Council
3 May, 2024
Britnell calls for funds in Budget
MEMBER for South West Coast Roma Britnell has called on the Victorian Government to “not forget” the south west coast when handing down next week’s State Budget.
In her recent address to Parliament, Ms Britnell said “our region needs a budget that goes back to grass roots – we need access to good healthcare services, a solid investment in roads and a roof over our heads.”
During her address, Ms Britnell highlighted the need for health services at Portland District Health to remain operational, the need to reopen the helipad, and to give the South West Healthcare redevelopment the funding it needs to provide the scope of redevelopment promised.
“Here in the South West Coast we also need more social and affordable housing in our region because more people are finding themselves homeless or choosing between eating or keeping the heating on, just so they can barely afford their rent,” Ms Britnell said.
She also called on the government to build the much-needed Lookout project (drug and alcohol rehabilitation service), adding that this was something her Coalition team had been committed to funding since before the last election.
Warrnambool’s surf lifesaving club, the Warrnambool College multipurpose gymnasium and hall, and the efforts of Western District Foodshare, who do vital work tackling food insecurity to the region, were also highlighted in Ms Britnell’s speech to Parliament.
So too were the numerous sporting clubs that help connect our community.
“Many of our sporting clubs have facilities that are in desperate need of an upgrade; some are extremely tired and are no longer fit for purpose, while other clubs lack basic amenities such as all abilities facilities or changerooms for the increasing number of females participating in all sports.”
Ms Britnell told the Parliament “the sad thing is that a week’s equivalent of the money your government is paying to service this state’s astronomical debt could get many of these projects completed.”
“As a region we contribute so much to the Victorian economy and I call on the treasurer to ensure this region has what it needs to look after its people.”
