THE blue army was out in force to welcome Legislative Council Opposition leader David Ridgway to Mount Gambier as the Liberal Party took the election campaign regional this week.
The Liberals Upper House lead candidate rolled into Mount Gambier on Tuesday afternoon on a tour of country electorates ahead of Saturday’s election.
Mr Ridgway was welcomed by Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier Craig Marsh and a group of volunteers before “pressing the flesh” in the city’s central business district.
Starting the tour in Port Augusta, Mr Ridgway said the regional bus tour aimed to promote the Liberals’ billion-dollar Recharging the Regions plan.
“Our Recharging the Regions plan has a lot of policies that benefit regional communities, like lifting payroll tax, tourism and cuts to the emergency services levy,” he said.
“The Royalties for Regions scheme is certainly the biggest funding policy, with 30pc of mining royalties dedicated for the regions.
“Every year that funding will be committed and as royalties go up, that figure will increase as well.
“We have also got the regional growth fund which is $150m a year for 10 years and that’s around job creation and population growth.”
Mr Ridgway highlighted road infrastructure, the health system and adding value to timber products as priority issues for the electorate.
“Certainly the roads is a continual issue and from that perspective it is important we connect with Victoria as best as we can,” he said.
“The forestry issue has died down a little now, but one of our goals will maximise employment from the timber industry.
“Health is an ongoing concern and our plan to revive regional health boards is something we get a lot of feedback about.
“Health is one of those things people feel a little isolated about, especially in places like Mount Gambier where people expect to have services.”
Mr Marsh said the visit illustrated the Liberal Party’s dedication to regional areas.
“The regions have been neglected by Labor for 16 years and we want to show the people that we care about recharging the regions,” he said.
“The area past the toll gate has been closed by Labor and our perpetual flirtation with independents and it is time Mount Gambier opened up the toll gate.
“This Saturday is our opportunity to have a seat at the table and not be left on the menu anymore.
“Mount Gambier could have a Liberal MP in the next Liberal majority government.”
