Editorial

On one hand, it is fantastic to hard work get great ideas off the ground, but equally one sometimes wonders why we have to work so hard to win these funds lavished casually across marginal seats in outer metropolitan areas.

But self-pity does no-one any favours, so let’s take a step back and give both State and Federal Governments credit where credit is due.

There were fantastic wins for communities in north-western Victoria last week, with the state government committing to the water security of the North Central region through the South West Loddon Rural Water Supply project to the tune of $40 million.

The federal government also came to the party, contributing $220 million to match the State Government’s contribution for the Murray Basin Rail Project.

Cynics can pick holes in both announcements, saying $20 million extra needs to be found to fund the pipeline project and that the Federal Government’s largesse may be tied to a certain event speculated to be taking place early in July.

However, let’s just have a look at the improvements these two projects, along with a swag of other announcements made last week, including money for a weather radar in the northern Wimmera, will make to rural communities.

A more efficient freight system will lead to meaningful reduction in transport costs for farmers in the north-west.

The pipeline will allow farmers in the area around Wedderburn the chance to reliable stock and domestic water for the first time ever. Another positive has been the willingness of the Coalition Federal Government and the Labor State Government to work together on projects, such as the radar and the freight project.

Too often these deals get scuppered by partisan politics, but in this case, differences were put aside for the greater good.

While it’s important to keep advocating for our regions, equally let’s take the time to acknowledge both the community leaders that got these projects up and running and the politicians that have facilitated them.