Quilpie is first stop for new Prime Minister, Scott Morrison
DROUGHT support and resilience is a main focus for the Federal Government and, at the invitation of Maranoa MP David Littleproud, Scott Morrison has become the first Prime Minister to ever visit Quilpie and also met with the community in Longreach.
“When he was the Treasurer, he approved boosting drought support to $1.8 billion and now, as the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has seen how important this investment is to bush communities – like in Quilpie and Longreach in my electorate – up close,” Mr Littleproud said.
Mr Littleproud and Mr Morrison visited Quilpie’s Stephen and Annabel Tully’s 72,843 hectare property to see and hear first-hand about drought effects and the resilience of local farmers.
“The Tullys are fifth generation farmers bringing up five children on Bunginderry Station, their sheep and cattle property,” Mr Littleproud said.
“So they’re bred tough, but no one is immune from this ongoing drought, and that’s why we’re out here listening and helping.
“We’ve been in drought six or seven years so it was great to have the PM see first-hand what proactive measures – like wild dog fencing and other pest and weed management activities – does for a community going into the future.
“It’s one thing to try to explain something like drought or dog fencing to someone, but it’s always so much better when they see it first-hand.
“Mr Morrison came to learn and didn’t pretend to know it all.
“He listened to locals.” Mr Littleproud represents 42 per cent of rural Queensland – including some of the most remote communities in our state.
“It was great to have the new PM visiting Maranoa and making drought his first priority as PM,” he said.
“One of the best things Australians can do for these drought-affected communities is get off your butt and come out here.
“Visit our towns in rural and remote Queensland and spend a few dollars to keep the local economy going.
“I bet you’ll be met with smiling faces and a cold beer and it’ll make one of the best holidays you’ve ever had, experiencing the Outback and the friendliness of locals.
“I’m so glad that Mr Morrison came to visit our part of the world for his first visit anywhere as the Prime Minister.”