By Marcus Uhe
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM was pleased with the State Government’s investment in health care and schools in the South East but was disappointed with the extent of new investment into transport infrastructure projects in the City.
Casey Hospital will receive a share of $236 million to expand the size of emergency department, while a number of schools, including Brentwood Park Primary School in Berwick and Gleneagles Secondary College in Endeavour Hills, are in-line for further funding.
Ms Duff welcomed the allocations, particularly in health care, “at a time when it is needed most” in the case of Casey Hospital, and said allocations for schools fit the population’s demographic.
“We know the health care sector has been hardest hit during the pandemic and funding is vital to help alleviate the impacts of the pandemic for the services and staff at the front line and so our residents can access the essential care they need,” Ms Duff said.
“The City of Casey is currently home to one of the highest populations of young people in the state and investments into local schools will help to ensure our residents can access quality education now and into the future.”
While “very pleased” with the $15.4 million commitment for the South Gippsland Highway and Clyde-Five Ways road intersection, on infrastructure, Ms Duff said the council was hoping to see further funding for public transport projects and roads, to help ease congestion, boost jobs and better connect our community to employment and services.
“As we head towards the Victorian Election this November, we will be advocating for projects our community considers most important for funding, with roads and public transport at the top of the list,” Ms Duff said.
“We’ll be calling on both sides of politics to make a commitment towards priority projects including Clyde Road Corridor Upgrade, Clyde Rail Link, Thompsons Road upgrade and other local projects and initiatives.”
The Budget also includes planning work for future road upgrades across the South Eastern suburbs, the State Government said.
