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Christmas is that happy time when families, friends, neighbours and communities get together to celebrate. It is also a chance for people to reflect on the past year and plan for the year ahead.
2009 has been a year filled with challenges – despite some decent rains, ongoing irrigation restrictions continue to cause hardship for farmers and irrigators and oversupply issues in the grape industry remain, with no easy solutions in sight. The Victorian bushfire tragedy earlier this year which reduced many towns to no more than ash, is impossible to forget and serves as a devastating reminder of how we must be well prepared should a bushfire occur during the hot summer months.
I urge everyone to be thankful for family and friends and the camaraderie shared by all Australians, particularly when tragedy or disaster strikes. We really are extremely fortunate to live in Australia, where the quality of life is second to none.
With State Election now only three months away the priorities for the Schubert Electorate remain unchanged – water, hospitals, public transport, schools and roads. I vow to continue to lobby on your behalf to improve the services and infrastructure we currently have and for more investment by Government to be undertaken in the Schubert Electorate.
Water is by far still the most pressing issue facing South Australia. In October we saw billions of litres of water flow out to sea, as reservoirs overflowed - what an absolute waste. Water must be the top priority for the Government elected on 20 March 2010, to provide some surety for farmers, irrigators and all South Australians.
This Christmas I ask you to spare a thought for those who are less fortunate, facing hardship, are alone, sick or have lost loved ones.
Also take the time to pay tribute to all the individuals and groups who do so much to bring Christmas cheer and care to those in need. Many community service groups and organisations are currently working hard to donate to those in need. Christmas is the time of giving, so if you possible can I encourage you to give generously to the various appeals and causes – any donations, big or small, will be gratefully accepted.
Christmas is a time to rejoice and spend quality time with family and loved ones. I urge you all, despite having busy lifestyles to continue this throughout the coming year – take the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and tell them how special they are.
Kay and I would like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy, safe and rewarding 2010.
IVAN VENNING MP
Opposition Whip
Shadow Minister for Ageing
Shadow Minister for Population
Member for Schubert
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