The Nationals candidate for Murray Valley, Tim McCurdy and Jeanette Powell, The Nationals Member for Shepparton, were in Beechworth and Wangaratta this week (Wednesday 21^st).

Mr McCurdy and Mrs Powell met with Indigo Shire Council in the morning then travelled to Wangaratta to meet with locals and Mr Graham Nickless at Wangaratta Unlimited.

Mrs Powell said the meeting with Indigo Shire was important as it was recently named in the ‘Whelan Report’ as one of 18 small rural councils that face significant challenges.

“The Nationals understand the challenges faced by rural councils with a small rate base and were keen to hear of Indigo Shire’s specific issues.”

Tim McCurdy said that the Indigo Shire discussions included the need for VicRoads to match the shire dollar for dollar to continue the bypass strategy for Rutherglen.

“Importantly, we discussed the need to remove the trucks from the main street.

“The next phase of the bypass is to examine the environmental and social impacts of the best routes,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Other issues of concern to the council were the inadequate funding for control of roadside weeds and the continual increase in costs for the library.

“As a former councillor of the Moira shire I understand the struggle that faces each shire to maintain an excellent level of service with minimal increase in the rates.”

In the afternoon Mr McCurdy and Mrs Powell travelled to Wangaratta to meet with Graham Nickless of Wangaratta Unlimited.

Mr McCurdy said it was explained that Wangaratta Unlimited is the Rural City of Wangaratta's economic development arm and is committed to encouraging new investment and creating the right environment for businesses to achieve growth.

“This was an excellent meeting and it was important to hear of Wangaratta Unlimited’s initiatives to promote, enhance and generate sustainable economic development within the Rural City of Wangaratta,” Mr McCurdy said.

Mrs Powell said the visit was about listening to and talking with local representatives in Murray Valley to understand their needs.

“Tim showed he has an excellent understanding of local issues.

“He is an outstanding candidate for The Nationals and will make a tremendous Member for Murray Valley,” Mrs Powell said.