Monash MP Mary Aldred with members of the Phillip Island RSL. By Mary Aldred
WE RESIDE in one of Australia’s most beautiful regions, but there are a number of serious challenges the Bass Coast community is contending with right now. As I highlighted in my first speech to the Federal Parliament, our coastline is retreating, and our communities are being left to deal with the consequences.
Erosion and inundation are not distant problems; they are happening now, in our region and in many coastal communities across Australia. That is why I have called for a nationally coordinated action plan on coastal erosion. Paths, beaches and infrastructure that locals have cherished for generations are being washed away while governments at every level remain slow to act.
WE RESIDE in one of Australia’s most beautiful regions, but there are a number of serious challenges the Bass Coast community is contending with right now. As I highlighted in my first speech to the Federal Parliament, our coastline is retreating, and our communities are being left to deal with the consequences.
Erosion and inundation are not distant problems; they are happening now, in our region and in many coastal communities across Australia. That is why I have called for a nationally coordinated action plan on coastal erosion. Paths, beaches and infrastructure that locals have cherished for generations are being washed away while governments at every level remain slow to act.
From Inverloch to Venus Bay to Phillip Island, residents are seeing firsthand what happens when both federal and state governments drag their feet. Erosion along the Inverloch foreshore has already damaged walking paths, car parks and sections of beach that locals have cherished for generations.
Local commitment to protecting our shores is strong, but it has not been matched by those who hold leadership in Canberra. I will continue to keep the pressure on this government to ensure that our coastal communities get the attention and support they need.
These are not just environmental issues. They are economic and community ones. The Phillip Island penguin colony is one of Australia’s most important natural attractions. Each year, more than 700,000 people visit to see the nightly parade, supporting hundreds of local jobs and small businesses. If coastal erosion continues unchecked, it will threaten wildlife habitats and one of Victoria’s strongest regional tourism economies. The longer this government delays taking real action, the higher the cost will be for both the environment and local livelihoods.
Over recent weeks, I’ve been meeting residents across the coast through our mobile office initiative in Inverloch, Wonthaggi and on the Island. These visits provide an opportunity to hear directly from locals about their most pressing concerns. And from all my interactions, whether it’s aged care, health, housing affordability, the cost of running a small business or fixing our roads, one message keeps coming through.
I've also hosted a number of community roundtables, including one with week with the Shadow Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport, Senator Anne Ruston. I invited aged care providers from across the Monash electorate to attend highlight the key challenges they are facing right now.
Wherever I go across the Monash electorate, cost of living pressures remain the number one challenge for many local residents. Power bills, rent, insurance and grocery costs continue to climb, while many small businesses are working longer hours just to stay afloat. That is why I am focussed on highlighting the need to address economic repair and recovery.
Our veterans groups and RSLs provide important support and advocacy for their members, and I am meeting with them regularly. Most recently I met with members of the Wonthaggi, Phillip Island and Inverloch RSLs to discuss the implementation of the Royal Commission report into Defence and Veteran Suicide. I look forward to attending the service at Inverloch RSL on Remembrance Day.
Bass Coast is a strong and vibrant community. From small business owners and surf lifesavers to veterans and volunteers, I’ll keep fighting for our region every day to make sure you are heard.
Mary Aldred is the Member for Monash. This is the first of a regular column that will offer a glimpse behind the scenes of life in Canberra and her travels across the Monash electorate.
Local commitment to protecting our shores is strong, but it has not been matched by those who hold leadership in Canberra. I will continue to keep the pressure on this government to ensure that our coastal communities get the attention and support they need.
These are not just environmental issues. They are economic and community ones. The Phillip Island penguin colony is one of Australia’s most important natural attractions. Each year, more than 700,000 people visit to see the nightly parade, supporting hundreds of local jobs and small businesses. If coastal erosion continues unchecked, it will threaten wildlife habitats and one of Victoria’s strongest regional tourism economies. The longer this government delays taking real action, the higher the cost will be for both the environment and local livelihoods.
Over recent weeks, I’ve been meeting residents across the coast through our mobile office initiative in Inverloch, Wonthaggi and on the Island. These visits provide an opportunity to hear directly from locals about their most pressing concerns. And from all my interactions, whether it’s aged care, health, housing affordability, the cost of running a small business or fixing our roads, one message keeps coming through.
I've also hosted a number of community roundtables, including one with week with the Shadow Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport, Senator Anne Ruston. I invited aged care providers from across the Monash electorate to attend highlight the key challenges they are facing right now.
Wherever I go across the Monash electorate, cost of living pressures remain the number one challenge for many local residents. Power bills, rent, insurance and grocery costs continue to climb, while many small businesses are working longer hours just to stay afloat. That is why I am focussed on highlighting the need to address economic repair and recovery.
Our veterans groups and RSLs provide important support and advocacy for their members, and I am meeting with them regularly. Most recently I met with members of the Wonthaggi, Phillip Island and Inverloch RSLs to discuss the implementation of the Royal Commission report into Defence and Veteran Suicide. I look forward to attending the service at Inverloch RSL on Remembrance Day.
Bass Coast is a strong and vibrant community. From small business owners and surf lifesavers to veterans and volunteers, I’ll keep fighting for our region every day to make sure you are heard.
Mary Aldred is the Member for Monash. This is the first of a regular column that will offer a glimpse behind the scenes of life in Canberra and her travels across the Monash electorate.