May 20, 2019
While city-based Labor Party supporters remain shellshocked, rural Queensland has welcomed the Coalition victory in Saturday’s Federal Election.
AgForce general president Georgie Somerset was one of many voices congratulating the Coalition on its Federal Election victory.
The Durong grazier – and ABC Board member – said she looked forward to achieving AgForce’s priorities “through a continued productive working relationship with the government”.
“With Queensland’s vast and diverse landscape presenting as many challenges as opportunities, we look forward to being involved in the government’s programs to improve communications and transport infrastructure, manage climate-related issues, and ensure environmental legislation is workable and ultimately effective,” Mrs Somerset said.
She praised the new government’s commitment to provide:
- $100 million a year in drought resilience programs through a Drought Future Fund
- $500 million for upgrades to the Bruce, Flinders, Kennedy, Dawson, Gregory, Carnarvon and Warrego Highways
- $220 million to improving coverage and reliability of mobile phone and internet services
- $30 million to a pilot Agricultural Biodiversity Stewardship Program
- The allocation of $2 billion over 15 years to the Climate Solutions Fund to support farmers investing in emissions reduction and carbon sequestration.
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The Queensland Farmers’ Federation also congratulated Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Liberal-National Coalition.
QFF president Stuart Armitage said he welcomed the recognition that agriculture was a key pillar of the economy and said that it was now time to deliver for the sector.
“QFF will continue to work constructively with the government to represent our members’ interests and deliver the thriving agricultural sector our state deserves,” Mr Armitage said.
“Central to achieving this will be the implementation of vital election policies for the competitiveness and prosperity of the sector including drought and flood recovery funding; road, rail and water infrastructure; investment in agricultural research and development; and progress on market access.”
“However, immediate policy change is needed from the government to address the growing issue of electricity affordability, which has so far remained unaddressed.
“If action is not taken, unsustainable electricity price increases and lagging productivity will result in more expensive food and fibre and the continued loss of international competitiveness.”
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(Photo: Wide Bay Electorate Office)
Re-elected LNP MPs Llew O’Brien (Wide Bay) and David Littleproud (Maranoa) thanked supporters for the help they received during the campaign.
Llew O’Brien
To everyone who helped, encouraged and supported my campaign, I say a very heartfelt thank you.
It takes courage to put your hand up to represent an electorate, and I congratulate the other candidates on their campaigns.
The votes are still being counted, but the people of Wide Bay have sent Canberra a clear message that they don’t want higher taxes. They reject Labor’s lies about health and education funding. They trust the Liberal and National Parties to keep our economy strong and our borders secure.
There are exciting times ahead for Wide Bay. Prior to the election I announced funding for a range of infrastructure, economic, community service, and sports projects that were locked into the 2019 Federal Budget.
I now look forward to being part of the Liberal and Nationals team that delivers these projects that will create jobs and improve local services throughout Wide Bay.
A footpath will be constructed between Murgon and Cherbourg to create local jobs for young people.
New audio visual equipment will be installed at Murgon’s Town Hall.
With the return of the Morrison Government I expect my election commitments including a new maintenance shed for Noosa Dolphins and a veterans drop-in centre at Murgon to be fulfilled.
I also look forward to the delivery of the Cooroy to Curra Section D project, the Coondoo Creek Bridge connecting the Cooloola Coast to Gympie, the upgrade to the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Wide Bay Highway at Bells Bridge, and the new safety improvements, flood mitigation projects and overtaking lanes that are planned along the Bruce Highway through Wide Bay. It’s now time for the Queensland Government step up and get moving on these projects.
In the time since I was elected I’ve used my voice in to provide strong representation to achieve results for Wide Bay.
I value and respect the trust and faith the people of Wide Bay have placed in me as their representative in the Australian Parliament and I am committed to continuing my track record of service and delivery and putting the people of my electorate first.
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David Littleproud
It’s deeply humbling to be returned with such a swing in Maranoa, and to have the Liberal Nationals returned to government.
It’s also extremely humbling to have been praised by the National Farmers’ Federation, with whom I have such a great and constructive relationship. Fiona Simson and Tony Mahar are great leaders for their organisation and for farmers.
Through this relationship and working towards a shared goal we’ve been able to achieve a lot for farmers, and there’s a lot more to do yet, including delivering policy announced during the campaign.
As it stands, Maranoa has delivered a swing toward me of around 6 per cent for a two-party preferred result of 72 per cent.
I’m particularly pleased to have won the booth of Barcaldine – the birthplace of the Labor party.
To all those who voted for me and for all those who didn’t, I’ll continue to work as hard as I can to deliver for you.
Related article: LNP Locks Down Local Seats
