Wednesday, 13 November 2024

 Steve McGHIE (Melton) (10:18): I rise today to congratulate the re-election of Melton city councillors Steve Abboushi, Bob Turner, Ashleigh Vandenberg, Kathy Majdlik, Julie Shannon, Lara Carli and Sophie Ramsey. I also extend a warm welcome to the new councillors Brandi Morris, John Verdon and Phillip Zada. I would like to acknowledge Brandi, who has been a member of my staff. While I am saddened to see her leave, I am thrilled to see her serving our community. I trust that all councillors, new and returning, will make addressing our community’s needs their top priority.

In particular, I call on the council to finally deliver on the promise of a sound wall for Silverdale estate. As I have noted in this chamber previously, the council initially committed to this project in 2018 but later withdrew their commitment, leaving Silverdale residents frustrated and unprotected from severe noise impacts. I have raised this issue in Parliament multiple times, and I am hopeful that this new council will demonstrate the leadership needed to rectify the situation for the Silverdale community. Having seen legal advice, I believe the council is fortunate not to have faced a class action on this matter already. Considering council’s budget for the 2024–25 financial year, with projects having an operating surplus in excess of $370 million, I urge this new council to act with integrity and deliver the sound wall that the Silverdale residents have been waiting for. I look forward to working with the elected councillors to deliver the needs of the Melton community and to finally deliver on the Silverdale sound wall.