The first 200 days in office

By Lachlan Ellis

Believe it or not, it’s been over 200 days since the federal election, and a local MP has shared his thoughts on his time representing most of Moorabool so far.

Sam Rae was elected the inaugural Member for Hawke following the election on 21 May, and said it had been “a very busy 200 days”.

“We’ve wasted no time in delivering on our promises. $10 million was secured in the October budget to kickstart the Western Highway Upgrade with a detailed business case. This is the critical first step in ensuring our community can get to work efficiently and home to their families safely,” Mr Rae told the Moorabool News.

“We’ve also secured funding for upgrades to local schools and community infrastructure such as $400,000 for Federation Park in Darley.”

Mr Rae said it had also been a significant period in Canberra, with “some very important legislation passing”.

“The Secure Jobs, Better Pay bill was passed just a couple of weeks ago, which will see a much-needed lift in wages. This follows the 5.2 per cent increase to the minimum wage shortly after the election,” he said.

“Since coming to government, we have also been delivering cost of living relief by slashing the cost of medicines at our local pharmacies and delivering cheaper childcare – something I was particularly proud of.”

On two local projects of note in Moorabool – the Bacchus Marsh indoor pool (or lack of one), and the Western Renewables Link – Mr Rae said he was working hard to advocate for the community’s needs and concerns.

“Since being elected, I have been fighting continuously to have the [Western Renewables Link] project reviewed. I don’t support the proposal in its current form. AEMO have recently commenced a process of review for components of the project, and I will be fighting for a better outcome for our community in Hawke,” he said.

“I strongly support the Bacchus Marsh pool and I’ll continue to work across all stakeholders to get it built. My local priority for our community this year has been to kickstart the Western Highway upgrade with the $10 million commitment secured in October’s budget.”

Unfortunately for Moorabool, the Bacchus Marsh indoor pool didn’t receive the $15 million needed from this year’s Federal Budget, which would complement $15 million from Council and $10 million from the State Government and get the project fully funded.