Tara Murray
Brimbank residents have been forgotten about in the federal budget, according to two local federal MPs.
Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor and Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino said the budget didn’t address any of the concerns of the local community.
While services such as aged care and mental health received boosts, there was no significant funding for projects in Brimbank included in the budget.
Mr O’Connor said Gorton had been neglected and forgotten about again.
“We are now at eight long years of this government, with nothing of substance provided to my constituents in any of their eight budgets,” he said.
“The lack of investment locally by this government is disruptive, insulting and unacceptable.”
Mr O’Connor highlighted roads projects as missed chances not only to help local residents, but to get the Victorian economy moving in the pandemic recovery.
He said the Western Highway needed urgent upgrades, including extra lanes between Caroline Springs and Melton, while upgrades to the Calder Freeway were also needed.
“The government promised… $50 million last election for these upgrades, with nothing delivered and nothing more promised since.
“This is one of the fastest-growing areas of Victoria and, indeed, of Australia, and yet the government turns its back on my constituents.“
Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino said the budget was a missed opportunity.
“This is a government which has underspent on infrastructure, even though rapidly growing areas like Brimbank are crying out for proper investment,” he said.
