MEMBER for Murray Plains Peter Walsh says life is getting harder for regional Victorians, but Labor MP Jaclyn Symes claims her government is “doing what matters”.
Ms Symes, a Member for Northern Victoria, highlighted the $180,000 election commitment of irrigation upgrades at Kerang Golf Club and redevelopment of aged care at Cohuna District Hospital as being funded in this year’s budget.
“These are the things that matter – and the things we promised to Victorians,” she said.
“And with this budget, we’re getting on with delivering every election commitment we made at the last election.
“With targeted investment in schools, mental health, aged care, emergency services, recreation and sporting facilities, and community groups – we’re doing what matters for regional Victorians.”
Mr Walsh said the budget slashed funding in key areas.
“Victoria’s crumbling regional roads will only decay further with maintenance funding slashed by 45 per cent since 2020, and from $702.2 million to just $441.6 million in the last year alone,” he said.
“The regional development budget has again been cut, halved from $211.5 million to $106.6 million in this year’s budget. Since 2020, it has been slashed by 80 per cent.
“Agriculture funding hasn’t escaped the axe either, down 34 per cent on last year from $687.3 million to $454.8 million.
“Trade and global development has now been cut by $60.3 million, or almost 60 per cent, since 2020, despite Victorian farmers and farm businesses continue to weather uncertain international markets.”
