The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has blasted the Allan Labor Government for approving the controversial Meadow Creek Solar Farm, calling it a “dirty deal that sells out regional Victoria and tramples local communities.” Mr McCurdy said Labor’s Planning Minister had forced through the permit for the massive solar project at Meadow Creek Road, ignoring legitimate objections from local farmers, landholders, and even water authorities. “Goulburn Murray Water ini

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has slammed the Allan Labor Government’s decision to double its pet tax on dogs and cats, calling it another cruel hit to families already struggling with rising costs. From July next year, Labor will increase the levy from $4.51 to $9 per animal, a tax collected through local council registration fees and funnelled straight into State Government coffers. Mr McCurdy said the move forces councils to act as Labor’s tax collec

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has slammed Premier Jacinta Allan for breaking her promise to ban face coverings at protests, labelling the decision yet another sign that Labor is weak on crime and public safety. Mr McCurdy said Victorians have had enough of violent protests and weak leadership. “Premier Allan promised in December last year to ban face masks at protests, but nearly a year later we’re still seeing violent and disruptive demonstrations in M

Victoria’s net debt is spiralling out of control, now increasing by more than $2 million every hour under the Allan Labor Government, according to the Financial Report for the State of Victoria 2024–25 tabled in Parliament last week. The report reveals Victoria’s net debt has surged by $17.6 billion in just 12 months, that’s more than $48 million a day. It also highlights: A $106 million shortfall in payroll tax revenue due to weaker employment outcomes; Employee expenses exc

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has called on the Allan Labor Government to urgently intervene to save the Falls Creek childcare and kindergarten service, which is facing possible closure following a recent review. Speaking in Parliament this week, Mr McCurdy said the situation was deeply concerning and risked the future of families, businesses and the year-round community at Falls Creek. “Falls Creek is not just a winter destination, it’s a year-round co

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says the message from the 2025 Elmore Field Days was clear; regional and rural Victorians have had enough of the Allan Labor Government’s unfair Fire Services Property Levy. Mr McCurdy said The Nationals’ petition to #ScrapTheTax drew overwhelming support, with people lining up in two queues to sign and show their frustration with the $3 billion tax hike. “Our emergency service volunteers are the ones who stand on the front

The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, today in Parliament called on the Victorian Government to urgently broaden the eligibility criteria for business support grants to ensure all affected businesses across the Ovens Valley receive the assistance they deserve. Mr McCurdy said while Porepunkah businesses were grateful to receive support following what has been a very difficult 50 days, many surrounding communities including Bright, Wandiligong and Ovens have bee

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has joined in celebrating National Carers Week 2025 (12–18 October), paying tribute to the more than 750,000 unpaid carers across Victoria who provide essential care and support to family members and loved ones. Mr McCurdy said National Carers Week is an important time to recognise the compassion and commitment of unpaid carers, people who often put their own needs aside to care for others. “Unpaid carers are the backbone o