up fences that can be salvaged, to build new fencing, and to pick up things which have been shifted by flood waters.
If you have some time to volunteer, contact my office and I can put you in touch with some needy farmers.
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More information:
Visit the Blazeaid website for more information on volunteering to repair fences
Donate to the Australian Red Cross Floods Appeal
Visit the Victorian Government’s Volunteer website
Click herefor some pictures of Bridgewater area under flood water
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Exceptional Circumstances payments must continue
The Labor Government remains silent on the extension of Exceptional Circumstances payments beyond March 2011 for locals who after enduring 10 years of drought, have just faced disastrous floods.
I have made a special appeal to Minister Ludwig. I have also appealed to his Department. I will keep bashing away.
Coles starts a cruel milk price war
The price slashing of Coles brand fresh milk shows a clear disregard for dairy farmers. The last thing we need right now is an indication that prices may go belly up in the future.
While Coles are are assuring suppliers that this price cutting will not affect what they pay at the farm gate, the reality is that this could be the thin edge of the wedge. With the first price slashing being fresh milk, it is only a step away from slashing the price of cheeses, creams, yoghurt and others.
Rural students closer to a fair go
The Coalition was last week successful in getting the Senate to pass the amendment to the unfair, controversial, Social Security Amendment (Income Support for Regional Students) Bill of 2010.
The Bill addresses the costs for rural students having to leave home to go to university and amends the problem created when the Labor Government excluded inner regional students from accessing Independent Youth Allowance under the old criteria.
I sincerely hope with the passing of this Bill, that the Government immediately introduces legislation into the House of Representatives so our regional and country kids finally have reasonable eligibility criteria when applying for Independent Youth Allowance.
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More information:
Visit Centrelink for full Independent Youth Allowance criteria.
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Welcome Strathbogie Shire to Murray
We welcome the people of Strathbogie Shire to the Federal Electorate of Murray.
Several weeks before the last Federal Election, the Australian Electoral Commission announced that the Electorate of Murray would be abolished and replaced by a new outer metropolitan seat to be called Burke.
Within a very short time frame, more than one hundred submissions were received challenging the abolition of the electorate which includes most of the irrigated agriculture of Victoria.
Common sense prevailed along with the power of the people when the Australian Electoral Commission put out its revised boundaries which instead of abolishing Murray, added to its size to make up for the lost population, moving the Shire of Strathbogie from the Electorate of Indi into the Electorate of Murray.
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