Council
21 March, 2025
Roads and land tax high on Battin’s agenda
VICTORIAN Opposition leader Brad Battin will visit Warrnambool this weekend for an open discussion with residents and business owners.
At the invitation of Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell, Mr Battin will be special guest at an event at City Memorial Bowls Club on Saturday night - where roads and land tax will be high on the agenda.
Mr Battin, the Member for Berwick, took over the reins as Liberal Party leader late last year.
Speaking with the Warrnambool Weekly last Friday afternoon, Mr Battin said he was looking forward to his visit and to speaking with residents and business owners about issues of concern.
“From what I’m hearing, land tax and the state of roads across the district are two of the biggest items of concern,” Mr Battin said.
“I believe the roads across the western district are some of the most neglected in the state and that really concerns me.
“In previous visits, I’ve spent time in Portland and Port Fairy and have been able to meet with various community groups and voluntary organisations.
“The western district is fortunate to have so many thriving groups and so many volunteers working for the betterment of their communities and that’s something you can all be proud of.”
Mr Battin said his visit on the weekend will provide him with the ideal opportunity to “have a chat” to people about land tax and the challenges it poses for businesses and families.
“I’m not one to stand up in front of everyone and talk for half an hour; I’m more about doing a quick 10- minute chat and then talking to people about the real, grass roots issues.”
Ms Britnell said this Saturday’s event would be an ideal opportunity for locals to meet Mr Battin, who she describes as “very personable and keen to get Victoria back on track.”
“He will have the opportunity to tour some local businesses, which contribute so much to the economic growth of the region and Victoria,” Ms Britnell said.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our region.”
Before entering parliament, Mr Battin served in the Victoria Police and had a focus on working with high-risk young people to divert them from the justice system.
He was proud to serve the community in many roles, from Dandenong to the city.
He was also a small business owner in Wheelers Hill.
In 2007 he purchased a Bakers Delight and built a successful franchise that he sold in 2010 to run for the seat of Gembrook.
He was elected in 2010 and continues to raise issues with the current justice system, including the youth justice system in Victoria.
He is proud to represent a growing community with many young families; believing that building trust is the key to building a better future.
Mr Battin’s vision for Victoria’s future is a state where you can achieve anything.
“If we reduce government waste and encourage innovation, we will create jobs, reduce crime and reduce reliance on government support, creating a Victoria we would all be proud of,” he said.
