Wyndham City has welcomed the State Government's multi-million-dollar investment in our City, as outlined in yesterday's Budget.
A range of key advocacy projects received substantial funding in the budget, including:
- $272 million towards a new Wyndham Law Court, which will provide a full range of specialist court programs and services including hearing rooms, mediation suites and a specialist family violence court
- Widening of the Point Cook and Sneydes Road intersection including the installation of traffic lights
- Upgrades to local schools, including $10.1 million for Hoppers Crossing Secondary College, $10.7 million for Woodville Primary School, and $8 million for Warringa Park School
- Land acquisition funding for five new local schools including Truganina North Secondary College, Holyoake Parade Primary, Lollypop Creek Primary, Riverdale East Primary, and Tarneit Missen House Primary
- $2 billion for the Geelong fast rail project, reconnecting Werribee to Geelong
- $84 million upgrade to the Werribee Zoo
- Funding towards bus service improvements, which includes the delivery of new bus services and service upgrades
- Funding for our local health system, including $4.8 million to plan for the future expansion of the Werribee Mercy Hospital and funding to acquire land for the new Point Cook Community Hospital
Wyndham Mayor Cr Adele Hegedich said: "This Budget has delivered in spades for Wyndham and I would like to thank the State Government for funding so many important projects."
"Wyndham City and its partners, including WestJustice, have worked tirelessly over many years to get funding for a new Wyndham Justice Precinct."
"Wyndham's current Magistrate Court has just two courtrooms, is outdated and unsafe. Wyndham's population has grown from 40,000 people to more than 280,000 since these law courts were built, and as such, it is failing to properly service the community."
According to the Budget, the $272 million will assist in the construction of a new court with 13 courtrooms, four hearing rooms, three mediation suites, and a Specialist Family Violence Court.
Cr Hegedich also thanked the State Government, residents, Council staff and the Point Cook Action Group after funding was received to improve the notorious Point Cook and Sneydes Road intersection.
"Funding for widening and installing lights at the Point Cook and Sneydes Road intersection is the culmination of dedicated advocacy by Wyndham City in partnership with Point Cook residents and the Point Cook Action Group," Cr Hegedich said.
"This funding will finally alleviate one of Point Cook's worst intersections and make the drive for residents easier and safer."
"About 35,000 vehicles use this intersection every day, yet a lack of traffic lights makes turning right onto Point Cook Road extremely difficult and dangerous."
"There have been multiple collisions resulting in serious injuries at this intersection, so it's great that the State Government has listened and will upgrade this notorious blackspot."
Mayor Hegedich also welcomed significant funding to upgrade schools and importantly, fund the purchase of land to build new schools.
"Many of Wyndham's new housing estates are being built before primary and secondary schools are in place. Existing schools are struggling to cope and are becoming overcrowded, so it's great to see the State Government investing in this important area."
Mayor Hegedich also said a number of broader budget measures will also assist residents during our economic recovery from COVID-19.
"As one of the hardest hit municipalities in Australia during COVID-19, Wyndham residents need assistance and support from all three tiers of government," she said.
"In March, Wyndham City announced a $5 million stimulus package - the WynLocal Economic Support Package - designed to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the community."
"The package included small business support, relief in respect to fees and charges and a rates deferral scheme."
"More recently, Council also approved a $50 rates discount for eligible pensioners and a $100 rates rebate for eligible JobKeeper recipients."
"Wyndham City supports any further economic assistance for our residents from both the State and Federal Governments."
