Tara Murray
Brimbank council has welcomed investment in mental health, education, transport included in this year’s state budget.
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the initiatives included in the budget would help Brimbank recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“With Brimbank experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression, along with significant socio-economic challenges, it’s vital that we improve access to mental health support in our community,” she said.
“Council has in the past advocated to the state government for primary health services to tackle drug and alcohol issues in Brimbank, and welcomes $9.4 million towards alcohol and other drugs residential rehabilitation treatment expansions.
“More broadly, it is pleasing to see investment in issues that are important to our community – such as $521.6 million to implement 227 recommendations from the Royal Commission into family violence; $193 million to support programs and initiatives for people experiencing homelessness; and more than $383.8 million investment in skills and learning.”
Cr Rasic said they were pleased with the education funding including upgrades at St Albans East Primary School.
Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins and Kororioit MP Marlena Kairouz both said the budget would support an average of 38,000 jobs every year over the next four years, while also investing in the care, services and infrastructure of community needs.
Ms Hutchins highlighted the Calder Freeway funding as the main project in Sydenham, while Ms Kairouz highlighted a new school to be built in Rockbank and $94 million to be invested in the Melton and Wyndham Vale corridor to enable higher capacity trains.
Both said the $3.8 billion investment in the mental health system would benefit Brimbank residents.
“This budget invests in a new mental health system, making sure Victorians have the care they need while also creating new local jobs,” said Ms Hutchins.
Ms Kairouz said, “The Andrews Labor government is providing the support and services that people in Kororoit deserve – that means delivering better mental health care and creating jobs in the process.”
For more on the funding for the Brimbank area: ow.ly/aMze50EUq9X
