The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien says there is very little in the State Budget for Gippslanders despite claims from the Allan Labor Government that this Budget tackles cost of living pressures for regional Victorians.
Mr O’Brien said he was disappointed to see Gippsland South largely overlooked again.
“I was relieved to see that the Allan Labor Government has finally committed the $11.7 million to Leongatha Secondary College that was promised back in 2022 but I’m disappointed for the students, families and staff at Sale College who have missed out on funding for its new consolidated campus once again,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This is a shovel-ready project with the full support of the Wellington Shire Council and I cannot fathom why it continues to be ignored under this Labor State Government. There is small consolation for Sale with some capital funding for Araluen Primary School.
“There is also no money yet again for Mirboo North Secondary which desperately needs to upgrade its sports stadium that is used by the whole community.”
Mr O’Brien said he was also appalled to see that no funds were committed to the West Gippsland Hospital, the much-needed Stage 2 works of the Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Bypass or for new fire stations at Mirboo North and Foster.
“To see local families, particularly farming families, slugged with huge tax increases due to the new emergency services tax and then not even receive funding to replace unsafe, out-dated fire stations beggars’ belief.
“This is extremely disappointing for our regional communities that simply want a fair share.”
Mr O’Brien highlighted that the Government’s decision to offer free public transport for kids provides little for most families in Gippsland with little access to public transport.
“Even then, there is no funding to increase rail services beyond Traralgon despite eight years of delays, disruptions and cost blow-outs on the Gippsland line.”
Mr O’Brien said he did however find some solace in seeing that the Allan Labor Government appears to have accepted that its disastrous “free camping” program is a complete failure.
“The Budget indicates that the free camping program will be replaced by a half price camping program, hopefully ending the disastrous approach that left some of our most popular national park locations half empty due to ‘ghost camping’ and our local economies suffering as a result.
Mr O’Brien said while he was aware there are many local sporting clubs with huge wish lists, he extends his congratulations to the two local clubs that were successful in receiving funding from this Budget.
“Poowong-Loch Junior Football Club will be using its funds to purchase an electronic scoreboard while Nyora Football Netball Club will be installing new lights.
“These are well-deserving projects, and I am happy that these clubs have been successful in securing this commitment.”
Mr O’Brien said that he will continue to hold the Allan Labor Government accountable for failing to fairly invest in Gippsland.