Coffs Coast community projects and job creation opportunities at risk due to Rudd Government indecision

March 25, 2008

Community projects on the Coffs Coast are being placed in jeopardy because of Rudd Government delays in deciding the future of two key regional development programs.

 

The Nationals Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, today called on the Minister for Regional Development Anthony Albanese to end the uncertainty regarding the future of the Regional Partnerships and Sustainable Regions programs.

 

Mr Hartsuyker said many local projects approved for funding by the previous Coalition Government had now been advised that the approved funding was currently being reviewed and may not be honoured by the Rudd Government.

 

These included upgrades to Coffs Harbour’s SportzCentral and the Valla Community Hall.

 

“These projects have a strong community focus and would not exist if it was not for the good work of the volunteers.

 

“Given the Minister in the previous government signed off on this funding I believe the Rudd Government  - as the new Australian Government – has an obligation to honour that offer and recognise the importance of these projects to the community.”

 

Mr Hartsuyker said the expansion of many local businesses and the creation of more local jobs were also in jeopardy because of the Rudd Government’s inaction on the Sustainable Region’s Program.

 

“These include the expansion of Fairclough and Reynolds, Erskine Dental Supplies and Pacific Vetcare.

 

“If these projects don’t proceed then it will cost our region jobs and deny many  people the opportunity of pursue a career locally.

 

“The only thing that Minister Albanese has decided in his first 100 days is to create more bureaucracy and change the name of a few bodies in the department.

 

“He needs to understand that his indecision is causing tremendous grievance in local communities and that many local projects are being jeopardised as a result.” Mr Hartsuyker said.

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