“We’ve Got to Be Able to Spin on A Dime”: Roads, Rail Network and Rates on the Agenda for New Grains Council President

 

 

The newly-elected president of Victorian Farmers Federation’s (VFF) grains council, Craig Henderson, wants to use his new platform to push the state government to improve the deteriorating central and northern Victorian road network.

 

The Birchip/Warracknabeal-based  farmer was announced as the VFF’s grains division president last week.

 

He’s told Gold that after the wet October, the back roads are in a “very poor state”. 

 

“They still haven’t been fixed and graded,” he said. 

 

“To have a critical infrastructure for the Ag industry, which produces 26 percent or so of our export dollars, in such a poor state is not on, quite frankly.” 

 

The Andrews government has cut road maintenance spending in the past two state budgets. 

 

He added that the rail system is “still not up to scratch” and would continue fighting to resolve ongoing issues such as rates as well. 

 

“But at the same time [we’ve got to] be ready if we have something like a foot and mouth incursion and what that would do to our domestic market scene in Victoria here,” Henderson said.   

  

VFF acting returning officer Brendan Tatham said he looks forward to working with Henderson to “deliver for grain farmers” throughout the state. 

 

“The VFF acknowledges outgoing VFF grains council president and Rutherglen farmer Ashley Fraser for his dedication and passion in the role that he has held since 2019.”