The Victorian State Budget 2022-23 continues the Andrews Labor Government’s legacy of delivering for the inner west.
Local communities deserve great places to play sport and under an Andrews Labor Government, they will have them. We’re investing $88 million across Victoria to build, upgrade and renovate community sporting infrastructure.
This will deliver bigger, better change rooms, club rooms and community spaces for our community to enjoy, including $500,000 to deliver more car parking and better lighting at Paisley Park – making it easier for more people to make the most of this wonderful community space. We’re also supporting local baseball players and fans with $90,000 for a new scoreboard at K.C. White Reserve.
We’re also getting on with delivering for local sporting clubs with up to $300,000 being delivered to upgrade the cricket nets and minor pavilion works at Greenwich Reserve, meaning the Williamstown Colts Cricket Club will have the facilities that the players and volunteers deserve.
A further $1 million commitment in this Budget means we’re also supporting commercial fishers and boaters through projects such as the installation of fenders on Gem Pier in Williamstown, ensuring better protection for boats of all sizes using this historic pier and supporting more people to get out and about on the water.
We’re supporting our creative industries and artists in the west with a $2.4 million investment, as part of the Go West fund. Creatives and community groups will be supported to hold festivals, family activities and performances and access more affordable creative spaces – taking creativity to the next level in the west.
We want to give our multicultural communities the chance to celebrate everything they hold dear. That’s why we’re investing over $6.4 million to ensure that Victorians of all cultures, faiths and backgrounds can hold festivals and celebrations in great community spaces, including $250,000 to support upgrades at the Australian Islamic Centre and $50,000 for air-conditioning upgrades at the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay.
We know that many Victorians are still paying too much for their energy bills – that’s why we’re stepping in to help families get the best deal. We’re providing a once-off $250 payment for all Victorian households that use the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website – the Victorian Government’s independent price comparator website – to search for the cheapest electricity plan that suits their needs.
This Budget also delivers for the iconic Westgate Punt service, with a $200,000 investment for the continuation of this important service connecting cyclists from Spotswood to Port Melbourne across the Yarra River, linking up popular cycling paths.
We’re also refurbishing Yarraville West Primary School’s toilets to improve amenity, cleanliness and hygiene, with a $493,100 investment.
With this Budget, we’re getting on with delivering for all Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“Williamstown is a wonderful place to live, with great local parks and community sports grounds. With upgrades to Greenwich Reserve, Paisley Park and K.C. White Reserve, we’re making it even better.”
“Supporting our multicultural communities like those at the Australian Islamic Centre and the Maltese Association of Hobsons Bay is such an important part of bringing our community together and celebrating our multicultural organisations in Williamstown.”