The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP and Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism Kevin Hogan MP have hosted two days of round table meetings with leaders of the local tourism and agricultural sector.
“It’s fantastic to be able to bring the Nationals Deputy Leader to the Hinkler region this week and meet face to face with local advocates,” said Mr Batt.
“We are hearing about the great achievements, opportunities, and challenges facing local businesses.
I’m always proud and committed to showcasing first class businesses who are exporting across the globe and celebrate the tourism sector which is also famous across Australia and the world.”
Mr Batt and Mr Hogan visited seafood exporters, whale boat operators, farmers, hospitality, tourism providers and hosted three round table meetings.
“We, as the Nationals, will always support regional Australia and deliver a cheaper, better, fairer future.”
Mr Hogan said the Hinkler region is an economic powerhouse with plenty of opportunity.
“What we’re looking to do from stakeholder engagement is to reach good policy settings because we want this area to flourish. We want more jobs for local kids if they want to live here and stay here,” said Mr Hogan.
Mr Hogan said the Nationals energy plan has been at the heart of many discussions while he visits the region.
“We were speaking to an exporter who has huge diesel bills and huge energy costs. We believe that Labor’s obsession with leading the world in cutting emissions is unaffordable and indeed unattainable.
We want to lower emissions, but only to the level of other OECD countries.”
Bundaberg Region Tourism CEO Katherine Reid thanked Mr Batt for inviting Mr Hogan to the region.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for our operators to share a little bit about our beautiful backyard, but also the opportunities that they have with regulatory reform and also the challenges and pain points where they need assistance.
The biggest challenge right now is workforce, and the cost of living and housing that impacts the workforce as well, we’re exploring ways with all levels of government, as the regional tourism organisation to support our industry.”