Desperately-needed upgrades to local hospitals, schools and community facilities are missing out on funding, while Labor’s metro project cost blowout bill continues to skyrocket.
Media reports have revealed Melbourne’s $11 billion Metro Rail Tunnel will cost an extra $3 billion over budget.
Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said this money would make a huge difference in country Victoria, but instead Daniel Andrews was directing it to yet another Melbourne blowout.
“Our communities are just as important and projects like the Swan Hill Hospital upgrade are vitally needed to keep our community healthy, while better regional trains will encourage people to live and work in our community,” Mr Walsh said.
“Labor’s already known as a city-centric Government that ignores the regions, and I’m very concerned these latest budget blowouts mean even less investment for regional Victoria.
“There’s so many local projects we’ve been working to secure funding for, like the revamp at the Murrabit market, a new Leitchville CFA or for the bike path from Swan Hill to Lake Boga.
“And imagine how much of a difference that sort of investment would make if it was put into improving the safety of our country roads.
“But under Labor, instead of investing in these tremendous local projects, it’s going to waste.”
The Metro Tunnel isn’t the only project running billions of dollars over budget.
“The sickening reality is Daniel Andrews has blown Victoria’s budget by at least $25 billion,” Mr Walsh said.
“Country Victorians deserve more than just scraps off the table from this arrogant, wasteful Premier.”