Sheed calls on Victorian Government to fund essential projects

Independent member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has called on the Victorian Government to fund essential Goulburn Valley projects in Thursday’s State Budget.

Ms Sheed said she was delighted with the early announcement of the $10.7 million GOTAFE Goulburn Murray Trades Skills Centre redevelopment, which would accommodate more apprentices and students who will go on to fill skilled roles in the district.

“In addition to this training centre, this year would be the ideal time to fund the $7 million Shepparton Technical School, supported by La Trobe University and GOTAFE,” Ms Sheed said.

“Such funding would enhance the education revolution in our district and provide an essential pathway for Shepparton District students to gain skills and qualifications locally.

Ms Sheed was hopeful that funding for preliminary works for the Shepparton Bypass would be included in the State Budget.

“The business case for the bypass is now in the hands of the Hon Michael McCormack federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. It is widely accepted that the project will cost more than the allocated Federal Government commitment of $208 million,” Ms Sheed said.

“While no additional federal funding has been allocated in this year’s budget, I would like to see some movement to carry out more preparatory works to accommodate the bypass.

“We need $6.25 million for an Early Parenting Centre at Goulburn Valley Health, to offer new parents’ access to paediatric and mental health support, maternal and child health nurses, early parenting practitioners, family therapists, social workers and lactation consultants.

“Such services offer enormous benefits to metropolitan families and to establish such a centre in Shepparton would give regional families the support they need without travelling to Melbourne for services during the most crucial years of a child’s life.

“While we may not yet be at the funding stage for Stage 2 of Goulburn Valley Health’s redevelopment, I do hope we will be given extra mental health support to meet our growing needs for increased services in the district.

“There is an urgent need to educate and supply professional undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare workers to meet the growing demand in Greater Shepparton, so we need $24.2 million funding to help with the construction of the Clinical Health School.”

ENDS

Media contact

Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466 │elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au