FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS MOST TO FAMILIES IN MACEDON

The Allan Labor Government is focused on what matters most to families in Macedon, delivering real help with the cost of living and more investment in frontline services.

We’ve helped families in Macedon slash thousands off their power bills by switching to solar and making their homes more energy efficient. This Budget delivers more rebates for energy efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems, so that more families can save up to $400 a year on their energy bills.

We’re also providing energy bill relief to those doing it tough in Macedon. This Budget delivers a $100 Power Saving Bonus to eligible Victorian households with a concession card, in time for their August winter bills.

For parents in Macedon, every dollar counts. It’s why we’re making public transport free for Victorians under 18.

It’ll mean savings of up to $755 a year – per child. With free PT for under 18s, we’re ensuring cheaper school runs, more affordable weekends – and one less thing for families to worry about.

It’ll make Victoria the first state to introduce free public transport for kids and teens, with the investment beginning 1 January 2026.

Costs can also add up for seniors. It’s why with this Budget, we’re making statewide public transport free for Victorians aged 60 and over on weekends.

From 1 January 2026, this change will help Victorians with a Seniors Card in Macedon visit the grandkids or experience even more of our state – without the extra expense.

No one should miss out on the things that make school fun. But the cost of camps, school sports and excursions can be too much for some families in Macedon.

That’s why we’re increasing the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund to help families with a Health Care Card or concession card. Payments will increase from $154 per year for primary school students and $256 per year for secondary students to $400, from 1 January 2026.

Our buses give locals the choice to leave the car at home, saving money on fuel and parking, and reducing congestion. That’s why this Budget invests $163 million to improve our bus network.

It’ll deliver funding for seven separate bus services across regional Victoria, including funding to continue the Ballarat – Bendigo V/Line Coach.

Together with free public transport for under 18s, and free weekend public transport for seniors, it’ll make buses even better for families in Macedon.

The FlexiRide bus service helps Woodend locals get where they need to go, with on-demand bus services booked through the app. This Budget invests a further $635,000 to keep running Woodend Flexiride, and keep giving local families the choice to leave the car at home.

We’re also investing more than $52 million to boost regional train services. On the Bendigo line, six car trains will run on weekend services. These additional cars will be targeted to already busy services, with development underway to confirm the new timetable.

The Riddells Creek Scout Treetops Camp is a local institution. Operated and maintained by volunteers, it’s a picturesque place to camp in the Macedon Ranges. This Budget invests $80,000 to make the Treetops Camp even better – delivering three shelters so that, rain or shine, the camp is a fantastic experience for families.

Getting in to see a GP is hard – especially one who bulk bills. That means too many families put off looking after their health.

This Budget invests a further $18 million to enable pharmacists to treat even more Victorians with even more conditions – without a trip to the doctor for a prescription.

Previously trialled as the Community Pharmacy Pilot, this investment locks it in for good – and makes it even bigger.

That means pharmacies will be able to treat more conditions with medicines usually only available with a GP script – including allergies, nausea, high blood pressure and minor wound care, with more conditions added progressively over the next two years.

We’re also covering the cost of the consult – ensuring Victorians can access care for free. This is a Budget – and a Government – focused on what matters most to Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"For our region to thrive, our families need to thrive. This Budget invests in real help with the cost of living – while strengthening the local services that matter most to our community.”

“From free PT for kids, to helping drive down energy bills, this Budget delivers record relief.”