Constituency questions
Eildon electorate
Ms McLEISH (Eildon) (11:40): (2305) My question is to the Minister for Water. Will the minister commit to securing the future of the recreational and tourism industry at Lake Eildon by ensuring adequate resources are made available so that the industry can thrive and build more jobs? The minister commissioned the strategic advisory panel review of Goulburn-Murray Water, which was handed down over two years ago now. Amongst other things it called for a separate business unit in Goulburn-Murray Water for non-core or recreational and tourism business. As nothing has happened since and there has been no consultation, the tourism industry at Lake Eildon is extremely frustrated. A restructure at Goulburn-Murray Water now leaves no-one with the skills to work with the Lake Eildon tourism industry to capitalise on the tremendous opportunities for economic development and job creation that exist. This is a $500 million industry which currently supports 2500 jobs. It is an incredibly important industry to the region with enormous potential. They need the support from the minister.