By Peter Douglas
Yarra Valley community leaders enjoyed the chance to provide input on the policy direction of the Victorian Opposition on Monday 31 July.
With State Elections due in November next year, the Shadow Cabinet took time out to descend on the Memo in Healesville for a special luncheon, with community leaders encouraged to network and ‘grab the ear’ of the ministers to highlight grassroots issues.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and Nationals Leader Peter Walsh were among the MPs to attend, with Eildon MP Cindy McLeish also making the most of the opportunity.
Representatives from local emergency services, Yarra Ranges Tourism, Yarra Ranges Council and the Eastern Community Legal Centre were among those to attend.
Mr Guy told the guests the luncheon was part of the Opposition’s plan to grow Victoria through engaging with non-central Melbourne regions.
“We’re here to talk with you, have those conversations on your patch. This is where good policy comes from,” Mr Guy said.
“Too often in politics, Australians see politicians focus on the next 24 hours, maybe the next two to three years. We want to fundamentally change that debate.”
Mr Guy said the Opposition wanted to see more growth in outer-suburban and regional areas.
“You can’t run a state with a two or even three-speed economy. So we want to start to grow all of Victoria,” he said.
“What that means for a place like the Yarra Valley is making sure you’ve got the State Government working with local governments and local groups to champion local projects, local ideas and local industry.
“So that not just yourselves, but your children and future generations, don’t have to leave here to get a good job. You don’t have to leave your local community in order to succeed.
“Indeed, you can be a magnet here for others to come and grow their business opportunities.”
Mr Walsh agreed the luncheon would shape policy moving forward.
“We’re currently going through the policy development process coming up to the election next November,” Mr Walsh said.
“So it’s your chance to put forth the issues you think should be included in policy.”
In addition to the luncheon, Mr Guy also took the opportunity to walk the main street of Healesville to speak with residents and business owners.
