MP to open office in Leongatha
A POLITICIAN will open the first electorate office in Leongatha since 1970.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Danny O’Brien, last week announced he would open an office in Leongatha to better service the people of South Gippsland.
The last MP to have an office in the shire was Sir Herbert Hyland, who was Gippsland South MLA until 1970.
Mr O’Brien said the office, to be located at 36 Bair Street, would provide the people of South Gippsland better access to their elected state representatives.
“I have discussed this idea with Member for Gippsland South, Peter Ryan, over the past few months and he is very supportive of The Nationals having a presence in South Gippsland Shire. We both expect to use the office as a base and for meeting constituents,” he said.
“With the exception of Wonthaggi, all state and federal MPs offices in Gippsland are stretched out along the Princes Highway. Although technology makes it easier to connect with your local MP these days, there’s a lot to be said for face to face contact and the new office will enable that to occur more often.
“With the Gippsland South electorate office based in Sale and my own office in Traralgon, this is an opportunity to bring representation that little bit closer to the people of Leongatha, Korumburra, Meeniyan, Foster, Fish Creek, Nyora, Poowong and other communities in South Gippsland.”
Mr O’Brien said the office was additional to his Traralgon office, and would be open part-time initially as demand and opening hours are trialled.
“The Nationals are committed to putting country Victoria first and we have a proud history of looking after the needs of South Gippsland. I hope this new office will be a small repayment of the support we have received over the years and further evidence of our commitment to the region,” he said.
“South Gippsland has a bright future with agriculture and dairy in particular likely to be a boom industry in the coming decades. Tourism continues to grow and more and more people are moving to the region to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquillity.
“The Nationals will be there to support the region and to ensure we get our fair share from this new Labor Government.”
John Smallman, president of the Leongatha branch of The Nationals, welcomed the new office.
“It will be good for South Gippsland because we will now have three Nationals politicians promoting South Gippsland: Danny, Senator Bridget McKenzie and Peter Ryan,” he said.
Office on the way: John Smallman (left) of Mardan, president of the Leongatha branch of The Nationals, with Danny O’Brien, Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, outside Mr O’Brien’s Leongatha office, to open soon.
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