Council
24 May, 2024
Budget delivers for families - Ermacora
THE recent release of the State Budget was “good news” for families according to Member for Western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacora.
“Whether it’s helping with the cost of living, making sure kids can be their best, record funding for the state’s healthcare system and continuing to invest in more of the services families rely on, this Budget invests in our community,” Ms Ermacora said.
“With the current cost of living, covering supplies and extracurricular activities can be hard on families doing it tough.”
To help combat these costs, a one-off School Saving Bonus of $400 has been included in the Budget, to be made available for the start of the 2025 school year.
“We’re also tripling our free Glasses for Kids program, making sure even more children can be their best in the classroom, and beyond,” Ms Ermacora said.
“Having already helped 34,000 kids across our state, this investment will help 74,000 more, providing free vision screening and prescription glasses for students who need it.”
Eligible families will also be able to apply for up to $200 worth of ‘Get Active Kids’ vouchers to help offset the cost of sporting club registration, uniforms and equipment.
Public transport has also been mentioned in the Budget.
“We also know how important regional public transport is in connecting our communities and that’s why we’re investing to continue running extra services, including weekday return services for the Warrnambool and Echuca train lines – because regional Victorians deserve a great public transport network.”
A further $133 million will support the regional rail network, including operating newly delivered train stabling yards, stations and VLocity trains, and upgrading the 150-year old historic rail tunnel between Geelong and South Geelong.
The state of rural and regional roads has also come under fire in recent times, with the State Budget investing an additional $105 million to repair and maintain roads.
“Western Victoria already has so much to offer and an investment of $921,000 to plan and install car parking infrastructure at the Twelve Apostles will boost regional tourism, making it even easier for tourists to visit from across Victoria, Australia and the world,” Ms Ermacora said.
“As the cost-of-living rises, we’re also delivering an extra $3.5 million to support organisations and neighbourhood houses to provide food relief, as well as continuing the work of our six regional food relief hubs – including in Geelong and Warrnambool.
“From critical cost-of-living support to new schools – each of these investments is about making life better for families across Western Victoria,” Ms Ermacora said.
