Federal election 2022: Melissa Price looks back on ‘privilege’ of being Member for Durack
The ocean never looked more enticing than last Christmas in Geraldton when we all went in search of the air con on that 45C-plus day. With the next Federal election looming, I took time to reflect on and appreciate how special it is to call Geraldton home. I also reflected on the privilege I have had for some time in being the Federal Member for Durack.
I am proud to work hard every day to represent and fight for the people of Geraldton and the Mid West. The importance of representing this community around the Cabinet table and being the voice of regional Western Australia in Canberra is a responsibility I take very seriously.
The very busy and enjoyable six-week campaign has again reminded me of the honour of being the Member for Durack. For me, campaigns are always a good time to take stock of what has been achieved and what is still to be done across Geraldton and the Mid West. It has been very valuable to catch up with so many locals at recent events and on pre-poll. Durack voters are very respectful and I thank you for all your positive (and the not so positive) comments and feedback. It has been much appreciated.
The Durack electorate underwent a boundary redistribution on its western edge. Getting to know my new constituents has been an aspect of this campaign that has kept me even more on the move. Durack now runs further south, picking up some more of the west’s gorgeous coastal communities like Lancelin, across to Gingin and Northam.
Whilst our quality of life in the Mid West is to be celebrated, the transformation and diversification of the local economy has always been an important focus for me too. New projects like Geraldton’s Strike Energy low carbon fertiliser facility, and Vanadium Australia’s Meekatharra and Tenindewa battery projects, are key to our future.
Funding and maintaining safe roads is always a priority which supports both our economy and quality of life, like the installation of Geraldton’s Cathedral Avenue roundabout. I am also very proud of the $22.4 million in this Budget for an upgrade of freight roads in our local agricultural communities.
My support of the Geraldton Universities Centre underpins our economic growth, so locals can live, work and study where they call home, building our workforce with locals. It makes a lot of sense to me.
I celebrate the community I live in, particularly during this National Volunteers Week and I thank those volunteers who selflessly contribute to our local communities. I work hard to ensure they have important equipment, such as the backup generator for the Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group.
It has also been a joy to meet and work with the enthusiastic Jetty for Geraldton volunteers. I am looking forward to progressing that project should I have the honour of being re-elected on Saturday.
Melissa Price is the Member for Durack