Willcox Prepares To Make A Stand

Concerned that local community groups and infrastructure investment are suffering from a series of newly imposed taxes, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says he is preparing to stand up and fight for “our fair share” leading up to the budget in May.

Mr Willcox asserts that our region has suffered “slashes and cuts to vital regional programs” since the Labor Government took over 10 months ago.

He warns that Dawson has been completely left behind by the new Government.

“The Mobile Blackspot Program, Building Better Regions Fund, Community Development Grants and Improving Mobile Coverage Round have all been slashed,” Mr Willcox said.

“When I was Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, programs like the Building Better Regions Fund launched us into overdrive. Investments like the $3.75 million Cannon Valley Reservoir future-proofed the region for years to come.”

He also cites the Community Development Grants, which he believes are now amongst the programs on the chopping block.

“In Dawson, the Northern Beaches Community Hub, the Home Hill State School Hall, the Burdekin Multipurpose Outdoor Stadium, and the Mackay Basketball Seating Upgrades, were all supported by the Community Development Grants,” he explains.

“Cutting these programs is a huge kick in the guts to regional Australia, and it’s slamming on the breaks for our communities.

“There are delays galore, and our community groups and organisations have been left in limbo, with no certainty for our future.”

Mr Willcox says he is standing up for regional Queensland and standing strong with his Nationals colleagues to get Dawson’s “fair share”.

“I’ve always said I’ll work with anyone to grow a stronger Dawson, but what Labor’s doing to our region needs to be called out,” he said.

“Leading up to the budget in May, I’m definitely not going to be quiet on this.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, demands a “fair share” for our region. Photo supplied

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