By Hamish Heard
HOBSONS Bay City Council has praised the Brumby Government after the state budget tipped more than $140 million into local projects.
Nearly $50 million to complete the duplication of Kororoit Creek Rd and $92.6 million for a third track and extra platform at Laverton railway station were among the big-ticket items to receive cash from the budget.
The budget also commits $3 million for a redevelopment at the Williamstown Football Ground.
Other local highlights included $5 million for upgrades to Bayside Secondary College and Altona Gate Primary School’s Altona North campus.
Scienceworks was another winner to emerge from last week’s budget announcements, with the Spotswood museum to receive a share in an $8 million Museums Victoria grant to renew exhibitions.
Also included in the budget was $2.3 to establish a new peak-period ambulance service at Yarraville.
Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan said, aside from providing money for local projects, the budget would also make life easier for Hobsons Bay’s first homebuyers, babies and young families.
The Government would tip nearly $180 million to boost maternity and children’s health services.
A $1.4 billion tax cut package would mean fewer outgoings for business and first homebuyers.
First homebuyers will pay 17 per cent less in stamp duty, saving them an average of $2460 on the purchase of an average house.
Hobsons Bay Deputy Mayor Angela Altair welcomed the budget. “This will improve access to key industrial areas of Altona and Laverton North, for those travelling from the high-growth area of Wyndham,” she said.
She said the money to improve Laverton railway station would help meet growing demand for public transport in the municipality.
“The rail upgrade will be of great benefit to residents, with improved access, services and facilities at the station,” Cr Altair said.
Hobsons Bay’s two state MPs, Member for Altona Lynne Kosky and Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan, both described the budget as an “investment in livability”.
“The budget is an action plan to maximise the opportunities and address the challenges of a growing population by providing the best possible services and infrastructure for local families,” Mr Noonan said.
