The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has called on the Premier to ensure that regional Victoria receives at least 25 per cent of new infrastructure spending in the upcoming state budget.
This comes after previous state budgets allocated only 13 per cent of new infrastructure spending to regional Victoria, despite the fact that 25 per cent of the state’s population resides in these areas.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Broad highlighted the concerns of regional Victorians.
“I was in Kangaroo Flat last week speaking with local residents who are very concerned that the State Government continues to waste taxpayer money on inflated city-based projects like the Suburban Rail Loop,” Ms Broad said.
“This budget presents an opportunity for the government to change direction. Regional Victorians deserve a fair go.”
Ms Broad emphasised the critical need for infrastructure in regional areas.
“For a healthy economy, we need a healthy state – one that receives the infrastructure so desperately needed to help us grow,” she said.
“Our list of needs is growing too – including better roads and bridges, new bypasses and more public transport, childcare services, new hospitals, health and rehabilitation services, new schools and upgrades, more housing, police and emergency services, just to name a few.”
At a recent community forum in Baringhup, locals expressed their frustration with the introduction of the Emergency Services Levy, a new tax by the Labor Government.
“It’s another kick in the guts for households, businesses, and farmers, already struggling with rising living costs,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad urged the Premier to ensure that regional Victorians receive a fair share of funding in the coming state budget.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
