Baillieu Budget Delivers

Member for Narracan, Gary Blackwood has welcomed the 2011-12 Victorian Budget handed down in State Parliament today by Treasurer Kim Wells MP.

Mr Blackwood said that the Baillieu Government had delivered a responsible and caring budget for regional Victoria, and that it demonstrated that the Coalition Government was committed to delivering on its promises.

'This budget has strongly delivered for our region of Narracan in our first term as we promised on November 27, 2011' said Mr Blackwood.

'We have worked tirelessly not only to provide for Narracan, but all Victorians, and I believe this budget demonstrates that we are listening to the needs of Narracan about what it requires to remain a vibrant and central hub of Gippsland and Victoria into the future'.

Commitments Under the 2011-12 State Budget for Narracan

• Warragul Railway Station Precinct Upgrade

''This redevelopment of the Warragul Railway Station Precinct includes a carpark and rail underpass that will help the development of the township of Warragul long into the future', said Mr Blackwood.

'It will provide a new carpark on the southern area adjoining the existing station precinct, and give commuters safe and convenient access to the station'.

• Lardner Level Crossing - Safety upgrade

'The upgrade to Lardner Level Crossing comes as part of a state wide push to increase safety at 75 level crossings across Victoria'.

'As a major intersection for schools, businesses and homes in the area this safety upgrade for road and rail commuters is long overdue and I am pleased it is our Government who is able to deliver on this for Narracan'.

• West Gippsland Hospital - Emergency Department Upgrade

'The Emergency Department at West Gippsland Hospital has coped with unprecedented demand and underfunding for too long.

'This commitment today by the Baillieu Government to fund five additional Emergency Department patient care cubicles means it will be better positioned to deal with presentations by patients.

'It recognises the hard work being done at the hospital, and meets a request that was left unfunded by the previous Government for too long.

• $30,000 for establishment of a business plan to secure the future of Old Gippstown

Key budget points that will also benefit Narracan.

• $17 million for Pests and Weeds across Victoria on public land.
• $160 million over four years for roads and bridges across Victoria.
• The exemption of from Stamp Duty for First Farmers under the age of 35 on the first $300,000 of agricultural land purchased.
• $151 million to employ an extra 340 ambulance officers.
• Easing Cost of Living Pressure on families and Victorian Households
  • Additional 246 new kindergarten inclusion support packages.
  • $6 million to help small rural kindergartens with operational costs.
  • Reduction of ambulance fees by 50% for Victorian families at a cost of $242m over four years.