KEVIN Hogan spent his 100th day as the Federal member for Page getting on with the job.
In the short 100 days of Australia’s 44th Parliament, Mr Hogan has already turned the first sod on the Pacific Highway’s Teven to Pimlico diversion, which is part of the $564.6 million planning and preconstruction work to allow the duplication of the highway between Ballina to Woolgoolga to proceed, secured $1.06 million for the upgrade of Grafton Airport and delivered on of his election promises (see list below).
He has also secured a permanent dedicated McGrath Foundation breast care nurse in Lismore, announced a $821,000 program to help disadvantaged high school students in the Clarence Valley to attend university, as well funding for a range of Southern Cross University research project worth more than $1 million.
In addition to promising a $4.5 million upgrade of Ballina Hospital during the election campaign, Mr Hogan has also spent the last 100 days lobbying Health Minister Peter Dutton to fund a $3 million upgrade of Casino District Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department.
“Nothing is confirmed as yet, but I am hopeful,” Mr Hogan said. “The hospital’s medical and support staff are extremely dedicated and do a wonderful job under very cramped and trying conditions.”
“Just because we live in a regional area, we shouldn’t miss out on the quality health care that is found in the cities.”
“I’m also happy to report that the Government and I have started to tackle the cost of living pressures that are putting the squeeze on so many of our families and seniors.”
“Once the Senate decides to pass the Government’s Carbon Tax Repeal legislations, households will find, on average, an extra $550 in their pockets.
“The signing of the Free Trade Agreement with Korea is also a major boon for our struggling agricultural sector. As the chief executive of the Casino-based Northern Rivers Cooperative Meat Company, Simon Stahl, said welcoming last week’s announcement, it is a major win for the industry.
Korea is Australia’s third-largest export market and our fourth-largest trading partner. Tariffs of up to 300 per cent are currently imposed on Australian exports by Korea. Under the Free Trade Agreement negotiated by the Coalition Government these trade barriers will be eliminated.
“It will translate into more exports and more jobs for Page, and the nation, as it secures our position in a major market where competitors like the United States, the European Union and ASEAN countries are already benefiting from preferential access,” Mr Hogan said.
“The agreement will mean a more profitable industry and more jobs, and it’s only the start. I’ve also been working with local businesses and their chambers of commerce to help reduce the green and red tape that is preventing them from creating jobs – something our community desperately needs.”
As well as working to fulfil his election promises, Mr Hogan has spent much of the past 100 days meeting with a large number of diverse community groups, businesses and individuals to discuss their ideas of what can be done to improve the quality of life of people living in Page.
“It never ceases to amaze me just how positive the different communities in this electorate are. If there is a problem, rather than simply complain they actively try to find a solution,” Mr Hogan said.
“Far from feeling exhausted after 100 days, I feel invigorated and just want to get on with the job.”
What Kevin Hogan has achieved for the Page community in his first 100 days
- Awarded tender for $92 million Teven-Pimlico diversion of Pacific Highway
- Turned the first sod on Teven-Pimlico diversion to allow the second stage of the highway’s duplication between Ballina to Woolgoolga to proceed
- Research funding for Southern Cross University – $1.21 million
- Upgrade of Grafton airport – $1.06 million
- New McGrath Foundation new dedicated breast care nurse based in Lismore
- Funding for Southern Cross University program to encourage disadvantaged high school students to attend university - $821,000
- Completion of Grafton Hockey Clubhouse – $560,000
- Full restoration of Bellman Hangar at Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome and fit-out of museum – $185,000
- Regional Funding Arts Grant for Norpa’s Bundajalung Ngahri project
- Regional Funding Arts Grant for Kyogle-based RealArtWorks’ Nothing is Useless project
- New goal posts at South Grafton’s McKittrick Park
- Completion of the Iluka/Woombah Men’s Shed
- Upgrade of Mid-Richmond Neighbourhood Centre kitchen
Kevin Hogan’s Parliamentary speeches
- Maiden speech
- Jacqueline Freney congratulatory speech after she was named NSW Young Australian of the Year
- Importance of rural research for Page
- Replacing Page’s wooden bridges must be seen as nation-building infrastructure
- Duplication of Pacific Highway will save lives, create local jobs, build a sustainable economy in Page
- Page ready and willing to embrace a digital economy
