THE need for the Victorian Government to invest in job-creating infrastructure projects for the Mildura electorate has never been more critical.
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said infrastructure spending remained her No.1 priority ahead of the State Budget slated for late October or early November.
“Figures released last week showing jobs have fallen in north-west Victoria by 10.2 per cent between March and July confirmed what we already knew – the impact of the coronavirus and subsequent restrictions has hit us hard,” she said.
“Indeed, we’ve been hit harder than almost every other part of the state with the Victorian average being 7.3 per cent.”
Ms Cupper said it was heartening to see the Victorian Government having announced some infrastructure spending for the Mildura electorate over the last couple of months.
This includes more than $11 million for projects in Mildura, Robinvale, Birchip, Sea Lake, Ouyen and Wycheproof as part of the government’s Building Works stimulus program.
“More recently there has been more than $2 million in funding grants announced for sporting infrastructure projects in Mildura, Birchip, Wycheproof and Beulah,” Ms Cupper said.
“But these projects are just the tip of the iceberg as far as what will be needed for our region to recover economically once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.”
Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct is the highest priority with another $10 million needed to complete Stage 2 while school, road and rail infrastructure needs also top the wishlist for the State Budget.
“There’s no doubt the Victorian Government will need to invest in our region more than ever as we look to create jobs in the post-COVID era,” Ms Cupper said.
“We have a number of road projects including Robinvale-Sea Lake Road as well as school funding needs for the likes of Mildura West Primary School, Hopetoun P-12 and Merbein P-10.
“And then there’s the stalled Murray Basin Rail Project – we are still waiting to hear back from the Federal Government about the revised business plan supplied by the Victorian Government and nothing short of the project being completed in full will be satisfactory.”
