WITH the 2021-22 Victorian State Budget due to be delivered this month, the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Wendy Lovell, has called on the State Government to provide funding for vital infrastructure projects in the Shepparton electorate.
Speaking during the adjournment debate in State Parliament last week, Ms Lovell called on Treasurer, Tim Pallas, to provide funding commitments in the budget for the projects, that will deliver new services and upgrade facilities throughout Greater Shepparton.
In her contribution, Ms Lovell pointed out that Shepparton had a pre-pandemic unemployment rate above the State average and an appropriate funding investment in the budget for the electorate will create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
With the long-awaited business case now completed, the State Government funding share is required to complete Stage 1 of the Shepparton Bypass Project, providing a second river crossing between Shepparton and Mooroopna and removing heavy vehicles from the Shepparton CBD.
Funding of a comprehensive safety upgrade of the dangerous school crossing on the Goulburn Valley Hwy at the Kialla West Primary School. No work has commenced to improve safety at the crossing since the accident and the Government needs to provide funding required in this budget.
A funding commitment of $6.625M to establish an Early Parenting Centre in Shepparton, a much-needed facility that will provide vital support for new mothers and families throughout the Greater Shepparton region.
In addition to the Early Parenting Centre, funding for the remaining components that will complete the Goulburn Valley Health redevelopment in full, building on the work of Stage 1 and greatly enhancing the delivery of health services in the region.
Ms Lovell said, “The 2021-22 State Budget is a chance for the State Government to invest in key infrastructure projects in the Shepparton electorate that will not only create new jobs but also assist the region to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.”
