Fixing mobile black spots and funding for road upgrades will be the main topics of discussion during community visits by Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Regional Transport Darren Chester.
Senator McKenzie and Mr Chester will visit Charlton, Wycheproof, Birchip, Donald and Murtoa today. In Charlton they will visit the Charlton Driver Education Centre.
Senator McKenzie said Nationals candidate for Mallee Andrew Broad had raised the issue of road upgrades with Mr Chester.
She said the recently released Coalition policy to Improve Road Safety would have a positive impact on the people they met with.
‘‘Andrew Broad is a dedicated advocate for this area and road upgrades and fixing mobile black spots are just two examples of how he wants to serve the electorate of Mallee,’’ Senator McKenzie said.
The policy will continue the Roads to Recovery and Road Blackspots programs to help councils maintain and repair local roads and includes $10 million to support the ‘Keys2Drive’ program which will target the driving skills of young people who continue to feature disproportionately in deadly road accidents.
She said the Coalition’s $100 million Mobile Black Spot Program was another policy that would make a difference in regional people’s everyday lives.
‘‘In our high tech digital age, mobile black spots in regional areas are unacceptable,’’ Senator McKenzie said.
On Wednesday they will be joined by Mr Broad in Horsham.
Mr Broad said the Mobile Black Spot Program would target areas in the Wimmera and Mallee regions.
“Mobile phone black spots are having a major negative economic and social impact on these communities,” Mr Broad said.
Senator McKenzie said it was great to be meeting locals and hearing their concerns firsthand.
‘‘Voters want change and The Nationals can provide that change,’’ Senator McKenzie said.
‘‘Regional and rural towns have been ignored by the Federal Government for far too long.’’
For updates follow @senbmckenzie and @DarrenChesterMP on Twitter or head to Senator Bridget McKenzie’s Facebook page.
Media contact: Kathleen Tonini mob: 0400530027