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Vol. 17 No. 23
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
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Kealy push for Lowan T
BY DEAN LAWSON
he next Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has vowed to lobby the new Victorian Labor Government for major infrastructure projects across the region.
Ms Kealy said one of her major priorities in opposition would be winning government acknowledgement, approval and investment in projects that covered critical areas of education and industry while pushing a need for great health services. The Coalition had promised Lowan about $55-million for specific projects if it retained government. These included significant upgrades for Warracknabeal, Dimboola and Hamilton secondary schools, creation of a regional leadership school at Dunkeld, a multi million-dollar upgrade for grains research facilities in Horsham and $10-million for a Grampians tourist trail. Labor’s key commitments to Lowan were $19-million for the Grampians trail and $4-million for a National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton. Ms Kealy stressed a commitment to keep reminding the new government that Victoria was more than Melbourne and major provincial cities. “They have to support the whole state and we have to make sure we get our fair share of the pie. I will be holding them to account and make sure we are not forgotten here in western Victoria,” she said. “My big focus has always been on Lowan and my campaign has been firmly focussed on people and their issues. As a leader I will endeavour to always work closely with the Lowan community. “As far as the National Party goes, there has been a strong vote across the state and we will have to look at our core roots and how we represent rural and regional people. I’m confident we will be a strong opposition. Victoria is a strong state and doesn’t stop at urban fringe areas.” Victorian Electoral Commission figures for Lowan at noon yesterday, with about 70 percent of the vote counted, showed Ms Kealy had polled 15,464 primary votes and, on preferences, 20,207 or 71.23 percent of the vote and holding an unassailable lead.
NEW MP: Nationals candidate Emma Kealy is well ahead in the count of votes lodged in the Lowan electorate.
Second was Labor’s Bob Scates on 5282 primaries and 8163 on preferences. Independent Katrina Rainsford had secured 14.43 percent of the vote, Australian Greens representative Nkandu Beltz 8.38 percent and Australian Country Alliance’s Steve Price 4.08 percent. Ms Kealy, awaiting formal confirmation of her victory, said the result had been a humbling experience. “It is an absolute honour and privilege that people have shown confidence in me and that I’m the person they want to represent them,” she said. “I will never take that support for granted. I will make a strong commitment to the people of Lowan and will represent them with honesty and integrity and with the upmost respect in the faith they have vested in me.” Ms Kealy will attend her first party meeting at Parliament House in Melbourne today where primary topics of discussion will be party leadership and the future of a state coalition agreement with the Liberal Party. • For Ripon results, page 7.
PUPPY PLAY: The Weekly Advertiser’s Jess Keller enjoys a moment with Halls Gap Zoo newcomer, a seven-month old dingo puppy from Arnham Land. Ms Keller joined photographer Mick Shannon on a tour of the zoo and caught up with the pup, one of five rescued and sent to various zoos. The puppy is a northern dingo which is different from other dingoes at Halls Gap. Zoo staff are preparing for a busy summer holiday period. A cheetah exhibit, meerkat enclosure, Tasmanian devil project, giraffes, a red panda and a collection of primates, birds and reptiles continue to be popular attractions. For more pictures, pages 14 and 15. Picture: MICK SHANNON
IN THIS ISSUE • Movie starts filming in Wimmera • Horsham Carols Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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