The Victorian government state budget is due to be delivered in the coming weeks. RACHAEL HOULIHAN asked Warrnambool City councillors about their top funding priorities.
MICHAEL NEOH: My first priority is a commitment and timeframe for the funding of the construction of the new Warrnambool Special Developmental School. In terms of equity, all children deserve an education in an environment that is appropriate, accessible and modern.
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My second priority is the Reid Oval redevelopment. While I think we might see this in next year's budget, we can only hope for a surprise in this year’s. You look at state investment in stadiums in other regional cities like Geelong and Ballarat – it's simply our turn.
My third priority is the stage two redevelopment of South West Healthcare. This is a no-brainer. Dollars for the design and planning need to be in this budget in preparation for the 18/19 pre-state election budget, where I expect all sides of politics (will be) promising to fund it if elected to power.
PETER HULIN: My number one priority is economic drivers. Tourism is one of them. We need to get some serious funding for Tower Hill to be able to get that on the map and be a destination point for people travelling down the Great Ocean Road (and) generally the Great Ocean Road as well and the connection between Port Campbell and Warrnambool. We need to get tourists here and make this a destination place.
Another one is the Melbourne-to-Warrnambool links, whether that be train or roads. Another is a serious redevelopment of the Lake Pertobe precinct, which could include educational aspects and linking to the Aboriginal side as well. There is tremendous potential for that area to bring people to the region.
The stage two redevelopment of the hospital is something that has to happen. It’s way past us convincing the government that it needs to happen – it just has to happen.
It’s the same scenario with the Reid Oval development. The question is ‘why on earth haven’t we had funding for these things a long time ago?’.
KYLIE GASTON: Number one on my priority list is a new community hub/library in partnership with South West TAFE. Our library is desperately in need of a technological update, more space (and toilets), and better opening hours. As libraries/community hubs continue to grow around the world, we can enhance our library experience for our region by partnering with TAFE.
Stage two of the hospital will completely establish Warrnambool as an all-round medical precinct for our region. Our community and the staff who work at the hospital need an upgraded emergency service and improved operating theatres. Not only is the continuing growth of the hospital important to match need, it is also bringing medical professionals to live in our region and expand services.
(We also need) Reid Oval upgrades. Council has made a firm commitment to making Reid Oval a premier sports ground with showcase grounds and facilities.
DAVID OWEN: My priority first and foremost is the environment. I would like funding to focus on more research into our local biodiversity in the wetlands and rivers along our coast and in the ocean. I want funding to help us understand and consequently to protect what we have and then also to increase biodiversity in our area. The orange-bellied parrot, Latham’s snipe and the growling grass frog are threatened species that either migrate through or reside in our wetlands. We also need an anaerobic digester for our tip to help curb methane and other greenhouse gas emissions while providing bio-gas for electricity, renewable natural gas or transportation fuel. We should also be exploring and applying renewable energy options for all local government buildings and for application elsewhere in the community (such as) residences and businesses.
My second priority is health. I would like funding for stage two of South West Healthcare, mental health support for suicide prevention, farmer support, addictions and a homeless shelter, and (improvements) in community health, for example, aged care.
My third priority is transport. I’d like to see money from the state to fast track the repair and maintenance of our roads, and a faster and more user-friendly rail service.
TONY HERBERT: For me, I'm interested in game changers – projects that actually transform our region.
The first (priority) is an updated rail service. Ours is currently the worst performing rail system in the state and probably the country. We need new lines allowing greater speeds and new rolling stock.
My second priority is the duplication of the Princes Highway all the way through to the SA border, and third is a complete upgrade of the foreshore – it's our city’s major competitive advantage (and it) is under-utilised.
SUE CASSIDY: My first priority is a drug rehabilitation centre. It is only in early days of discussion, but wouldn't it be great for our city or region to receive money for a rehabilitation centre because the government finally sees we need one.
The second priority is a safer launching ramp. The fishing people of Warrnambool and surrounds have waited long enough. We need this for them to be safe and to help with our tourism.
The third priority is the Reid Oval. (We need full funding) so that we don't have to drag the redevelopment over too many years. (We need to) get our major football ground up to standard fast.
ROBERT ANDERSON: The first priority is the Reid Oval redevelopment. It’s very tired and we need to get it up to scratch. If we want to get state events to the city we need top facilities.
Second priority is the second stage of South West Healthcare. We need to be in front of everything. We have the cancer care centre, and we need the second stage of upgrades. We have to keep our finger on the pulse. The hospital serves a large area and brings retirees to Warrnambool.
The third priority is Aquazone. It’s tired. Warrnambool is deserving of something better.
