Victoria’s “tough” state budget will be felt across the region as Treasurer Tim Pallas delays or pulls the pin on a huge list of projects to curb government spending.
Nearly two dozen school upgrades have been delayed by “revised project schedules”.
Upgrades to regional hospitals, including Maryborough Hospital, and regional residential aged care facilities are also among those delayed in the latest budget.
Local Nationals member, Gaelle Broad, is calling the government out on its “empty promises”.
The Treasurer says the adjustments to the timelines will “better reflect workforce capacity” and manage a 22% increase in construction costs.
Dozens of rural and regional water projects have also had their timelines adjusted, ranging from new water mains and refurbishments to water treatment plants and sewerage upgrades.
Victorian Nationals leader, Peter Walsh, has criticised the state over its handling of regional roads, after repairs were down 98% last year.
He says more work needs to be done, and it’s costing even more.
The government’s Best Start, Best Life initiative – which intends to expand government-funded kindergarten hours – completion date has been pushed back four more years.
Bendigo’s council is also still awaiting $5.4 million for stage two of a new sports pavilion at the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve.
The Big Housing Build – a major program to build 12,000 new social and community homes – will be now finished by the middle of 2028, instead of 2027.
