State Budget 2016-17; great news for Shepparton District
State Budget 2016-17; great news for Shepparton District
Independent Member for Shepparton District in the Victorian State Parliament, Suzanna Sheed has welcomed the news that the funding commitment of $168.5 million for the Goulburn Valley Health redevelopment in Shepparton has been fully funded in the Victorian Budget. It is the biggest single regional infrastructure investment in health in the Andrews Government’s Budget this year. The investment will ensure this critical project can progress immediately.
“This was the big ticket item. In advocating for the funding I told the government that the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health was our number one priority and that our community could wait no longer”, Ms Sheed said.
In his budget speech Treasurer Tim Pallas said the 2016-17 Victorian Budget was all about ‘getting it done’ and delivering on the things that Victorian’s need most.
“The issues I campaigned on included health and passenger rail services and I am very pleased to see outcomes in this budget for my electorate”, Ms Sheed said.
Premier Andrews and Health Minister Jill Hennessey praised Ms Sheed in Parliament yesterday on her tireless efforts in advocating for the funding that was delivered in the Budget.
The Budget also included provisions for an extra daily rail service to Shepparton, being an extension of a service from Seymour to Shepparton 7 days a week. The extra service is planned to start in 2017, after consultation with the community on the most appropriate timing of the new service.
There has also been an allocation of $350K to fund improvements to the Shepparton Railway Station as well as some funds for future planning. A further $10M will support development and planning for the Next Generation regional trains within Victoria, enabling the existing older fleet to be retired progressively.
Shepparton District will receive a share in the $15M for planning of future regional road works.
Local schools in the electorate benefited from funding from the new Victorian State Government’s School Pride and Sports Fund. Zeerust Primary School will receive $60K, Waaia Yalca South Primary School $65K and Congupna Primary School $225K.
Ms Sheed said she was pleased to see that there were a number of budget items which will benefit regional Victoria and our local community.
“It has been so rewarding to work together with the community to achieve common and identified goals such as the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health, funding for the Shepparton Art Museum, better passenger rail services and to put Shepparton on the map when it comes to the budget”, Ms Sheed said.
Ends
Media contact
Suzanna Sheed 0437 450 687│suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au
