The Labor Government must prioritise regional infrastructure projects in the upcoming State Budget, Northern Victoria Region MP Gaelle Broad told Parliament this week.
Ms Broad said regional Victoria’s population was growing rapidly, and significant investment was urgently needed in our roads, hospitals, schools and rail.
In the last State Budget, Regional Victoria only received 13% of new infrastructure spending, but nearly 25% of Victorians call it home, she said.
In the last eight years, the Victorian Government has increased its spending on major projects from $16 billion to $106 billion.
“Victoria’s ‘Big Build’ is pouring billions into Melbourne projects, while regional Victoria is left waiting – waiting for basic infrastructure,” she said.
“Hospital upgrades are long overdue at Cobram, Bright, Daylesford, Euroa and Shepparton, and Mildura needs a new hospital.
“In Kilmore and Shepparton, large trucks still drive through the centre of town, and they’ve asked for a bypass for decades.
“In Mildura, locals have been lobbying for a new residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for years. Until it opens, locals need to travel more than four hours for vital support.
“In Cohuna, the community have asked for a new child care centre for the last eight years. They need it to help the town grow.
“At Bridgewater Primary, this Government promised a playground three years ago.
“The Murray Basin Freight Rail Project was due to finish in 2018, and we are still waiting for it to be completed.”
Ms Broad said last year’s floods put further pressure on basic infrastructure needs, and funds were desperately needed to help local communities recover.
“Our roads are falling apart after years of neglect, and last year’s floods made them even worse.
“In NSW the Government allocated $500 million to help local councils repair roads, but our local Councils are still waiting.
“Regional Victorians are tired of waiting and deserve a fair share of state government funding.
“$30 billion of taxpayers’ money has already been wasted on project cost blowouts. Imagine the difference that would make building the infrastructure we need in Regional Victoria.
“I ask the Treasurer to listen to local communities and prioritise this regional infrastructure in the next state budget.”
