Tuesday, 5 May 2026

 Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote) (14:27): Today is budget day, and there is a lot to be excited about in Northcote. Wales Street Primary is getting a major upgrade, backed by over $21 million to deliver a new gym and library and new classrooms. This has been a true community effort, with principal Robyn Owens, the school council, families and students working alongside me to make it happen. We are also continuing to support students and families who need it, with dedicated funding for outside-school-hours care at Croxton School. And we are backing local sports clubs at Mayer Park in Thornbury with a $500,000 investment for surface upgrades and the planning of a new pavilion. Transport is hugely important to us in the inner north, and it has been massive to have free PT for April and May, half-price fares for the rest of the year and free travel for under 18s ongoingly. The Mernda and Hurstbridge train lines are getting more services. The 508 bus will have better weekend and evening coverage. At the same time we are cutting 20 per cent off car rego – direct cost-of-living support for people under pressure right now.

These budget wins build on the steady work we do in Northcote day in and day out to deliver real outcomes for our community. At Farm Road in Alphington works have now started on the crucial local connection to the Darebin Yarra trail. At Pitcher Park a local sports grant will create a safer oval and new first aid and coaches shelters. In Northcote works have just begun to build our early parenting centre, where 10 residential overnight units will support families with expert care. I am proud to always back Northcote and be part of a Labor government that listens, acts and delivers.