By Matthew Sims
Whittlesea council has called on local federal election candidates to include a number of projects in the city of Whittlesea in this year’s election commitments.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said council has relied on both the federal and state governments to deliver essential community projects.
“Councils have a limited source of revenue to deliver a large range of projects which impact on the daily life of people in our municipalities,” she said.
“We need investment from other levels of government to be able to bring projects to life.
“That’s why we’re calling on all local candidates to show their commitment to their local community by supporting important local projects.”
Ms Wilson and fellow administrators Chris Eddy and Peita Duncan said the council was requesting for support for projects which delivered more local jobs, boosted health and wellbeing initiatives and made way for better roads, transport and connectivity.
“We are hoping between now and the election that we might hear some good news on promises to commit to these important projects for our community,” Ms Wilson said.
Council’s request for federal funding include:
*Investing in a state-of-the-art regional sports and aquatic facility in Mernda;
* Funding and delivering a purpose-built Aboriginal gathering place;
* Providing a headspace centre to support adolescent mental health needs;
* Reinstating recurrent funding for the YFlex program to support the mental health needs of young people;
* Committing to ongoing annual funding of $230,000 for local prevention of violence against women programs and family violence initiatives; and
* Undertaking a business case for the future E6 freeway for delivery by 2035.
Details: whittlesea.vic.gov.au/advocacy
