OPINION – ALI CUPPER
THE Victorian Government will hand down the 2020-21 State Budget on Tuesday, but the Mildura electorate has already had two significant investment announcements which will benefit some of our most vulnerable people.
The government’s announcement that at least $40 million will be invested in affordable and public housing in the Mildura local government area is one of the most significant one-off funding commitments in many years. The Swan Hill local government area – which includes Robinvale – will receive $15 million.
Mallee Accommodation and Support Program chief executive Gary Simpson hailed the investment, estimating the $40 million could build 180 new properties across the Mallee, which would provide an extra 200,000 bed-nights per year.
In addition to the housing infrastructure spend, the Victorian Government announced that some current public housing in the Mildura electorate would receive airconditioning as part of a $112 million statewide package to be unveiled in the budget.
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio confirmed properties in the Mildura electorate would be among those prioritised for airconditioning upgrades as part of the package.
Airconditioning in public housing has been an issue I’ve lobbied the government on since being elected. I’ve spoken many times in parliament about how the extreme heat is dangerous to people’s health in public housing during summer. I have done this alongside many other advocates, including the team at Mallee Family Care.
It is pleasing to see the government is investing in public housing as part of the COVID-19 economic recovery.
The prospect of 180 new properties being built in our region for public housing over the medium term will help generate jobs in the construction industry.
But it will also be a hand-up to the many families and individuals who have endured long waiting lists for public housing.
I am hoping Tuesday’s budget will deliver more benefits similar to these already announced.
Securing the $10 million to complete Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct and infrastructure spending for schools are two priorities I have been fighting hard for, so hopefully the government continues to listen and act on our needs. After all, we are Victorians too.
