The State Budget is here, and while there have been some significant wins for regional Victoria, other sectors have been left feeling short changed.
East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed funding for facilities that benefit young people and families in the 2024 State Budget, however, the good news is tempered by increases in a range of levies and taxes and an underinvestment in regional priorities including road maintenance and natural area management.
Mayor, Cr Tom Crook, said council was still digging into the details of the State Budget, handed down last Tuesday, and how it will support East Gippsland communities in the longer term.
Highlights for the region:
– Paynesville Primary School – $4.4 million to modernise the school
– Paynesville Bowling Club – $330,000 for a new synthetic green
– Hoddinott Reserve, East Bairnsdale – $300,000 to upgrade the playground
– Lakes Entrance – $4.5m to upgrade the training walls
– Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust – a share of $13m for essential services and infrastructure upgrades
“These investments are good news for residents and families in Paynesville and East Bairnsdale, and some are for projects and investment council has long advocated for,” Cr Crook said.
Road freight and passenger vehicles travelling between East Gippsland and Melbourne will benefit from upgrades to the Sale Alternative Truck Route, which aims to create better freight corridors and reduce the number of trucks travelling through Sale.
Cr Crook noted council is an active member of both One Gippsland and South East Australia Transport Strategy (SEATS), which collectively identify and advocate for projects that go beyond the boundaries of individual local councils and benefit combined shires.
“Although the work will be taking place in Sale, this project benefits the entire region and beyond through reduced travel times and improved safety,” Cr Crook said.
“However, the level of investment in road maintenance on our arterial roads as indicated in the budget is disappointing. We hear constantly from our community that the standard of the arterial road network managed by the State is declining and needs significant investment.”
Local MP, Tim Bull, has also slammed the lack of funding towards improving roads, hoping for a massive investment, but was left feeling short changed.
“Victoria’s 2024/25 State Budget has not delivered the funding to fix our country roads, with the maintenance budget still over 16 per cent below what it was in 2020,” Mr Bull said.
“Even with all the cuts, state deficit is still forecast to rise to $188 billion by 2027/28 – an increase of $10 billion on last year’s forecast, and this will see interest repayments hit $26 million per day.”
Treasurer Tim Pallas highlighted support related to the end of native timber harvesting in his Budget speech – a critical item for local communities. These included:
– $11m to support the work of the Great Outdoors Taskforce
– $105m to help restore native forests, promote biodiversity and maintain roads for bushfire access
– $290m to create jobs for former forestry workers in forest and fire management.
It was disappointing to see the Government has increased the Fire Services Property Levy and waste levy. These levies are both administered through council rates, with council merely the collection agency for government.
The Fire Services Levy will increase by $35 for a median residential property and $150 for primary production properties.
The waste levy, a fee paid to the Government by council for every tonne of waste put in landfill, will also increase but is not expected to come into effect until 2025.
Cr Crook said the announcement of funding for health services in Gippsland – a priority for those communities for some time – was very welcome.
“We hope it is an indication that investment in the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service should not be far behind,” Cr Crook said.
Cr Crook acknowledged the Government for the investment it has made in East Gippsland in a tight budget.
“We look forward to getting the details on the broader range of initiatives and supports and what they mean for our communities.”
