Thursday, 18 August 2022

Eltham electorate business support

Ms WARD (Eltham) (17:25): (6503) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Local Government, and the action I seek is for the minister to visit my electorate of Eltham to inspect outdoor activations funded by the state government across my community. Outdoor activations have been funded across the state by the Andrews Labor government through the $40 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund, with the fund supporting industries severely affected by COVID-19, including retail and hospitality businesses.

The fund allocated over half a million dollars to Nillumbik Shire Council to support and benefit our community. From the removal of trip hazards, road speed reductions and Disability Discrimination Act compliance upgrades to landscaping and beautification works, this program has transformed areas of my electorate into places where members of my community can come together. I want to particularly mention the works completed down at St Laurence Lane. The laneway has had the entrances flipped and picnic tables and rock bollards installed, offering new outdoor spaces to meet and get together—a popular space I would like to see remain.

These works supported by the government are important in not only beautifying our community but supporting those who worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic as well as encouraging people to support our local businesses. I invite the minister to come to the Eltham electorate to see this investment firsthand.