The 2021/22 Victorian budget has been handed down and the south-west has had some hits and misses.
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The biggest win was a whopping $384 million for the much-needed stage two redevelopment of the Warrnambool Base Hospital.
Plans for the upgrade have been in the works for nearly a decade.
The cash will be spent on a new emergency department, operating theatres and acute impatient beds.
It's a just reward for our health employees who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe during COVID-19.
Stage two of the Warrnambool rail line upgrade saw $260 million provided for infrastructure upgrades to allow modern VLocity trains to operate to and from Warrnambool.
As part of a $13 million package, funding was also provided to support the continued safety and operations of the Framlingham Aboriginal Trust.
Education facilities didn't miss out with Hampden Specialist School receiving $10.7 million for upgrades to create a modern, safe place for students with a disability to learn and explore.
Merrivale Primary School was also a big winner, with $5.4 million allocated for upgrades.
$5.9 million was provided to facilitate and invest in local business growth opportunities in Portland's key industries. It has not been detailed yet where this money will be allocated.
On Sunday, the government announced at least $25 million would be spent on public housing in Warrnambool as part of a $5.3 billion package to build 12,000 new public houses across the state.
It was also announced $18 million would be spent on upgrading toilets, viewing platforms, trails and car parking along the Great Ocean Road.
There was also $272.4 million for road upgrades, $140 million on the Great Ocean Road and $115 million on routes linking the Princes Highway to the coastal drive. A further $17m will be spent on upgrading dairy supply chain roads.
There was no cash forthcoming for upgrades to the dangerous and dilapidated Princes Highway west.
Transport industry advocates, councils, drivers and politicians have been screaming for upgrades for years, especially between Port Fairy and Warrnambool where $60 million in federal funding commitments already exist.
State funding was also being sought for the proposed Lookout residential rehabilitation centre at Dennington, however it missed out.
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