Tuesday, 3 May 2022

Budget 2022–23

Mr FOWLES (Burwood) (14:17): It is my pleasure to rise today with terrific news for our community. Today is state budget day, the day we announce our plans for the coming year and continue to build a positive future for all Victorians. That process starts with excellent Labor budgets, budgets which put Victorians first, and the 2022–23 budget again delivers on our commitments.

I firmly believe that all Victorians regardless of their ability deserve the very best education, and that is why I am delighted to announce today a massive $9.74 million upgrade of Ashwood School to deliver a brand new school building and state-of-the-art sporting facilities for students to enjoy. It is a terrific investment to support the next generation of special-needs Victorians in my community.

The Andrews government knows that looking to the future is about investing in the environment around us, both through our world-leading climate action but also through action locally, which is why I am so pleased to announce a quarter of a million dollars to establish the landmark Gardiners Creek (KooyongKoot) master plan. This funding will create a coordinating committee to improve the health and amenity of the creek, which runs from Blackburn all the way to the Yarra.

We know that community sport binds us, building community resilience and connection right across the state—and that is why I am delighted to announce $250 000 to upgrade lighting at the Bennettswood Reserve, because demand for community sport space is at an all-time high. We are responding by backing local clubs with infrastructure that increases capacity and utility. I commend the Treasurer on this budget. It is outstanding.