Tuesday, 26 November 2024

 Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (12:54): Another year has flown past, marking significant work and engagement across Williamstown, Altona, Altona North, Spotswood, Newport, South Kingsville, Brooklyn and Seaholme. We kicked off the year with the opening of the redeveloped Altona Pier thanks to a $19.11 million investment from the Allan Labor government, and the 300-metre pier now features upgraded lighting and improved accessibility for everyone.

Our schools continue to benefit from major upgrades. St Margaret Mary’s in Spotswood and St Mary’s Primary School, Altona, will receive massive upgrades, and just next week I will be opening Bayside College’s STEM centre. Williamstown High’s stage 2 performing arts and study centre was opened earlier this year, and of course Wembley Primary School’s new building opening is just around the corner. Additionally, St Mary’s repurposed a retro Melbourne tram into a wellbeing and learning area, supported by a $10,000 West Gate Neighbourhood Fund grant and $5000 raised by parents and staff.

We have continued to work with our local football clubs to develop the Hobsons Bay Football Forum Advocacy Document, and road safety and connectivity in our electorate is also seeing improvements at the Wembley Avenue and Francis Street intersection, where new pedestrian technology will now enhance visibility and safety. This weekend the community gardens in Brooklyn will start planting thanks to a $250,000 investment by the state. These are just some of the highlights of what we have achieved together in 2024, and I look forward to 2025.