DEAR News Of The Area,

MY long-time local family were farmers.

The Country Party was for us.

When it became the National Party, we lost our roots.

I’ve just learned what our local member, Pat Conaghan MP has been voting for and against (see www.theyvoteforyou.org.au).

The Country Party championed the rights of rural communities – to recover with dignity after floods, drought and bushfires, to farm in a way that reduced risk from such natural disasters, to ensure the sustainability of our land, access to university for our children, a fair go for all.

Mr Conaghan’s votes are not those that the old Country Party would have supported.

Sir Earl Page, our Cowper representative 1919-1961 and founder of the Country Party was passionate about more money for the country.

He’d be horrified that flood mitigation works needed in the northern rivers haven’t been funded nor have communities devastated by the 2019 bushfires received the help they desperately need.

Instead we have $5.5 billion on a botched submarine deal and unwanted and unbuildable commuter car parks in the cities.

When you vote, please vote for a representative who will prioritise money for rural communities to build the infrastructure we need to thrive in a harshly changing world.

Thank you,
Colin GRANT,
Coffs Harbour.