The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed the State Government’s significant investment in local infrastructure as part of the State Budget, but voiced concern about how funding for regional and rural roads will be allocated.
MAV President, Councillor Bill McArthur said the $100 million over four years for sports infrastructure and $50 million for interface councils to maintain vital assets and plan for the future was very good news.
“The Sports Infrastructure Fund will help local clubs upgrade grounds and facilities and grow their memberships while the Interface Councils Infrastructure fund will help these councils meet the needs of their growing municipalities.
“Following the Federal Government’s announcement that it will continue helping to fund 15 hours of kindergarten, it’s great to see the State Government will now spend $50 million on kindergarten infrastructure.
“This is a great win for councils who have strongly advocated for support delivering this service to their communities along with news the Living Libraries and Premier’s Reading Challenge will continue for another year with $5.4 million to go towards local library infrastructure and books.”
Councillor McArthur said while there seems to be significant State investment for repairing roads and improving road safety infrastructure it’s unsure how much of this, if any, will be allocated to local councils.
“Obviously we welcome any investment in Victoria’s road system however with 85 percent of Victoria’s roads managed by local councils immediate clarification around whether councils will receive any funding is needed, particularly given the Country Roads and Bridges program has ceased.
“It’s also disappointing the State hasn’t committed to bringing its Maternal and Child Health funding contribution back to the 50/50 arrangement originally agreed between local and state government for this service, or any additional funding for the school crossing supervisors program.”
Councillor McArthur said the budget funds the previously announced Regional Jobs and Infrastructure fund, which includes $50 million for the Stronger Regional Communities plan to help towns attract more families and young people to live and work in regional Victoria.
“The $12.1 million Climate Change Action Package is a very welcome commitment that will help support local government in its efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
“The Budget also appears to confirm the continuation and indexation of the pensioner rates rebate program despite concerns following the cuts to federal concession funding.”
Other budget highlights include $1 million to review the Local Government Act; the previously announced $5.2 million in funding for roadside weed and pest management over the next two years; $4.2-$4.6 billion investment in public transport and $81 million to assist with the prevention of violence against women
