The state budget was a mixed bag for the outer-west, but Moorabool’s mayor was left seething.
While last week’s budget revealed Melton residents will soon have access to a $14 million community health centre, people in Moorabool will have to be content with an upgrade to Ballan train station described by mayor Paul Tatchell as a “re-announcement and a downgrade”.
The $14.3 million investment will lead to a one-kilometre passing loop being built near Rowsley-Station Road in Rowsley. But a second platform will not be provided, despite a commitment made in 2010 by then-opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder.
“At present, trains cannot pass one another between Parwan and Bank Box loops,” Mr Mulder said yesterday. “With the new loop, trains will be able to pass in this section, improving reliability for the whole Ballarat corridor.”
Cr Tatchell asked why the original plans had been ditched. “They’re supposed to provide a platform, so I think they’re making a lot of noise on something they’ve failed on.
“The reality of the state budget is that the amount of money put into regional Victoria is minuscule, considering constant claims of ‘pushing growth.”
Hopes for other projects on Moorabool council’s wishlist were also dashed, with no funding for a redevelopment of Bacchus Marsh Secondary College, early- years hubs in Darley and Maddingley, and more sporting fields.
Bacchus Marsh’s long-awaited indoor pool complex also went unfunded.
Melton mayor Bob Turner was more upbeat about budget allocations, including $5 million from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Council towards a new community health centre.
“The residents of our fast-growing community have waited a long time for the announcements,” he said.
Cr Turner said he was delighted with funding to complete Caroline Springs’ train station and a new school in Melton’s north west. However, other priority projects, including a new Eynesbury primary school and upgrades to Melton Specialist School, were not included.
“We’re particularly concerned that there has been no funding for a secondary school in our eastern corridor,” Cr Turner said.
