LABOR’S Bega candidate Leanne Atkinson has released a five-year plan to help tackle unemployment and revive the Far South Coast economy.
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The Sustainable Economic Growth for the Bega Electorate 2015-2020 plan was developed after consultation with business and the broader community over the past two years.
Ms Atkinson said her plan drew from her own broad experience as a business person, particularly specialising in consultancy work on regional development issues, as well as in local government.
“This plan includes Labor’s short and medium term commitments to the region, a Dairy Industry export development proposal, and an innovative medium and long term multifaceted program to address structural issues and promote growth in the region,” Ms Atkinson said.
Ms Atkinson said there was no reason why the Far South Coast could not be as economically strong as other regions which have reinvented themselves, such as the Margaret River in Western Australia.
“We have everything Margaret River has - and more,” Ms Atkinson said.
"That includes strong agriculture and aquaculture, a developing wine and well-developed food industry, great beaches and other tourism attractions, a willing and skilled workforce and a vibrant and exciting culture of arts, craft and music.”
Ms Atkinson said there was a very clear choice between “hard and smart work to develop the economy and create jobs” under Labor, compared with “more austerity, cuts to services, cuts to jobs and power price hikes” under the Liberals.
“My plan is carefully considered and detailed, and it is designed to act as a focal point for the community to look towards a brighter future where our local economy is not stagnating and unemployment is not structural and endemic, as it is now,” Ms Atkinson said.
“This plan draws on local ideas and expertise as well as the experience of other regions which have been in trouble and have fought to build new enterprises and ways of regenerating.
“It is a plan which rejects short term election handouts after four years of neglect by the Liberals which do nothing to sustain our region let alone provide hope for short-term recovery.
“Instead it is a path based on the intelligent strategic thinking of local government, business across all sectors, including agriculture, aquaculture, our tourist operators and those behind potential new industries and ways of developing the economy.”
