THE last time a sitting Prime Minister visited Goulburn, Rihanna was top of the charts with Umbrella, the stranded coal ship Pasha Bulker had just been pushed off Nobby’s Beach, and the NSW Blues had only lost two Origin series on the trot.
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It was June 2007, when then- Prime Minister John Howard chose Goulburn for the announcement of ‘Australia Connected’, a forerunner to the National Broadband Network.
But that will change next week, when Prime Minister Tony Abbott comes to town on Monday for a morning tea with community groups.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said a “broad cross section” of local community groups had been invited to the morning tea, including service clubs, schools, the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce and sports groups.
“I’ve been wanting the Prime Minister to come here for a while, and I’m delighted he can attend,” Mr Taylor told the Post.
“The Prime Minister’s visit demonstrates the focus on Goulburn, and it’s a recognition that the Goulburn area has large potential.
“The gathering is an opportunity for the Prime Minister to say a few words and mingle with people from community organisations, to listen to their issues and concerns.
“I think a big issue (for discussion) for Goulburn is capitalising on the extraordinary growth and investment in our region.”
In the past, Mr Abbott has been a familiar face in Goulburn as part of the Pollie Pedal cycle ride, raising money for various charities. A keen cyclist, Mr Abbott was a member of the 2010 ride, when the Goulburn leg was held to commemorate former Goulburn Mayor and regular Pollie Pedal participant Max Hadlow.
Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle said that he wouldn’t be raising any issues with Mr Abbott, but would instead take the time to thank him for a number of grants that Council had received.
“Since the 2014-15 Budget, when Federal Assistance Grants for local governments were frozen, Goulburn Mulwaree has successfully applied and gained money for a number of projects,” Cr Kettle said.
Cr Kettle said the projects had included Kippilaw Bridge, Roads to Recovery work, roundabouts throughout the city and the Lansdowne Bridge replacement.
“I particularly want to thank him for his government’s support for our successful grant application for the $10m we received from the National Stronger Regions Fund for the sewage plant upgrade,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to showing the Prime Minister that Goulburn Mulwaree Council is on the go.
“I won’t be raising any issues with Mr Abbott, because when I do have issues I take them up directly with our local Federal MP, who does a very good job of agitating on our behalf.”
The invitation-only morning tea will be held at the Goulburn Soldiers Club from 10.30am.
