Labor’s Budget betrays the Latrobe Valley

Today the Andrews Labor Government has delivered a budget with no vision and no money for regional Victoria.

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath has slammed the Andrews Labor Government for not funding key projects in the Latrobe Valley that are wanted and needed by the community.

Ms Bath said this budget punishes the people of Latrobe Valley by failing to fund critical projects and inflicting devastating cuts.

“Today we have seen a budget paper delivered under the pretence that it is ‘Delivering for all Victorians’, when in fact it has short changed the Latrobe Valley”, said Ms Bath.

“Daniel Andrews’ latest Budget effort confirms that the State Government have no plan and no money for Regional communities.”

Analysing the state budget, Ms Bath said she could see major funding shortfalls and cuts for Latrobe Valley.

“There’s no funding for Latrobe Special Developmental School, no funding for Traralgon College and no funding to solve the Gippsland rail transport nightmare,” Ms Bath said.

“No funding to complete the Princes highway duplication between Traralgon and Sale, despite $132 million on the table from the federal government.

“No funding for sporting clubs in desperate need of facilities to cater for female athletes such as Churchill Football Netball Club, Yallourn Yallourn North Football Netball Club and Churchill United Soccer Club.

“Daniel Andrews promised $217 million for Latrobe Regional Hospital prior to the last state election, yet the line item in this budget only commits to $7 million, in effect the last digit.

“The Regional Growth Fund has been axed.  This $1 billion fund established by The Nationals in 2011 has delivered many valuable programs including the Gippsland Community Leadership Program.

“And there’s no all-age drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for Latrobe Valley.”

Ms Bath said Daniel Andrews can’t see past Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

“I’m incredibly disappointed that Premier, Daniel Andrews has continued his city centric ways and denied funding for the needs of Gippsland,” said Ms Bath.

“I will keep fighting for funding for important local projects and advocating for Gippsland every time I rise to my feet in State Parliament.”