Hannah Hammoud
With the upcoming state and federal budgets scheduled for May, Whittlesea council has shared its budget wish list, including federal co-investment for six priority projects.
Through federal pre-budget submission for the 2023-24 financial year, council sought the following priority projects:
– Investment in a purpose-built aboriginal gathering place in Quarry Hills Regional Park, South Morang, to advance ‘close the gap’ targets in health, education and employment.
– Investment towards phase two of the $180 million regional aquatic and sports centre, covering six indoor and eight outdoor floodlit multipurpose courts.
– Establishing a permanent and full Headspace service for the northern area of Whittlesea.
– Allocation of National Broadband Network funds from the 2022-23 budget to fix eight broadband blackspots and provide better connectivity for six growth areas.
– Fast-tracked implementation of the E6 freeway project by 2035-36 to reduce congestion and streamline freight movement.
– Allocation from the Safer and More Affordable Housing funds from the 2022-23 budget to increase the supply of social and affordable housing in Whittlesea.
Whittlesea council chief executive Craig Lloyd said that as a fast growing community, Whittlesea needs services and infrastructure to keep at pace with the growth.
“Throughout the 2022 state and federal elections, we advocated on behalf of our community for investment from all levels of government and received co-investment commitments from both major parties on some of our key advocacy priorities,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing funds for these commitments released in the relevant state and federal budgets for 2023-24.”
At the state level, council is seeking funding allocation including:
– $20 million for the construction of the regional sports and aquatic centre in Mernda.
– Pilot program to improve place-based Maternal Child & Health services, accessibility and staffing.
– Funding committed for upgrading sports facilities, play spaces and recreational reserves across Whittlesea.
In addition, Whittlesea council has made state budget submissions to the relevant Ministers seeking co-investment across a number of key advocacy priorities, including funding for improved roads and public transport, critical community services and infrastructure.
