Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (13:08): (1508) My question is to the Premier. Will the state government ensure that regional Victoria receives at least 25 per cent of new infrastructure spending in the coming state budget? In previous state budgets just 13 per cent of new infrastructure spending was allocated to regional Victoria, yet 25 per cent of the state’s population call regional Victoria home. I was in Kangaroo Flat last week speaking with local residents who are very concerned that the state government continues to waste taxpayer money on inflated city-based projects like the Suburban Rail Loop. This budget presents an opportunity for the government to change direction. Regional Victorians deserve a fair go. For a healthy economy, we need a healthy state – one that receives the infrastructure so desperately needed to help us grow. Our list of needs is growing too, including better roads and bridges, new bypasses and more public transport; new childcare services, hospitals and health and rehabilitation services; new schools and upgrades; and more housing, police and emergency services, just to name a few. Will the Premier ensure that regional Victorians receive a fair share of funding?