Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Melton electorate

Mr McGHIE (Melton) (15:54): As we return from the summer break, hopefully well rested, the Andrews Labor government has still been busy in the Melton electorate. In January the government commissioned a business case exploring a new TAFE campus in Melton to make more skills and training opportunities accessible for jobseekers in Melbourne’s west. Melton is one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria, with a forecast population of 330 000 by 2026, but there is no dedicated TAFE or post-secondary education provider meeting the needs of local jobseekers and industry. The business case is another commitment from the Andrews Labor government to ensure TAFE opportunities.

The finishing touches were made on the brand new Strathtulloh Primary School that the Minister for Education and Minister for Mental Health opened with me last week. Students gleefully started at their new school in their state-of-the-art classrooms and school grounds. Ground was broken and works were begun on the second Melton ambulance branch on High Street, Melton West. We look forward to having more paramedics servicing the Melton community. The government has also secured and taken ownership of land in Cobblebank to bring us another step closer to delivering the new Melton hospital. The Growing Suburbs Fund also announced last week the delivery of $4 million for the Cobblebank community services hub, $800 000 for Bridge Road Recreation Reserve and over $560 000 for upgrades to Navan Park. While others sit on their hands complaining that nothing happens, this government gets on and delivers for the constituents of Melton.