By Eleanor Wilson
Despite boosts to health and schools, the 2022-’23 Victorian State Budget, has received a mixed response in Casey.
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas said the Andrews Labor Government was “putting its patients first“ with this year’s budget, which includes a $12 billion Pandemic Repair Plan, $333 million to add nearly 400 new staff to increase the scope of Triple Zero services across the state and $236 million to double the capacity of Casey Hospital’s emergency department.
“Nothing is more important than the health of our loved ones,“ Mr Maas said.
“With an expansion of the emergency department at Casey Hospital this Budget will give local families the confidence that when they get sick, the care they need will be there for them.“
Casey Council said it welcomed the health funding, with chair of administrators Noelene Duff stating the hospital funding boost, which is shared with Werribee Mercy Hospital, would “better support our community, improve patient care and support local jobs.“
“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,” she said.
Despite receiving a positive response from the council, other representatives had a more apprehensive view of the State Government’s health investment.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin took aim at Labor’s “empty election promises”, pointing out the Casey Hospital funding was set to be completed in two elections’ time.
“The Andrews Labor Government’s cruel joke to upgrade Casey Hospital only if you vote for them two more times is as political as it gets,” Mr Battin said.
“Casey Cardinia residents are sick of Labor giving empty election promises. When will Labor stop spinning and start delivering?”
The Liberal MP also questioned the timing of completion dates for local school upgrades funding in the 2022-23 State Budget.
Through the Victorian Budget, 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, which Mr Battin criticised for falling around the time of the 2026 state election.
Casey will also see further investment in local schools under the budget, being allocated a share in $236 million allocated for land acquisition across seven Local Government Areas.
The municipality can expect upgrades to a number of schools including Brentwood Park Primary School in Berwick, Clyde Creek Primary School and Clyde Primary School in Clyde, Gleneagles Secondary College in Endeavour Hills, Hampton Park Secondary College in Hampton Park and Strathaird Primary School in Narre Warren South.
Ms Duff said she was pleased to see investments in local schools, but was disappointed the Budget did not include investment in transport infrastructure for the municipality.
“Council was hoping to see funding for transport projects and infrastructure to help ease congestion, boost jobs and better connect our community to employment and services,” Ms Duff said.
“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.”
Other State budget allocations to the Casey area includes funding for improved bus services in Cranbourne West and Narre Warren and upgrades to the South Gippsland Highway and Clyde Five Ways Road.
The latter will see $15.4 million allocated to install traffic lights and realign roads on the South Gippsland Highway/Clyde Five Ways Road intersection in Devon Meadows – a notorious hot spot for crashes.
“Locals have told us they want to see the South Gippsland Highway/Clyde Five Ways Road intersection fixed and I’m delighted to be announcing this upgrade – improving safety along the busy road,” said Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards.
