Wednesday, 21 September 2022

 Ms CONNOLLY (Tarneit) (10:02): With this being the last sitting week for the term, it is my last in this chamber as the member for Tarneit. For the past four years it has been a tremendous privilege to serve our growing community in Melbourne’s outer west. I have not wasted a day in fighting to deliver for our community’s needs. Our road network has been transformed thanks to the $1.8 billion western roads project: Derrimut, Leakes, Palmers and Forsyth roads—all major roads, all upgraded. The Old Geelong Road level crossing at Hoppers Crossing station has been removed for good, and Wyndham is now level crossing free on the metro line. Two new bus routes are running through our community. Tarneit station is finally getting the car parking spaces it desperately needs and a new bus interchange on top. Three brand-new schools have been built and opened by me, with another eight on the way, including two brand-new high schools. I love that when Liberal candidates are out and about schools are never something they talk about in Melbourne’s outer west, because there is not a school in Tarneit that has not received support; an upgrade, a new playground, more portables—you name it, they have got it. Even our specialist schools are getting the support they need, and it is fantastic. Since I have been around, Werribee Mercy Hospital, our local hospital, has received two major upgrades—a mental health unit and a bigger, better emergency department, which is now on its way. I am so proud of what Labor has delivered for folks in Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina and Williams Landing. It has been an absolute honour to serve these families. It has been an absolute privilege. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, Tarneit.