Last week the Victorian Government finally announced November 24 as the date for this year's State Budget.
In what has been a year like no other, the Budget is an opportunity to glimpse into the future of our economic fightback as we continue to recover towards a COVID-19 'normal' environment.
Make no mistake, now is the time for the Victorian Government to back agriculture and our regions to be front and centre of this recovery.
Farmers and their rural communities need, and deserve, fit-for-purpose roads, freight rail, affordable telecommunications and the tools needed to ensure the regions are a viable, attractive proposition for those wishing to make the move to the country.
This must form part of a minimum standard we need to ensure our industry has the means it needs to operate.
At the forefront of what we need to help get Victoria back on track is the vital Murray Basin Rail Project - and we must have it as it was originally planned in 2016.
It's always been about pushing the freight costs down and, as long as we're forced to run two rail gauges, we'll have an inefficient network and agriculture will be faced with these additional costs.
Combine this with the fact it is a major, nation building project that would create thousands of jobs and inject millions into the Victorian economy, it provides a compelling case for economic recovery.
While November 24 represents the opportunity to invest into agriculture immediately, we are also seeking a long-term vision for agriculture which builds resilience and sustainability in our sector.
Decision-makers and politicians need to remember just who it is they are elected to serve.
It's time agriculture receives its fair share and is listened to, so we can form a major part of Victoria's economic revival.