Libs hit campaign trail

Libs hit campaign trail

Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier Ben Hood kicked off his 2022 State Election campaign with the endorsement of SA Premier Steven Marshall, who was on hand to support his candidacy.

Prominent Mount Gambier businesspeople, Liberal Party branch members, Federal Senator Alex Antic, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and Legislative Council Liberal candidate Laura Curran joined with Premier Marshall to mark Mr Hood’s launch.

Mr Hood outlined the duplication of the highway from the city to the airport, entrance statements and beautification of the verges and roadsides leading into Mount Gambier, upgraded saleyards, water resource management and digital connectivity as key strategies of his campaign.

“All great cities have great entrances,” he said.

“Our saleyards are in dire need of upgrade.

“I will be fighting for a $2m commitment from the State Government and work with the Federal Member for Barker to realise funding from a federal level.

“Water will be a critical issue leading into the review of the Lower Limestone Water Allocation Plan and as a region we need to ensure that our precious water resource is utilised sustainably and efficiently so we can grow our industries in forestry, dairy and agriculture and ensure jobs for now and into the future.

“We must encourage new industry not only in primary production and food manufacturing but in technology.

Our region should be the remote work destination of choice for those tired of the rat race of Melbourne and Sydney.

“High speed connectivity infrastructure like GigCity are vital for this to happen.”

Mr Hood said across education, employment, arts and culture and the environment, Mount Gambier “punches well above its weight”.

“Some $1.79b is returned to our state coffers from this region,” he said.

“Our world class produce and manufacturing allows our whole state to prosper.

“We must ensure that we are not forgotten in vital step-change infrastructure spending.”

Mr Hood said Mount Gambier must continue to embrace its arts and culture.

“Events like Generations in Jazz and Mount Gambier Fringe have put Mount Gambier on the map,” he said.

“The Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre revitalisation project the Premier and I saw today will be an important part of the city’s CBD so we can work and play right here in the region.

“So that along with our long list of sporting elite having come from Mount Gambier, we can foster the next Sir Robert Helpmann, the next world class theatre, visual arts and music performers.

“While on council and even before I have advocated for a Crater Lakes master plan.

“This precinct including the Blue Lake, Valley Lake, Brownes Lake and Centenary Tower is a major tourist attraction for our region that has untapped potential for development of hero attractions and five star accommodation offerings.

“We must have the will, the focus and a strong voice to demand and develop these eco-tourism hotspots with government and private investment to receive the huge economic benefits they will ultimately bring to the region.”

Premier Marshall said he was “absolutely delighted” to have Mr Hood as the Liberal candidate for the next election.

“It’s going to be a very important election for SA and one where we want to have a majority government,” he said.

“We have got a major focus on regional development, making sure we can build the roads, build the schools and upgrade the hospital facilities but to do that we need a continuing Liberal government and that means Ben Hood being elected down here in Mount Gambier.

“He is an outstanding businessperson, community contributor, father, husband, and clearly from my visit here he is well liked by the local community.”

Why wait? Get more stories like this delivered straight to your inbox
Join our digital edition mailing list and stay up to date on the latest news, events and special announcements from across the Limestone Coast.

Your local real estate guide - every Thursday

spot_img

You might also like