Melton council is calling on the state government to “fund Melbourne fairly” after the latest budget stripped about $1 billion from the 1.3 million residents living in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
The Fairer Funding campaign, launched by the 10 ‘interface’ councils of outer Melbourne, is an outlet for residents to vent their concerns and demand equal redistribution of vital funds before the November state election.
Melton’s mayor, Bob Turner, is urging the community to get behind the campaign and pressure the government and opposition.
“The lead-up to the November election is a critical time for our residents to speak up and tell their stories of how their daily lives are impacted living in the interface,” Cr Turner said.
He said the shortfall in funding and the unequal distribution between interface and metropolitan councils meant those living in outer Melbourne were missing out on “core elements that other communities enjoy”, referring to overcrowded municipalities, traffic congestion, poor public transport and limited health services.
Melton council is seeking government grants for three public schools, Burnside and Eynesbury primary schools and Plumpton P-12 state school; $57 million to deliver key transport initiatives; and funding to continue work on the Caroline Springs regional tennis court and the Taylors Hill community hub.
“The statistics show we are less healthy, less educated, travel further to get to work and have a higher number of domestic violence cases than our friends in other parts of Melbourne,” the Fairer Funding website reads.
“It’s time we had a fairer go.
“It’s time we got what other parts of Melbourne have. It’s time we made a difference.”
Residents “shared” their story on the website, complaining about the inequality of living standards.
One user wrote: “All people, not just those in the city, deserve equality in living standards. We will vote for those who want to achieve this.”
Visit www.fairerfunding.com.au to sign the petition and share the issues that most affect you.
