Agricultural issues not forgotten in election countdown

BASS candidates were challenged on a number of topics and issues relating to farming and agriculture last week at Grantville Hall.

The event was hosted by Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano, who posed a number of questions.

Audience members were also able to ask their own questions. 

In attendance were candidates Aaron Brown (Liberal), Independents Jeni Jobe and Meg Edwards, Callum Bugbird (Greens) and Brett Tessari (Nationals).

Current Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale (Labor) could not attend the night due to prior commitments. 

The candidates gave a brief introduction on themselves and the matters they felt were important for the electorate, and farming communities. 

One of the key topics discussed was the state government’s Distinctive Areas and Landscapes (DAL) program, with certain overlays in the policy causing concerns for farmers. 

One attendee asked if the Liberal party would abolish some of the overlays and landscape controls sought on agricultural land. 

Mr Brown confirmed that, while the party was supportive in general of the DAL, they would be committed to changing any aspects that would negatively affect farming and agriculture. 

Ms Jobe said she believed the policy was ‘not very well thought out’.

While Mr Tessari also highlighted The Nationals would make any adjustments, adding the DAL was ‘fraught with danger’.

The candidates were also quizzed on the issue of rates, and the vast differences between metro and regional areas and how they would tackle this.

Mr Brown said his party would commit to a review of the rates system, while acknowledging it was a very complicated issue. 

Ms Edwards highlighted councils needed to get ‘back to basics’, while Ms Jobe spoke of the enormous increase in rates she faced when moving back to Phillip Island after living in Melbourne. 

Mr Bugbird also voiced support for a review. 

While Mr Tessari was more blunt in his answer, saying a review had already been conducted into rates and that the state government had done nothing with the recommendations. 

Other topics also included farm crime as well as issues facing other parts of the electorate such as a train line at Koo Wee Rup.