Election pledges backed in budget

LOCAL projects, many of which were the subject of 2022 Victorian election campaigning, are the big winners from Tuesday’s State budget.

As part of the fiscal plan Ballarat Station is in-line for a $50 million overhaul with a focus on improving accessibility at the site.

Woodmans Hill Secondary College has been allocated $8.6 million to build new facilities for year 7 students, as well as add to the VCE wing, and renovate other spaces at the school.

Federation TAFE is set for $6 million to go towards the second stage of the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre.

Two local parks are also the target funding with $8.4 million set aside for upgrades at Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol and $1 million allocated to works at Brown Hill Recreation Reserve.

“Regional Victorians enjoy spending time outdoors with their family and friends, which is why we are upgrading key community sport and recreation projects so they can continue doing what they love most,” said Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle.

With several municipally backed projects funded, City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson welcomed the money.

“The City of Ballarat thanks the State Government for fulfilling election commitments and funding these key projects which will have sweeping benefits for our community and the broader region,” he said.

“All these projects have strong local significance for the community and are projects that we have advocated for as an organisation in the lead up to the State Election.

“We are currently in the midst of delivering the city’s most significant capital works plan ever. Many of the projects we are currently delivering or about to deliver have been on our books for many years.

“Most of these projects are not possible without support from all levels of government.”

The region could also benefit from a range of statewide funding measures targeting health, early childhood, education, the arts, LGBTIQ+ communities, and public transport.

“We are doing what matters for Wendouree,” said Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison.

“Whether it’s making VLine fares fairer, giving every child the best start at life with free kinder and upgrades to community sport facilities, we are delivering for all Victorians.”