Friday 2 November 2018
An elected Liberal Nationals Government will address the growing issue of food insecurity in Ballarat providing the funds for Foodbank and Ballarat Foundation to partner to establish a Foodbank Hub for the Grampians region.
Currently more than 12 per cent of people in the Ballarat community need access to emergency food relief each year with enormous pressure on local food distribution charities. Food sent to the Grampians region has increased by 45 per cent over the last three years alone.
If elected a Liberal Nationals Government will provide $1.5 million to build the Foodbank Hub in Ballarat.
This funding will secure delivery of stage one work which will open the door to opportunities for food retail social enterprise education and training to be offered locally in Ballarat and for the Grampians region.
The commitment comes as Foodbank Victoria is looking for opportunities to establish a food distribution hub in Ballarat.
Population growth is out of control and people in Ballarat and across our State are paying the price with higher costs of living higher energy bills and housing becoming more unaffordable.
Foodbank provides critical support to vulnerable Victorians with more than 8 million kilograms of food distributed in 2016-17 ‘“ the equivalent of putting more than 14 million meals on tables for people in need.
It’s the largest non-profit food distribution network in the state partnering with 470 local charities to deliver healthy food to communities across Victoria. They also work with 500 primary schools across Victoria to deliver 50 000 healthy breakfasts each week for primary students who arrive at school with an empty stomach.
Only a Liberal Nationals Government will have a comprehensive plan to get back in control of the cost of living so Victorians get back control over their household budget.
Comment attributable to Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Decentralisation Peter Walsh
Food distribution centres are a critical support for the most vulnerable Victorians which is why the Liberal Nationals will kickstart work on establishing one in Ballarat.
The skyrocketing cost-of-living is forcing Victorians to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table which is why these services are so critical in our communities.
Comment attributable to Member for Ripon Louise Staley
This food distribution centre will provide improved food security for people in western Victoria.
It will help to relieve pressure on local charities providing a space to source store and distribute food more efficiently to people in need in the community.
Comment attributable to Liberal candidate for Wendouree Amy Johnson
We need to make sure people who need support in our community can get it.
Skyrocketing cost of living is putting pressure on families and others. A food distribution centre for Ballarat will make sure families and local residents who need this service can get assistance close to home.
Comment attributable to Liberal candidate for Buninyong Andrew Kilmartin
With more people going hungry than ever before food distribution centres provide critical support to those who need it most in our community.
With a rental vacancy rate of 1.1 per cent and power bills up 85 per cent since the closure of Hazelwood Power Station sadly we’re seeing growing demand for these critical services in Ballarat.