Despite over $100 billion dollars in promises flowing across Australia, the electorates of Gippsland and Monash are yet to see any firm signals of funding from candidates.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss says, "Candidates everywhere have been announcing $12 million for a project there, $15 million for that program, yet here in the Latrobe Valley where one power station closed and more closures are being planned, we have not been given any signal that whoever forms government has our back.
"It's reasonable to expect that this region would feature in the big picture thinking for the next four years.
"We've been to Canberra, everyone on all sides of politics have been briefed on this community's real and pressing need for job creation and economic transition.
"Candidates have been making funding promises for projects valued at well over $100 billion and mounting. The idea that there needs to be an application form completed before funds can be allocated just isn't accurate.
"We spoke about the Moe project when we were in Canberra a few months ago. After the election was called I offered the Monash candidates a project briefing, if they had any queries about the project they haven't asked them, but my door remains open.
The #BuildingLatrobe Campaign resulted in thousands of postcards being signed and delivered to the candidates. The project would enable Council to complete the precinct plan, designed to stimulate economic and social outcomes.
Mayor, Graeme Middlemiss says, "As Gippsland's Regional City, our facilities are routinely enjoyed by people right across the Latrobe Valley—including those based deep into the Monash electorate. Many people living west of our City such as Trafalgar and Yarragon love the Moe Library and we hope the Monash candidates are listening.
"I am extremely disappointed that Federal Election candidates have ducked and dodged this issue with a range of evasive excuses while their parties are daily making billions of dollars' worth of promises everywhere else in Australia.
"When the election is decided we will go back banging on doors again and demand to be heard. We will not give up on having this community's voice heard."
Photo Caption: Cr Braw Law, Cr Sharon Gibson and Mayor Cr Graeme Middlemiss
