Funding for the Kilmore bypass and schools form part of Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland’s Mitchell Shire wish list ahead of the May 23 State Budget.
Among priority projects highlighted by Ms Cleeland are the Kilmore bypass, a new Kilmore SES building, upgrades to Seymour Football Netball Club’s facilities, and progress towards a new state secondary school in Kilmore, as well as funding for Seymour College and Broadford Secondary College.
Ms Cleeland said the Kilmore bypass was a matter of urgency for the town.
“Last year’s budget showed another year of delay in bypass progression, there is no excuse for this occurring again,” she said.
“For Labor to be standing here after eight years in government and to not have completed a business case or costed the bypass is distressing.”
Ms Cleeland said no additional land had been acquired for the bypass since the last update provided by the Department of Transport in June, 2022.
“The Andrews government is happy to progress metro infrastructure with no business cases and complete complex planning procedures in an incredibly short period of time when it suits their electoral needs,” she said.
“Kilmore has been waiting decades for action; every year of delay is adding to the problem and the costs associated with this crucial piece of work.”
Ms Cleeland also called for the government to fulfil its pledge to upgrade Kilmore’s SES facilities.
“The crew are having to knock back volunteers because they simply do not have the space or infrastructure to support new members,” she said.
“The Nationals made a commitment to fund this upgrade, which was matched by the government. Now we just need to see it confirmed in this month’s budget.”
Ms Cleeland said education investment was required across the shire.
“Kilmore remains without a public secondary school and the nearby Broadford Secondary had to turn away several families at the start of this year due to the school being so close to capacity,” she said.
“There is obvious demand for public secondary schooling in Kilmore. While Assumption is a fantastic school, not every family can afford to send their children there.”
Ms Cleeland also discussed the need for a final piece of funding to allow Seymour College to complete its rebuild.
“Seymour has a massive catchment area, and the school offers a great range of hands-on and technical learning options,” she said.
“The rebuild at Seymour has been an ongoing process for over a decade, and it’s time that this funding was allocated to the school.”
Ms Cleeland said Seymour Football Netball Club and other sporting groups like it were the ‘lifeblood’ of communities.
“It is essential that our sporting infrastructure matches the skills of our country athletes, as well as the dedication of the tireless volunteers that keep clubs running,” she said.
“Seymour Football Netball Club is in urgent need of an upgrade, with both the changerooms and function spaces needing improvements from their current, outdated facilities.
“Providing funding to improve these facilities means more participation, more spectators, and a boost for local economies.”
