Balancing issue divide

NEW politician Sarah Mansfield wants opposing sides of the duck hunting and kangaroo harvesting debate to work together if possible.

Ms Mansfield was elected one of five Western Victoria Region MPs in last November’s state election.

Last week the Greens’ MP became the first of the five to visit the Loddon Shire during a tour of northern towns in her region that stretches from Geelong to the South Australian border and north to above Warracknabeal.

It includes Wedderburn, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Newbridge and Tarnagulla.

Ms Mansfield said while there was a divergence of views on duck hunting and kangaroo harvesting at opposite ends of the region, including disagreement with Greens’ policy, it was important people were heard “and where possible work together”. She also weighed into debate over the consultation process for the VNI West transmission line project, saying it had created anxiety in local communities. However, she stopped short of the Greens advocating for an inquiry similar to New South Wales to investigate underground options for lines.

Ms Mansfield said it was important to investigate all renewable energy options.

“It’s reasonable to look at all options, including undergrounding, where feasible,” she said.

Ms Mansfield said the size of Western Victoria region meant that “many small places just get overlooked because of their remoteness”.

“It’s important to get out and meet people face-to-face,” she said.

She said it was also important for country people to engage with their lower house members.

“We (Upper House MPs) don’t have enough staff and resources to cover the area geographically,” she said.

“I try and recruit staff from different parts of the region to help cover this,” she said during the brief Inglewood visit.

Early disaster repair money doesn’t flow for Victoria

VICTORIA has missed out on fast-tracked federal flood repair funds.

More than $1.8 billion was announced last week for natural disaster repairs in other states.

Mallee MP Anne Webster wants Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to accept the early flow of funds.

She said: “Almost all of 12 councils in my electorate were flood affected and they will be heartbroken that Premier Daniel Andrews completely missed the boat on funding they desperately need,” Dr Webster said. “I’m hearing from councils and local organisations worried about levee repairs, path and road repairs and preparedness for future flooding, they will be frustrated to know Daniel Andrews has left them out in the cold.

“I am calling on Premier Andrews to get on to the phone to his federal Labor mates