McBride unveils vision for the future

INDEPENDENT Member for MacKillop, Nick McBride has launched a comprehensive strategic document outlining his vision and priorities for the electorate in the lead-up to the March state election.

Mr McBride said the document was the result of engagement with the MacKillop community and a reflection of his commitment to delivering real, outcomes-focused advocacy.

“Representing MacKillop is a privilege” Mr McBride said. “This diverse, hardworking region punches above its weight, and I’m committed to ensuring it continues to receive the recognition and investment it deserves.

“I’ve developed this strategic document by listening to the people of MacKillop. It’s a roadmap built from lived experience and local insight—designed to encourage meaningful action from the state government.”

The document outlines priorities across key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, health, housing, and education.

Central to Mr McBride’s vision is a stronger focus on collaboration, transparency, and ensuring regional communities are not left behind.

Key priorities include:

· Stronger protections for agriculture – including certainty on water policy, aquifer protection, and mining exploration safeguards.

· Critical investment in infrastructure – such as drainage networks, coastal protection, and transparent road maintenance funding based on road condition data.

· Regional housing solutions – with cost-of-build considerations, and investment in essential infrastructure like water and power.

· Improved health access – including upgraded local hospitals, better PATS support, a push for a dual diagnosis mental health and addiction service and support for radiation treatment options.

· Support for local councils and sporting clubs – advocating for fairer funding models and new programs to help clubs become “grant ready”.

· Urgent childcare reform – addressing workforce shortages and infrastructure gaps that are holding back economic participation and growth.

Mr McBride is also calling for greater transparency in government decision-making, urging all levels of government to communicate more clearly with communities about spending, service delivery, and long-term planning.

“We can’t afford to just highlight the problems, we have to put forward practical, locally driven solutions,” he said. “This document is a call to action. MacKillop deserves its fair share of funding, and I will continue to advocate strongly to ensure our region is properly supported.

“This is a collaborative vision. It’s about working together—with councils, communities, state and federal partners—to build a stronger future for MacKillop.”

Head to www.nickmcbride.com.au to view the Strategic Roadmap.