Peter Dutton is in Lyons again with salmon workers and cash for Sorell project
A date hasn’t been set for the next federal election yet but Lyons is shaping up as a must win seat for the Liberals. Read about Peter Dutton’s second visit in a month.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton is making his second visit to the key seat of Lyons in a month with a cash splash for a community cultural precinct at Sorell.
Mr Dutton, Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam and Liberal candidate for Lyons Susie Bower will meet with salmon industry workers in Triabunna and also announce $2.25m for the Sorell project which includes the relocation of the men’s shed.
On his last visit he promised $150m for an irrigation scheme to provide a vital water supply for farmers in Tasmania’s South-East.
The Liberals are hoping to win back Lyons, one of the most marginal seats in Australia and held by Labor for three terms.
Mr Dutton has said he wants to ensure the future of the salmon industry in Macquarie Harbour and the rest of the state.
“We would end this drawn out uncertainty and make a decision in favour of industry and we would change the laws to ensure this never happens again,” he said.
“This will now be the second Christmas salmon workers have been denied certainty by (Prime Minister) Mr Albanese.”
Senator Duniam said Labor had a history of “teaming up with the Greens”
“Labor and the Greens stopped the Franklin Dam, they stopped two pulp mills from being built, they’ve decimated the forestry industry, and now they’re looking to shut down the salmon industry,” he said.
Ms Bower accused Labor of “trading salmon jobs to keep mainland Greens happy”.
“The salmon industry has reinvigorated the town of Triabunna,” she said.
“Rebecca White and Labor can’t be trusted not to do another deal with the Greens that would see the shut down of the salmon industry and communities like this.”
The Sorell cultural precinct has been a priority project for the Sorell Council — under an elected Dutton Government.
The funding will deliver an amphitheatre and performing arts facilities, food truck spaces, accessible seating and paths, gardens and public amenities.
With a co-contribution funding from the Sorell Council, the Sorell Men’s Shed will relocate from Station Lane.
Mr Dutton said Ms Bower had been a “fierce advocate” for the project.
“She is working every day to represent the needs of her local community and that’s why this great new precinct will make Sorell’s centre an even more attractive place to spend time in and will drive more activity to local businesses.
“Men’s Sheds are a really important part of communities. They assist thousands of men and their families across the country and I’m pleased that this funding will assist in making sure they have the facilities they need to continue to thrive and support their membership.”
Ms Bower said the community precinct and the relocation of the men’s shed was “a game changer for Sorell”.
“This project has been in the works since 2018, but this funding will finally make it a reality.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Peter Dutton is in Lyons again with salmon workers and cash for Sorell project
Tearful owner describes heartbreaking moment ship sunk
A couple sailing their historic 20 metre 1958 Pilot Cutter struck danger in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel south of Woodbridge, igniting a rescue as the ship sunk. What the owner said:
Fire bombing aircraft continues to target West Coast flames
Tasmania Fire Service have provided an update on the bushfire situation on the West Coast, along with an update on the danger facing the iconic Overland Track.