Tuesday, 7 June 2022

 Mr McGHIE (Melton) (12:43): Last week I managed to pull myself up to the top of 1000-plus steps in Darley after the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events officially opened stage 2 of the Bald Hill 1000-plus steps project and also announced $2.1 million in funding for stage 3 of the project to go towards an all-abilities trail at the summit. At the top we were able to see views right across Moorabool and Melton to the city on the horizon.

It was a great viewpoint from which to look across to my electorate, knowing that the recent budget will help deliver projects like the Living Local Fund, a fund that will deliver grants for community infrastructure projects and local community grants for equipment and other community projects. It was great to look towards Melton knowing that the Melton suburban revitalisation board will continue delivering on-ground works and initiatives for the local community. It was terrific thinking that we were able to secure $4.11 million for newborn baby screening to test for conditions and disorders in newborns to support early health intervention measures. I want to thank Emma Tuddenham from Ballarat for her campaign on this matter. Also thanks must go to Minister Pulford in the other place and the great member for Wendouree for their support.

It was also wonderful to look out to the federal seat of Hawke, and I congratulate Sam Rae on becoming the first member for a seat named after a legend of the Labor Party. I also should congratulate Brendan O’Connor, whose seat used to represent Melton. I congratulate him on becoming Minister for Skills and Training. Congratulations also go to Catherine King, whose seat used to include Moorabool, on her appointment as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.