By Marcus Uhe
The health and education sectors are the biggest winners for City of Casey residents from the 2022/23 Victorian State Budget, released Tuesday afternoon 3 May.
Casey Hospital will receive a share of $236 million in funding to double the capacity of its emergency department as part of $2.3 billion to upgrade existing and build new hospitals across the State.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said the pandemic had reminded the State Government of the importance of investments in healthcare.
“Our healthcare workers across the state go above and beyond to give Victorians world-class care, and we’re investing to make sure they’ve got world-class hospitals and medical equipment to match,” Mr Foley said.
“This is about giving Victorians the confidence that when they need medical care, they’ll get it in a first-rate health and hospital system.”
The area will also share in $236 million allocated for land acquisition across seven Local Government Areas for future new schools.
Land has been secured for two primary schools and a secondary school in Clyde North, while a new primary school in Clyde North, Alexander Boulevard Primary School (interim name), will be built, with an expected completion date of 2024.
Kambrya College in Berwick will receive an $18.9 million upgrade for 400 additional spaces for students in classrooms as part of $658.2 million investment in upgrades and improvements at existing schools. The upgrade is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025-26.
Dandenong Valley Special Developmental School in Narre Warren is also in line for an upgrade valued at $14.775 million.
“We know kids can’t learn at their best if they don’t feel happy and safe – that’s why we put health and well being on an equal footing with academic achievement for Victorian students,” Education Minister JamesMerlino said.
“We’re investing in our teachers and our education workforce because it’s good for students and it’s good for Victorian jobs.”
On the infrastructure front, $15.4 million will go towards the installation of traffic lights and the road re-alignment at the intersection of Clyde Five Ways road and the South Gippsland Highway in Devon Meadows.
Over a five-year period 22 crashes were recorded at the intersection including one fatality, according to the Department of Transport.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said feedback from her constituents indicated this project was a priority.
“Locals have told us they want to see the South Gippsland Highway and Clyde Five Ways Road intersection fixed and I’m delighted to be announcing this upgrade, improving safety along the busy road.”
Details and planning works on the upgrade are expected to commence later this year with construction due to take several years, the State Government said.
A $109 million investment in the Victorian bus network will provide Cranbourne West and Narre Warren residents with more access to services such as employment, education, shops and train stations.
Extra bus services will be provided in Cranbourne West to shuttle people between activity hubs such as Merinda Park station and Cranbourne West Secondary College, the State Government said.
Changes to the current network will be made in order to provide connections to the Casey Business Park near Fountain Gate.
Despite these investments, Gembrook MP Brad Battin was left unimpressed, believing that residents in Casey will be left to sit in traffic with no money for any new road duplications or intersection upgrades.
“You can’t trust the Andrews Labor Government to deliver for the South East,” Mr Battin said.
