February 16, 2009
The Federal Leader of The Nationals Warren Truss will inspect fire affected parts of the Latrobe Valley and Yarram during a visit to the region on Wednesday (February 18, 2009).
Mr Truss will join a team of The Nationals MPs as guest speaker at a function at the Yarram Country Club along with meeting community members affected by the tragic fires.
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said it was important for the nation’s leaders to gain a first-hand understanding of the magnitude of the fires which killed 21 people and destroyed approximately 100 homes.
“I invited Warren to visit Gippsland to make sure he gains a better understanding of the longer term challenges we will face in rebuilding our community.”
“I have already briefed Warren on the extent of damage to homes and farmland but nothing beats a personal visit to discuss with locals the needs for ongoing government assistance.”
The visit to Yarram will include State Leader Peter Ryan, along with Member for Eastern Victoria Region Peter Hall and Member for Morwell Russell Northe. The team will meet with community representatives in Yarram and Port Albert before the community meeting at 12.30pm.
“This meeting was planned well before the fires and we have invited Warren to come along to provide a national perspective to the issues facing rural and regional communities” Mr Chester said.
“We look forward to discussing ideas for the future of the Yarram district”.