Daniel Andrews’ contempt for South West Coast is on full display in today’s state budget, Roma Britnell says.
Key projects like the Warrnambool Base Hospital refurbishment, upgrades of local sporting grounds like the Reid Oval and Portland’s Hanlon Park, funding for The Lookout Residential Rehabilitation Centre and improvements to energy infrastructure were forgotten about in today’s budget.
“It’s disappointing that these key projects have been completely overlooked,” Mrs Britnell said.
“There will no doubt be many disappointed people across the south-west who have been promised the world, but have been delivered nothing.”
Mrs Britnell said the budget also showed that the Upper House member for Western Victoria James Purcell has little to no influence over government spending.
“Mr Purcell will tell anyone who will listen that he can use his position to gain funding for projects. We’ve seen today that his influence isn’t what he says it is,” she said.
“Not one of the projects he has told various people or groups he could get funded received money. He claims to get results, but today he has nothing to show.”
Mrs Britnell said previously announced roads funding was not before time, but said we shouldn’t be fooled by the numbers because the package includes some previously announced funding and Federal Government money.
“The package also included $229 million for wire rope barriers. We should be fixing the foundation of the road not roping people in on pothole infested roads,” she said.
Mrs Britnell is also concerned with the $17.4 million allocated to set up Regional Roads Victoria.
“If the government are serious about Regional Victoria, move all of VicRoads to the country, not just a section. It’s just creates inefficiencies,” she said.
Mrs Britnell said given the critical role the south-west plays in the state economy it was incredibly disappointing the government had failed to deliver projects which would help the region prosper and grow.
