MIDDLE Harbour is a long way from the Murray River in distance as well as in economic and social ways.
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If you’re an MP whose electorate overlooks that part of Sydney, it is understandable the river that forms the southern boundary of NSW can seem remote.
But when that MP is the NSW premier she should have an appreciation of what life is like across the state.
That is exactly what Gladys Berejiklian got during her two-day visit to Albury, Corowa and Culcairn this week which included a Cabinet meeting.
“It was interesting for me to note that most of the news people get in Albury, apart from what happens through the local member, is actually fed through Victoria,” Ms Berejiklian reflected.
“It is really important for us to make sure that we come down here and let the community know that they are foremost in our minds, day in and day out, not just when we’re physically here.
“When we make a decision we have to appreciate Border communities have specific challenges.”
The most obvious example of that for Ms Berejiklian came on Wednesday evening when a group of supermarket owners upset at her government’s container deposit scheme held a protest.
To the premier’s credit, she walked across the street to hear the grocers’ concerns.
It was in stark contrast to Victorian premier Daniel Andrews who deliberately avoided CFA protesters during a visit to his hometown of Wangaratta last year.
Apart from having a better understanding of the Border, what will the upshot of Ms Berejiklian’s visit be?
Albury mayor Kevin Mack hopes it will be new funding, as he believes the city has not been showered with cash from the billions made through electricity privatisation.
He points to $43 million being sought by councils from Berrigan to Albury for Murray River tourism infrastructure as well as money needed for the Davey Road freeway exit and Ettamogah Rail Hub.
Cr Mack has been buoyed by the language from the premier in relation to the rail hub’s expansion with an extended siding, saying “let’s see if that articulates into investment”.
That phrase can be applied more broadly, we hope this week’s visit results in an investment financially but also mentally with Ms Berejiklian now more aware of what matters on the Murray.
