Wednesday, 1 May 2024

Budget 2024–25

Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (10:30): The state budget is upon us, and it is imperative that this government does not forget South-West Coast. Our region needs a budget that goes back to grassroots. We need access to good healthcare services, a solid investment in roads and a roof over our heads. I am talking about keeping Portland District Health service operational, reopening the helipad and giving South West Healthcare the redevelopment funding it needs to provide the scope of redevelopment promised. More and more people are finding themselves homeless or choosing between eating or keeping the heating on just so they can barely afford their rent. We need more social and affordable housing. The much-needed Lookout project drug and alcohol rehabilitation service, which the coalition have been committed to funding since before the last election, needs to be built.

In Warrnambool our local surf lifesaving club need an upgraded facility to continue their good work. Warrnambool College is still waiting on a new multipurpose gymnasium and hall. Western District Food Share, who do vital work tackling food insecurity in our region, also need investment. So many sporting clubs are crying out for facilities that will help them connect our community: an all-access change room at Purnim, basketball courts and stadium upgrades in Portland and Warrnambool, netball facilities in Portland, the promised but never delivered gymnastics centre in Portland – this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The sad thing is that this week’s equivalent of money your government is paying to service this state’s astronomical debt could fund many of these projects and see them completed. As a region we contribute so much to the Victorian economy, and I call on the Treasurer to ensure this region has what it needs.