Hume City Council is disappointed that its most important funding requests for Broadmeadows and nearby areas were not included in this year's State Budget.
Council welcomes ongoing funding for works on Donnybrook Road and Mickleham Road. However, roads where Hume residents need improvement most were sadly ignored.
No money was provided for important upgrades to Sunbury Road or Somerton Road. These roads are becoming more crowded and less safe as Hume City continues to grow.
Council has welcomed some funding allocation for Broadmeadows Train Station, but this falls well short of the full redevelopment required for the major activity centre.
The station serves thousands of users each day and is a key gateway for travel to and from Melbourne Airport. Council considers the current condition of the station inadequate and not reflective of the significance of the precinct or community expectations.
Council was pleased to see funding for some important local projects. These include upgrades at John Ilhan Memorial Reserve, programs for early crime prevention, and support for Banksia Gardens Community Services to run local education programs. These investments are a positive outcome of our ongoing work with both the Government and Opposition.
It is however unfortunate for our residents that most of Council's main funding priorities for roads, transport and community services were not included in the budget, and we will continue to strongly advocate for the funding needed to support growth, improve safety and make sure everyone can access services.
Residents, traders and community organisations are encouraged to support Council's advocacy efforts by visiting www.hume.vic.gov.au/advocacy.
Quote attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Carly Moore:
"We welcome the investment earmarked for some important roads and local projects, however Hume's most urgent infrastructure needs are once again being ignored."
"Major roads to our outer suburbs are not meeting the rapid growth in these areas, while the current state of Broadmeadows Train Station is unacceptable and is actively holding the area back from realising its full potential as a major activity centre."
"Council will not accept ongoing inaction by our government. We will continue to fight alongside our community for the investment Hume urgently needs."
