Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland joined over 70 representatives from local businesses for breakfast this week, providing updates about her meetings with AusNet and discussing the ongoing challenges businesses in the region are facing.
Ms Cleeland said the event, hosted by GMCU bank and held at Euroa’s Butter Factory, was a fantastic opportunity to hear from businesses in town about issues they were facing following recent power outages, land tax hikes, and WorkCover challenges.
“Euroa can be such an incredibly appealing option for potential residents, visitors, and business owners, but it is in need of some support,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Individuals, families, and businesses are rightly concerned that land tax hikes will lead to increased pressure on households, increased costs to running a business, and increased rents.
“I’ve had constituents tell me that latest land tax increase was the final straw for them as they have now decided to close their businesses and move interstate.
“Additionally, Victoria is the only state in Australia that has experienced a decline in the number of businesses, 7606 businesses have moved interstate or stopped trading last year, it’s a startling figure.
“After speaking with businesses, workers, allied health professionals and return to work specialists we understood a WorkCover freeze was needed to provide financial relief and improved certainty to businesses.”
Ms Cleeland also provided updates on her meeting with both the AusNet CEO and the Energy Minister, saying more meetings were planned in the coming weeks.
“I am hoping to receive clear details of how AusNet and the Labor Government are planning on resolving the power issues that have plagued our region,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Unfortunately, at the moment, businesses and locals are wearing the costs.”
