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WEDNESDAY, 15 JANUARY, 2025
www.latrobevalleyexpress.ccom.au
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Praise the Lord
By KATRINA BRANDON
Photograph:Traralgon Tennis Association
What’s the alternative?
SEC to go if Libs win
THE new Coalition Leader, Brad Battin, has vowed to abolish Victoria’s revived State Electricity Commission, in an initial announcement of the Coalition’s new policy approach. The state government said it had reestablished the SEC, which was to have a substantial presence in Morwell, to help drive down power prices. The thenpremier Daniel Andrews announced the SEC plan during the 2022 state election campaign and seeded it with $1 billion in public money. However, the SEC 2024 annual report said it had made just one - loss-making - investment, had spent $1.3 million on consultants, and had four board members walk out the door in its first year of operations, with only eight of its 45 staff members executives. The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said the government had promised that the SEC “would be brought back to Morwell”, but the town only had a couple of employees working out of the GovHub. “The SEC is nothing more than a bucket
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government, ready to restore fairness and opportunity for all after 10 years of Labor mismanagement. The Liberals and Nationals new Shadow Cabinet has drawn up a list of critical issues facing the state. These include: Cost of Living Relief: Easing the burden on families by reducing energy costs, cutting taxes and implementing targeted support; Housing: Fast-tracking housing construction, making the dream of home ownership achievable again and ensuring affordable rentals; Infrastructure and Transport: Common sense investment in roads, public transport, and community facilities, particularly in growing areas that have been overlooked; Healthcare: Slashing hospital wait times, boosting ambulance services, and improving access to essential family health services; Safety: Focusing on crime prevention and youth engagement to create neighbourhoods where families feel safe to live, work, and play; Economic Growth and Responsible
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of money going to promotional items for the Labor government to pretend they’re doing something,” Mr Battin told The Australian Financial Review. “There’s no real employment and there’s no real outcomes. The SEC is gone if we win.” Mr Battin, 49, also pledged to halt construction on the controversial Suburban Rail Loop if he becomes Premier, while also putting the $2 billion venture capital fund Breakthrough Victoria under scrutiny, and will look to cut property and payroll taxes to improve investment in Victoria. The Labor Member for Eastern Victoria and Morwell MP, Harriet Shing, was made the Minister responsible for the Suburban Loop at the recent Cabinet reshuffle by Premier Jacinta Allan. The new Coalition team includes former tennis professional, Sam Groth as deputy leader; James Newbury as shadow treasurer; and Bridget Vallence in finance. Mr Battin and the Leader of the Nationals and Gippsland South MP, Danny O’Brien, said they represented a united and motivated alternative
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Wet n’ wild weekend weather
Cricket royalty Lord Ian Botham was in town for the AGL L oy Yang Traralgon Junior International. The Latrobe Valley had an embarrassment of sporting riches last week, with professional basketball, bowls and tennis players all coming to the area. MORE - VALLEY SPORT
By PHILIP HOPKINS
$2.00 $2 00 inc. i GST
Spending: Reducing taxes, stopping wastage of taxpayers’ money, reducing the state’s massive debt, and cutting red tape for small and medium businesses to stimulate job creation and reignite the state’s ‘have a go’ spirit; and, Education: Strengthening schools and expanding vocational opportunities to support everyone to reach their full potential. Mr Battin said the Liberals and Nationals’ mission was clear: to end wasteful spending, get the basics right, and govern for all. “The Liberals and Nationals’ alternative government is committed to rebuilding trust, pride, and delivering results for every family, business, and community,” he said. Mr O’Brien said for too long, Labor had neglected regional Victorians. “Regional Victoria makes up 25 per cent of the state yet receives just 13 per cent of infrastructure funding; our roads are goat tracks, our health services are struggling, and people are battling to find somewhere to live,” he said. Continued - Page 3
HEAVY rain followed days of hot weather across the Latrobe Valley at the weekend. Temperatures reached 30 degrees last Saturday and Sunday (January 11/12), presenting summer storms with lightning, rain, and hail. Saturday saw a lightning storm, which struck many areas in the region, causing fires to start. Four fires were started in the Erica/ Rawson area, a fire in Flynn was re-sparked after it had been lit on Friday afternoon, while fire also broke out in Glenmaggie. Local CFA and other firefighting crews worked hard throughout the weekend to ensure all fires and hotspots were extinguished. A week before the more recent fire events, a fire was recorded in Narracan East on January 5. Authorities have urged communities to remain vigilant. Recent weather patterns and warnings have triggered a Total Fire Ban period. In Extreme Fire Danger Rating areas, already ignited fires can move fast and change as quickly as they were started. If there is a fire in your area, authorities ask that roads are kept clear for emergency vehicles. “Firefighters have had a busy start to the summer already, responding to several incidents. They are ready to respond today, but Victorians need to play their part and not do things that could cause fires or unnecessary callouts,” CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan said. “If you go to the beach or a river during the weekend’s hot weather, always swim with a friend. Stay between the red and yellow flags at beaches and be careful of hidden dangers such as submerged objects, debris and strong currents in inland waterways.” On Sunday, the Latrobe Valley Airport recorded up to 49.8 millimetres of rain throughout the day. High-pressure rain hit around 1.30pm following a warm morning. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was set throughout the East Gippsland area. Those in bushfire-prone areas are advised to keep an eye on the VicEmergency App, monitor local weather conditions and warnings and review your fire survival plan.