Hope for local projects in State Budget
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Hope for local projects in State Budget

Funding for the Bairnsdale Fire Station relocation, a new police building at Orbost, the Hope residential rehabilitation facility and proposed Omeo mountain bike park are among the local priorities that will hopefully appear in next Tuesday’s State Budget papers, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.
 
“There are a number of fantastic proposals that have been floated with this government and while it is unrealistic to think we will get all, it would be good if this government could provide the funds for at least a couple of these projects,” Mr Bull said.
 
“One project I am optimistic about is funding for the Hope residential rehabilitation centre.
 
“Over the past 12 months I have had several fruitful discussions with the Minister on this project that have left me with a level of confidence it will be announced as clearly it is the most advanced option for such a facility in Gippsland.
 
“This is thanks to the great community volunteer working group effort, led by Peter and Margaret Down, Richard Rijs and John Glynn.
 
Mr Bull said the region’s highest priority is the redevelopment of Bairnsdale Secondary College, however given stage two funding was not included in last week’s pre-budget announcements, it would be highly unlikely if this appeared.
 
“Having had stage one funded and built under the former Liberal National Government (with a commitment to stage two), this continues to be completely ignored,” he said.
 
“A clear indication of the need is that the library and an adjoining classroom have again recently been shut down after the constant flow of water every time it rains has created a mould in the walls that makes the areas unusable.”
 
Mr Bull said continued investment into the roads network was another requirement.
 
“This was noted by Shadow Minister for Roads and Infrastructure David Hodgett during his visit to the region last week to announce that an elected Liberal Nationals government would reinstate the $160m Country Roads and Bridges Program,” he said.
 
“These are just some of the many priorities for the Gippsland East electorate.”
 
Thursday, April 26, 2018