The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says the Allan Labor Government’s State Budget continues to overlook major local priorities, despite some long-overdue investment in a few key projects.
Mr O’Brien said it was disappointing that key priorities for the region were again left unfunded.
“There is still no commitment for a new Sale College, no funding for a new Foster CFA station and no progress on a new Mirboo North stadium.
“These are projects that communities have been advocating for over many years. They are well understood, well supported locally and yet continue to be overlooked.”
Mr O’Brien said it was a relief to see funding finally delivered for a few projects he has advocated strongly for over many years, including a replacement marine search and rescue vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, a new CFA station at Mirboo North and planning for stage two of the Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Bypass.
“These are important, practical investments that local communities and volunteers have been pushing for over a long period of time,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Port Welshpool Coastguard does vital work along our coastline and it’s good to see that need finally recognised, after I questioned it being overlooked following a funding announcement for new rescue vessels for Coast Guard Western Port and the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad earlier this year.
“Similarly, I have been fighting for years alongside the Mirboo North CFA to secure the modern facilities its volunteers deserve.
“From a safety perspective, I am relieved to see funding finally allocated to planning for stage two of the Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Bypass which is an important step toward fixing the intersection locals have dubbed ‘kamikaze corner’, something I have advocated for over a long period of time.”
Mr O’Brien said the broader budget also reflected ongoing concerns about the state’s financial management and priorities.
“This Budget confirms a continued pattern of higher debt, higher taxes and higher interest costs, with little relief for regional communities.
“Victorians are paying more but are not seeing the return in local investment or service delivery, particularly in regional areas like Gippsland.”
Mr O’Brien said interest repayments are heading towards $1 million per hour and rising debt would continue to place pressure on future budgets and service delivery.
“When billions are being spent on interest payments alone, that’s money not going into schools, roads and local infrastructure.
“At the same time, regional communities are still waiting for long-promised projects to be delivered.”
Mr O’Brien said regional Victorians are not getting their fair share under Labor.
“Only The Nationals and Liberals in government will deliver for regional communities like ours in Gippsland.”