Victorian budget from a regional focus

The Andrews Government also announced that it would build 50 government-owned and -run early learning centres in areas of most need.

They will offer childcare and kindergarten and, where possible, be located near other relevant services such as schools and maternal and child health facilities.

Sites have been confirmed in 30 communities, including in Numurkah, Rochester, Seymour and Shepparton.

Flood recovery and road funding

Rochester will have millions of dollars pumped into its vital infrastructure, with it also having its VicSES Emergency Hub rebuilt.

More than $23 million has been allocated to rebuild the Rochester and Heathcote VicSES Emergency Hubs while Rochester’s police station, which was badly damaged by floodwater, will have $1.3 million spent on it to provide a permanent home, including flood mitigation works to be carried out on the site.

The government said $677 million had been committed to “ongoing flood recovery, building on the $1.8 billion” promised last year to communities across the state.

An extra $2.8 billion will be spent on road maintenance over 10 years to repair roads across the state.

The government said the extra funding meant at least $6.6 billion would be invested in road asset management on Victoria’s road network over the next decade.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the budget gave support where it was needed.

“Recovery is different in every community and takes time. We promised to support communities for the long haul and this budget continues to back the important work being driven by locals,” she said.

Statewide commitments

The Andrews Government has also emphasised a series of statewide commitments it said would benefit the Goulburn and Murray valleys.

They include its free kinder program, saving families up to $2500 per child each year.

It is spending $32 million to attract and retain more teachers across regional Victoria, including allowances for pre-service teachers to undertake placements at regional and remote schools.

An initial $1 billion investment in the SEC will help deliver 4.5 gigawatts of power, the equivalent replacement capacity of Loy Yang A power station, through renewable energy projects, in which the government promises regional Victoria will play an integral role.

The government said its commitment to cap regional V/Line fares at the daily metropolitan price had saved Victorians about $8 million already and it was promising to spend $219 million on providing almost 200 extra regional weekend services across the state, and $601 million on building 23 new VLocity trains in Victoria.

“We’re doing what matters, supporting families, jobs and fairness in rural and regional Victoria,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“Whether it’s bringing back the SEC, making V/Line fares fairer or upgrading key regional hospitals, we are delivering for all Victorians.”

Health care

In health care, the government has committed $20 million to support 25 Priority Primary Care Centres, including eight in regional Victoria.

Primary production

In the field of biosecurity, the government said it would invest $17.5 million in skills training and equipment to prepare for a rapid response to any emergency animal disease detection.

The government has announced $3 million for farm safety programs, $10 million for the Distillery Door program, $5 million for the Wine to the World program and $5 million in hospitality scholarships.

Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney said the budget recognised the importance of Victoria’s agriculture sector.

“We’re backing our world-class agriculture industry and the Victorians who rely on it, helping farmers access new markets at home and overseas, and future-proofing the sector against pests and diseases,” she said.

Tourism

The government has announced it is also spending $32.5 million to promote the state’s tourism industry.

A total of $10 million will be spent to keep entry to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Kyabram Fauna Park free for children under 16 years of age on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays.

“Tiny towns” of up to 5000 people across the state are the target of a $10 million Tiny Towns Fund for regional and outer suburban communities, supporting projects that drive tourism and community pride.

Regional Development Minister Harriet Shing said the budget supported the state’s regional areas.

“It’s so important to recognise and support our smallest towns across rural and regional Victoria, including through transition and change, we’re delighted to invest in these communities, their liveability, histories and pride of place,” Ms Shing said.

Housing crisis

Funding has continued for the government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build of social and affordable housing, to deliver over 12,000 new homes for Victorians, including a target of $1.25 billion to be spent across regional areas.

Justice system

With regards to the justice system, the budget allocates $70.7 million to the Bendigo Law Courts, Drug Court pilots in Shepparton and Ballarat and a Drug and Alcohol Treatment program in the County Court, as well as better case management systems and remote hearing services.