OPINION: Reflecting On 2022, Planning For 2023
Whitsunday Life
Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a fantastic time over the festive season and if you are lucky enough to still be on holidays, please stay safe and enjoy your well-earned break.
2022 was a big year.
The start of the year saw our borders reopen and families reuniting at long last. It was the year that we farewelled our beloved Queen Elizabeth II and welcomed our new King Charles III to the throne. In 2022 our mighty NQ Cowboys came so close to the premiership. Fingers crossed the silverware falls into the right hands in 2023.
Of course, it was also the year our nation’s political leadership changed. I respect peoples’ choice to elect a Labor Government under Albanese, however I have significant concerns about the direction that Labor is leading us in.
The Dawson region punches well above its weight in terms of tourism, agriculture and mining. Our resources sector, made up of our hardworking men and women, contributes in droves to the wealth and prosperity of our nation keeping our lights on and our businesses running.
In the last days of 2022, Federal Labor introduced price caps to our coal and gas supply. History has shown that this jeopardises supply, jobs and businesses, and discourages investment. It’s not good news. This issue is squarely in my sights, and I will continue to hold the Government to account on their promise of cheaper (and reliable) energy for all Australians.
In 2022, the previous Liberal National Government committed to key projects being delivered locally. We set aside $420,000 for the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue who do magnificent work keeping us safe on the water. We budgeted and committed $50,000 for Proserpine State School P&C and another $80 million for the construction of the Bowen pipeline.
It was disappointing when Labor revealed they were canning the funding committed to these projects. I will continue to keep up the pressure, to see our region get the investment it deserves.
Speaking of pressure, when Labor neglected the north through the abolishment of the Northern Australia Committee, I made a racquet about it alongside my Coalition colleagues. Within a week, it was reinstated. I am proud to be on this committee, which works to ensure the north gets a fairer share of government spending.
More wins for our region include the Coalition’s Ag Visa agreement with Vietnam being honoured and Townsville AEIOU, education centre for children with Autism, received $2 million funding as previously committed by the Coalition. This shows even in opposition we can achieve for our regions.
I’m 100 per cent committed to growing a stronger future for Dawson. There is a lot of hard work ahead.
As your Federal Member for Dawson, I want to hear from you about your ideas and insights for our region. I’m here to take your voice to Canberra and fight for our great region.
Andrew Willcox’s office is at Level 2/45 Victoria Street, Mackay. His office is contactable on 4944 0662 or via email at andrew.willcox.mp@aph.gov.au