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Budget a disappointment for Latrobe Valley

Read more about the State Budget Delivery for Latrobe Valley, their concern and disappointment.

By news@gippsland - 28th April 2016 - Back to News

Nationals Member for Morwell, Russell Northe, said 2016/17 State Budget had delivered some projects and initiatives for the Latrobe Valley but unfortunately many others were ignored.

Coal royalties

Mr Northe said the major concern out of the Budget was the Andrews Labor Government’s "electricity tax" which will be a serious financial impost on the region’s largest employers.

"Prior to the 2014 election, Daniel Andrews and Tim Pallas unequivocally promised they would not raise or introduce new fees, taxes or charges, yet 18 months later they have trebled the cost of coal royalties," Mr Northe said.

"How our local businesses will sustain such a financial hit is yet to play out, but my fear is that we will see local jobs lost both directly and indirectly."

Latrobe Valley transition

Mr Northe said the Andrews Government was introducing a Latrobe Valley transition program, but it would not undo the damage done by axing the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund.

"I hope this program isn’t too little, too late for our region," Mr Northe said.

"The Liberal-Nationals’ successful Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund (LVIIF) was abolished when Daniel Andrews came to office.

"Since then thousands of full time jobs have been lost across our region and that is why I have been continually advocating for the reinstatement of LVIIF or a similar type of program."

Train services

Mr Northe said after months of major disruptions to local train services, the budget included just two additional Melbourne-Traralgon off-peak V/Line services.

"This is well short of the Liberal-Nationals’ commitment for more peak and off-peak services," Mr Northe said.

"In addition to extra services we need infrastructure investment on the Gippsland line to happen now – not years down the track."

Hazelwood Mine Fire response

"This builds on money previously provided by the Liberal-Nationals Coalition following the Hazelwood mine fire in 2014," Mr Northe said.

"This issue is above political point-scoring – it’s about ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of Latrobe Valley residents and workers."

Morwell Park Primary School

Morwell Park Primary School has been allocated $7.75 million to upgrade its buildings, after being left out of the Morwell Primary School Regeneration in the Andrews Government’s last budget.

"Finally, after substantial lobbying, funding has now been provided to upgrade Morwell Park Primary School," Mr Northe said.

"The Liberal-Nationals Coalition committed funding to the Morwell Primary School Regeneration Project, which included Morwell Park Primary School, so I’m pleased the Andrews Government has finally come to the table and provided money."

Local groups ignored

Mr Northe said disappointingly no funding was provided to Gippsland Carers Association (GCA) or Barrier Breakers - two highly regarded local organisations.

"With no funding provided to these organisations from the Andrews Government there are grave fears that services will be reduced across Gippsland," Mr Northe said.

"The Andrews Government has also failed to deliver or match a number of Liberal-Nationals Coalition election commitments that would support communities across Morwell."

NOT FUNDED BY ANDREWS LABOR GOVERNMENT IN THE 2016/17 BUDGET:

• $9 million for the construction of a Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon
• V/Line Rail upgrade package which includes 24 new weekly V/Line services, duplication of tracks, additional carriages and removal of level crossings
• $5 million for the establishment of a Gippsland Innovation and Enterprise Development Centre at Federation University, Churchill
• $1.2 million to construct a new fire station for the Newborough CFA
• $230,000 to redevelop the Traralgon Court House for community and commercial use
• $150,000 to establish lighting on the pathway linking the Yinnar township and Recreation Reserve
• $150,000 for an upgrade to facilities at Traralgon South Recreation Reserve
• $120,000 for Barrier Breakers to assist with administrative costs and mental health support services
• $120,000 to Gippsland Carers for its carer advocacy and administrative costs
• $100,000 towards the development of a synthetic bowling green at Gaskin Park Bowls Club, Churchill
• $50,000 towards the revitalisation of the tennis facilities at the Yallourn North Recreation Reserve
• $40,000 to assist in the redevelopment of the Yallourn Newborough Soccer Club pavilion
• $30,000 to develop a facilities master plan for the Flynn community
• $30,000 towards streetscape works in the township of Glengarry
• $30,000 to develop a recreational facilities master plan at the Boolarra Recreation Reserve
• $25,000 towards a lighting upgrade at Tyers Recreation Reserve
• $20,000 to develop a community and recreational master plan for the township of Cowwarr
• $15,000 towards an upgrade of clubrooms at Toongabbie Cricket Club
• $10,000 for kitchen and facility upgrades at Toongabbie Golf Club

Media contact: 5133 9088

Office of Russell Northe MLA

Member for Morwell

Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs

Shadow Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation

Russell Northe MLA