Anne Urquhart is on King Island today to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver additional funding for Phoenix Community House.

The $81,123 election commitment will fund new play equipment, and a new public amenities block attached to the community gardens.

Phoenix House offers a wide range of important services and support to the King Island community. It hosts the King Island Men’s Shed, King Island Community Garden, Parents’ Group and health and wellbeing activities for the King Island community.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Senator Anne Urquhart

I am a regular visitor to King Island and to Phoenix House. It’s a great service and is very important for the King Island community. House Manager Sally Haneveer has recently been recognised as the King Island Citizen of the Year, which is a testament to the hard work that she and her staff put into caring for the King Island community. I am very pleased to be able to announce a re-elected Albanese Government will extend the services the House is able to offer.

Three environmental groups have made applications under Australia’s national environment laws seeking to end fish farming in Macquarie Harbour.  These groups argue that salmon farming is having an unacceptable impact on the endangered Maugean Skate. There are legal provisions that require the Federal Minister for the Environment to consider these applications prior to making a decision on whether any further action should be taken.

As a result, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has begun consultation about the future of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour. 

The consultation period is open until 2 February 2024.

This is your opportunity to have your say about the future of the industry, and what it means to you and the local community.

Further information about how you can have your say is available on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s website at: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/epbc-macquarie-harbour

I strongly support the salmon farming industry - and the Federal Government understands that the industry is an integral part of the Strahan community.  It supports good, well-paid jobs that are vital to the community and local economy.

I know this is a difficult issue for many people. You have my commitment that I will continue to stand up for you, for jobs and for the local community.

The Greens and the Liberals have blocked Labor's Housing Affordability Future Fund and it's costing people the chance of a home.