Liam McNally
The state government has handed down its budget for the 2023/24, getting the ball rolling on major election commitments in Melton, with funding for the new Melton hospital, Melton train line upgrades, a business case for upgrading the Western Highway, a new TAFE and school upgrades.
The hospital has a $900 million to $1 billion price tag according to the budget.
The government will have spent $37.84 million on the project by June 30, with another $21.58 million to be spent in the coming financial year.
The Melton train line upgrade has been allocated $641 million with works expected to be completed in the 2028/29 financial year. However, it is unclear when works will begin, as no money is due to be spent this year.
The state government will contribute $10 million to the Western Highway business case, matching $10 million in federal funding.
More than $3 million of $55 million dollars allocated for a new TAFE for Melton will be spent next financial year.
School upgrade commitments include $8.87 million for Melton Secondary College and $9.5 million for Sydenham-Hillside Primary School.
Melton council had been advocating for the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal and the Outer Metropolitan Ring which did not receive funding.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said Melton needs investment to support the “booming” area.
“As our area continues to grow, we’re investing in the schools, trains, roads and skills training our community needs now and into the future,” he said.
“The new Melton TAFE will be a boon for the western suburbs, giving students and workers alike the opportunity to get the skills they need for the jobs they want.”
In Moorabool, the state government will provide $25 million funding for a Bacchus Marsh intersection upgrade at Griffith Street and Grant Street, $3 million towards upgrades at St Bernard’s primary School, $2.9 million for a new bowls and community hub in Bacchus Marsh, which will become the home for the Bacchus Marsh and Avenue bowling clubs, and $490,000 for the Peppertree Park Dog Park.
Also allocated is an extension to the 433 bus route, $25,000 towards a Gordon Reserve masterplan, and $250,000 to deliver netball court upgrades in Moorabool shire.
Eureka MP Michaela Settle said she’s “delighted” to see funding come through for “some really good projects in the Moorabool shire so we can get on and make them a reality”.
