Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Melton electorate infrastructure

Steve McGHIE (Melton) (13:17): It has been busy out in Melton over the last few months, with major construction steaming ahead across Cobblebank secondary school; Staughton College, with upgrades and expansions; and the St Padre Pio parish and the Toolern Waters primary school sites. It was fantastic to have the Minister for Education Ben Carroll turn the sod at the Cobblebank secondary site, which is well underway. The St Padre Pio primary and early education sites at Thornhill Park are also progressing. We also stopped by the Little Royals Early Learning Centre to deliver kinder bags. But it was the expansion and upgrades to the Staughton College administration building and the new classrooms that blew my mind. This expansion will cater for an additional 400 students in this growth area.

But not only are we upgrading and investing in Melton schools, we are getting on and delivering much-needed infrastructure. Melton’s three level crossing removals are progressing, and the brand new station is well on track for completion next year. We applaud the Albanese government’s $1 billion commitment to upgrading the Western Freeway. In just three years of having a state and federal Labor government partnership, we have delivered a business case and are now forging ahead with adding more lanes and building new and improved overpasses. Thank you to our federal member for Hawke, Sam Rae.

It was great to have the Minister for Health out in Melton to open Melton’s sexual and reproductive health hub and to chat with the ambos at the Melton West station. It was great to attend the Melton SES training night last week, and I thank them for everything that they do. Construction on the hospital is well underway, with major works set to begin over the next couple of months. The completed Bridge Road extension now provides direct access to construction vehicles.