Voters and candidates in Hume are being urged to consider local community needs as the 2022 federal election campaign formally begins.
In the lead up to the election, Hume City Council is advocating for a range of federal policy and funding support to accommodate the fast-growing community.
This includes initiatives to help ease traffic congestion, boost education options, and support the most vulnerable.
Hume Mayor Carly Moore said it was all about better equipping the municipality for the growing population.
“Hume City Council is one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities. Our population of 257,000 will expand to 394,000 in the next 20 years, and we need vital infrastructure and services to grow with us,” Ms Moore said.
“In the lead up to the 2022 Federal Election, we’re calling on candidates from every political party to help build a better Hume.
“We need investment that relieves road congestion, creates tertiary education opportunities where we live, helps hard-hit communities recover from COVID-19, and supports refugees and asylum seekers making a life in Hume.”
Council is calling on federal candidates to commit to supporting the delivery of infrastructure projects including the Bulla Bypass, Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and the Hume Freeway upgrades.
There is also an urgency for more tertiary education options in Hume’s growth areas and more being done to combat COVID related issues regarding employment and mental health issues.
Support for refugees and asylum seekers including the reinstatement of Status Resolution Support Services, access to essential services, education and employment opportunities was another priority of theirs.
Locals are being encouraged to spread the word about council’s advocacy priorities to ensure community needs are met.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the federal election for May 21, kick starting a six-week campaign to win over voters.
