Thursday, 30 May 2024

Budget 2024–25

Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (09:57): It is always great to be able to make phone calls and meet with people to deliver good news, and following the recent state budget I was able to do just that. People in my electorate will now be able to safely cycle, scoot or walk across Laverton Creek, thanks to an overall package worth $20 million that includes funding to construct a new bike and pedestrian path on Queen Street, Altona. It is a really vital thoroughfare, connecting Altona to Altona Meadows and beyond. It has been long recognised as needing a safe pathway for cyclists and pedestrians, and I thank the member for Point Cook and members of the community for their advocacy and support for this project

I was also delighted to be able to call the committee of Newport Storm FC to inform them that $200,000 was allocated in the budget to upgrading their soccer nets, facilities and equipment at the club’s home at AW Bond Reserve. The Altona Hockey Club pavilion will get rebuilt thanks to $2.2 million, which we are contributing to the work the council is undertaking, and Leo Hoffman Reserve in Newport will see members of my community continue to stay active and healthy, with a new children’s playground being constructed. The Westgate Punt ferry service will also continue. This week I was at Altona North Primary School with the Deputy Premier seeing the benefits of our Glasses for Kids program. See what I did there? A special shout-out to Mary and Aidan, school leaders who greeted us and showed us around their fantastic school – true school leaders. Thank you very much for your hospitality.