EASIER, SAFER AND MORE AFFORDABLE IN MACEDON
The Allan Labor Government is making life easier, safer and more affordable for families in Macedon.
Cost of living pressures are being felt by everyone across regional Victoria. Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East means Victorians are paying more for fuel. That's why this Budget delivers 20% off rego, saving a driver with one car up to $186, and a family with two cars up to $372. It’s real help with the cost of living, right now, while still delivering a surplus.
We’re also taking pressure off the pump with free public transport in April and May – then half-price fares from June 1 until the end of the year. This will save the average daily commuter in Macedon more than $1,300.
The Rural Financial Counselling service offers free help to families across Macedon who are doing it tough, helping them to get their finances back on track. This Budget invests $1.8 million to continue this important work, supporting local farmers and families.
Regional Victoria is at the heart of this Budget – and this Labor Government. We’re investing $114 million in regional education. The $75 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund will go towards supporting regional hospitals and health services. And we’re investing $20 million into the Future Regions Program to boost productivity, livability and investment in Victoria’s regions. Because no matter where you live, every Victorian deserves access to the same quality public services.
Victoria has one of the best school systems in the world, with NAPLAN results that lead the nation. But the rising cost of living is putting pressure on household budgets. From free School Breakfast Clubs, to more affordable uniforms, this Budget invests $59.4 million to help families with school-age kids. This includes expanding the Glasses for Kids program to more schools – delivering free eye tests and free glasses to kids who need them.
From Free Kinder to Free TAFE – and everything in between – the Allan Labor Government invests in education. We're transforming early childhood education and delivering Free Kinder – saving families up to $2,700 per child every year. This Budget also invests nearly half a billion dollars to build and upgrade kinders and government-run childcare centres.
This Budget delivers upgrades to 59 more schools across the state. Locally, Daylesford Primary School is receiving $6.7 million for an upgrade and modernisation, and Hesket Primary School is receiving $281,000 for capital improvements.
The Allan Labor Government always invests in our health system. Since 2014, we’ve delivered 11 new hospitals and hired 41,900 nurses, midwives, doctors and healthcare workers. This Budget invests to hire 250 extra graduate nurses and delivers fast-tracked surgery and specialist appointments for kids.
We’re investing $1.1 million to continue the Healthy Loddon Campaspe program, helping people in Macedon stay active and eat well.
Victoria has more police than any other state. With this Budget, we’re boosting police resources by recruiting 200 police reservists for desk jobs. This $62 million investment will free up frontline officers, making sure they’re out where they’re needed most and keeping communities in Macedon safe. We’re also investing $33.5 million in the Violence Reduction Unit, to stop crime before it starts.
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, which is why we're delivering an additional $100 million for new CFA tankers and pumpers to ensure our firefighting fleet can protect Victorians.
Agribusiness is one of the biggest economic drivers to our state's economy, and is the lifeblood of so many regional communities including in Macedon. This Budget also invests $7.4 million to support those working in agriculture, including backing the next generation of women leaders through the Rural Women’s Network Leadership and Mentoring Program.
For generations, the Country Women’s Association of Victoria has been looking out for regional communities. The Allan Labor Government is proud to support their work, investing $150,000 in this Budget to help the CWA provide financial relief and practical help to women, children and families in need.
With this Budget, we’re making life easier by giving busy Victorians time back in their day, with better roads and more public transport. We’re funding the biggest roads blitz in the state’s history – $1.04 billion is going towards rebuilding, repairing and resurfacing roads across Victoria, with 70 per cent of the funds going to regional Victoria.
The Old Kyneton Primary School is a special place with deep roots in the community — that’s why this Budget will deliver investment to upgrade and open the space into a bold, inclusive community and creative hub.
Labor is investing in Macedon – do the Liberals support our investments, or will they cut them?
Quote attributable to Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Member for Macedon
“Only Labor is truly investing in the services that keep our regional communities strong. From world-class local healthcare and modern schools to reliable V/Line services.”
“This Budget delivers real cost of living relief for regional families—meaning lower fares on our V/Line network, and 20% off car rego.”
