Media Statement – to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Jasmine Nguyen
Whilst Brimbank City Council welcomes the numerous initiatives of the 2022-23 Federal Budget that will help alleviate the cost of living, the Budget is unfortunately another missed opportunity to address some of the inequities in Melbourne's west.
The City of Brimbank suffers from relatively high levels of disadvantage, including poorer health outcomes, a low average household income and high unemployment rates, especially amongst our youth.
This means that a high proportion of our residents are significantly affected by the rising cost of living. Although Brimbank welcomes certain measures in the Federal Budget (such as the halving of the fuel excise, the cost of living payment to welfare recipients, the tax offset to low- and middle-income earners, and the Home Guarantee Scheme to support first home buyers), some of these only provide relief for a limited time.
In addition, besides funding for the Western Interstate Freight Terminal in Truganina, and the associated funding for the rail connection to this Terminal, there is very little in this budget to fund the infrastructure required to develop and sustain Melbourne's booming west. This represents another missed opportunity by the Government.
Ahead of the 2022-23 Federal Budget, Brimbank City Council had advocated to the Government to play its role in providing the necessary funding for the Sunshine Priority Precinct, as identified under the proposed North-West Melbourne City Deal that was conceived in 2019. Council had also been advocating for more funding towards upgrading the Calder Freeway.
Council will continue to advocate to the Government, Opposition and minor parties with the aim that our key asks will be met with election commitments ahead of the polls this May. These include:
- Funding of works related to the 'Sunshine Precinct Opportunity Statement' and works developed in conjunction with the Melbourne Airport Rail.
- Finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding between all levels of Government, with relevant funding and commitment to a rapid rollout of the North-West City Deal.
- Additional investments in business, local youth employment programs and mental health support to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Declaration of a Climate Emergency and relevant action.
- Ongoing funding for essential Calder Freeway upgrade works.
- Community Impact of Melbourne Airport's Third Runway.
