LABOR’S first state budget since winning government in November has delivered funding for some major projects in Kingston.
Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said he is “over the moon” that $2.5 million in funding promised before the election to build a new station for the Edithvale CFA has been ticked off in the first budget announced by Treasurer Tim Pallas.
“It’s important for community safety,” he said.
Other big ticket items for Kingston in the state government budget include the confirmation of $4.5 million for Mordialloc College to install basketball courts, build a performing arts centre and refurbish the Year 7 learning centre and $500,000 to Parkdale Primary School to complete the construction of their prep wing.
Before last year’s election former Mordialloc Liberal MP Lorraine Wreford had doubted Labor’s pledge to complete the redevelopment of Parkdale Primary, calling the promise “unfunded” and “uncosted”.
Mr Richardson said the commitment of $1.5 billion over four years to complete the design and early works of the Melbourne Metro Rail project “is a key project to ease congestion in the local area”.
Labor claims its budget is “the foundation for a stronger and fairer Victoria” and Mr Pallas said it focused on “the basic building blocks of our society — jobs, schools, hospitals, transport”.
“This Budget is about balance,” Premier Daniel Andrews said in a statement issued on budget day.
“We’re increasing funding for schools, hospitals and transport, but we’re keeping our finances stable. It’s an investment we can afford in the things we can’t afford to lose.”
Liberal opposition leader Matthew Guy also released a statement on budget day.
“This budget isn’t about putting people first, it’s about Daniel Andrews playing politics,” Mr Guy said.
“Melburnians have been double-crossed by Daniel Andrews. There are no guaranteed funds or start dates for level-crossing removals besides those previously funded by the Coalition.”
The Liberals also railed against the axing of the East West Link road project.
“Just last month, Daniel Andrews claimed losses were limited to $339 million but in today’s budget that figure can’t be quantified,” Mr Guy said.
There was no mention in the statement of the Liberals’ so-called “side letter” guaranteeing hundreds of millions in compensation to the consortium behind the East West Link even if the $6.8 billion project was scrapped.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 6 May 2015
