MELTON residents keen for progress on key infrastructure and health projects were left with little to show from last week’s state budget.
Western Metropolitan Liberal MP Andrew Elsbury said the Coalition government was “delivering for the people of the western suburbs where it’s needed most – in health, education and roads.”
But no local schools were singled out for upgrades and Caroline Springs residents must wait at least another year before a railway station becomes a reality.
The only project to receive specific funding in Melton Shire was a new $500 million prison at Ravenhall.
Melton MP Don Nardella said he was bitterly disappointed with an “appalling” budget.
“Melton didn’t get a mention. That’s even worse than not getting anything at all,”
he said.
Mr Nardella said despite being one of the fastest-growing areas in Australia, Melton’s needs were “completely ignored”.
“It’s very strange that they are ignoring the needs of the growing population but are expanding the urban growth boundary.
“You can’t entice people to outer suburbs but ignore all that comes with a growing population. The message they are sending is: we don’t care about you.”
Mayor Justin Mammarella slammed the government’s “lack of vision”.
As reported by the Weekly, a 24-hour public hospital, duplication of Melton Highway and upgrade of Melton railway station were among the shire’s top priorities.
“The budget has failed to recognise the public transport, education and health needs of Melton,” Cr Mammarella said. “The state government appears to be more concerned about overcrowded prisons than overcrowded hospitals, roads and public transport.”
Cr Mammarella said with 41 babies being born in Melton every week, families were being hurt by a lack of kindergarten and medical facilities. He said he was more confident about tonight’s federal budget.
“I’m hoping it will be much more generous to our young community than what the state has delivered.”
Melton Residents Association president Peter Rowan said the shire was screaming out for infrastructure.
“We desperately need our roads addressed. The Melton entry and exits were built 30 years ago and they are not adequate for the population of today.”
Mr Rowan wants a full diamond interchange at Bulmans Road, but he said he didn’t agree that Melton needed a 24-hour hospital.
“The Sunshine, Werribee and Bacchus Marsh hospitals are all expanding and we are surrounded by them,” he said. “I think the money could be better spent on providing infrastructure.”
