CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Ms SHARKIE (Mayo) (09:48): This week marks Raise Our Voice in Parliament. I had the pleasure of meeting Tasman, a 15-year-old from my electorate. Before I read Tasman's speech, I want to set the scene of my meeting with Tas.

Tas is an extraordinary young man. I met him in Strathalbyn. He was in a trucker hat.

He had an ironed shirt and jeans on. He was actually there meeting with the local newspaper because he and his friend Patrick have created a petition, because a McDonald's is proposed to be put in Strathalbyn. For anyone who doesn't know Strathalbyn, it is a beautiful, heritage listed town, and Tas and his mate are very concerned about a McDonald's being at the entrance to their beautiful town.

On Tas's hat were the words 'keep farmers farming'. I just knew I was going to get along well with Tas. Here is Tas's speech: Australia is our great southern land that it is today because of farming, trades, strong community, Aussie spirit and heritage—all important and unique to our way of life, giving this country true value.

I'm a 15-year-old named Tas from the Fleurieu Peninsula, and I care about our history, our choices now and the future of this country. I believe more could be done to protect the towns and farmland that support Australia. Despite 57% of Australia being farmland, only 5% is used for crops and yet land like this is being used up in response to the housing quotas.

Poorly planned growth in precious parts of the country increases congestion in regional areas, weakens communities, lessens our sense of identity and adds more pressure on farmers. Where I live—Mt. Barker—is often used as an example of what we don't want.

It feels like a city advertising itself as country living. I believe growth should reflect the town itself, and only to the level the town needs and can support. Parliament must take responsibility for planning growth boundaries around agriculture and heritage towns, ensuring we keep the balance along Australia's coasts where most Aussies live and farm.

Our land should be made to sustain us, our industry, our heritage and our culture. Young Aussies like me don't want to see these familiar parts of Australia under threat. Such wisdom from Tas.

I acknowledge all the other young people across Mayo that put into the competition. You are all extraordinary young people.