Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am pleased to rise in the House today to welcome the new towns which have been added to Durack following the boundary redistribution in Western Australia. The shires of Bruce Rock, Westonia, Yilgarn, Narembeen and Quairading will join the list of my existing local governments, taking the number up to 51 in my electorate. Additionally, to the self-named shires, I welcome the communities in Shackleton, Ardath, Babakin, Belka, Southern Cross, Bullfinch, Yellowdine, Koolyanobbing, Mt Walker, Mt Arrowsmith, Wadderin, Woolocutty and others to the 300-odd towns and communities in Durack.

These towns are all steeped in rich farming history and I want them to know the Turnbull government is looking out for them. Together with the release of the Agricultural competiveness white paper, this government has a number of new initiatives available for all farmers, such as the $250 million drought and drought recovery concessional loans; $50 million to boost emergency pest and disease eradication; the $35 million Drought Communities Program; and accelerated depreciation for farm equipment like the cost of fencing and water facilities. This is all on top of doubling the farm management deposits to $800,000. To Australia's farmers, the message is clear: the Turnbull government is looking out for you.