THE 2020/21 Victorian Budget’s focus on supporting communities and businesses in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic has been welcomed by local government peak body, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
In a budget featuring big ticket items for housing, transport and energy efficiencies, MAV interim president, Cr Josh Gilligan, said the government’s response would help communities bounce back as well as creating a much-needed jobs boost.
“Our funding asks, informed by the experience of our member councils, focused on supporting and accelerating economic and social recovery at the local level,” Cr Gilligan said.
“If this budget delivers what it has promised, it could result in positive and lasting change for Victorian communities.”
Other programs of particular relevance to the sector are $465M for the Victorian Tourism Recovery package, which includes the $107M Visitor Economy Industry Support Package, and the $450M road maintenance blitz.
Cr Gilligan said addressing mobile black spots as part of the $626M Victoria’s Digital Future Now allocation would support people continuing to work from home now and into the future.
