A $2.4 million Melton hospital business case and a plan to electrify Melton's railway line were among the key State Budget wins welcomed by Melton City Council this week.
The business case, which will determine the type and level of hospital services required, delivers on a highly anticipated Andrews Government election commitment made last year.
Meanwhile, the City's inclusion in the $100 million Western Rail Plan will map out the proposal to electrify Melton's rail line.
Council is also celebrating two new schools and upgrade plans for two more, a car park extension at Melton Train Station, and the continuation of the Growing Suburbs Fund – all outlined in Monday's budget.
City of Melton Mayor Cr Bob Turner thanked the Andrews Government for prioritising what are some of the most urgent projects in Melbourne's west.
"We are very grateful that the State Government has recognised both the challenges and opportunities our fast-growing communities present and has put funding where it's needed," Cr Turner said.
"The Melton hospital business case and the Western Rail Plan are important first steps towards two major projects that will transform everyday life for City of Melton residents.
"I'm looking forward to Council working with the State Government on its timeline for the delivery of both these plans and crucially, the timely delivery of their associated projects.
"More than 20,000 people signed a petition and joined Council's campaign for a new hospital and I'm pleased that the process towards making this a reality will begin in the next financial year.
"Greater access to quality health services, public transport and education must match the city's growth to secure liveability for City of Melton residents and this budget recognises that."
In education, new primary schools will be built in Eynesbury and Rockbank North – both set to open in 2021, Exford Primary School will receive a $6.3 million upgrade, and Staughton College will receive $650,000 to plan upgrades.
"Every week, almost two classrooms of children are born in the City of Melton, so an increased school capacity is a hugely important gain for young families," Cr Turner said.
The Budget has also confirmed the Growing Suburbs Fund annual pool of $50 million will again be available to interface councils on an application basis.
Cr Turner said he was thrilled the fund would continue.
"The fund has already helped Council provide community centres, parks, leisure centres and more. We look forward to working with the State Government to deliver more infrastructure under the Growing Suburbs Fund to meet rising demand."
Melton City Council's State Budget wins:
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: $2.4 million to plan a new Melton hospital
GROWING SUBURBS FUND: $50 million funding pool available to eligible councils including City of Melton
EDUCATION:
• Construction of a primary school in Eynesbury to open in 2021
• Construction of a primary school in Rockbank North to open in 2021
• $6.3 million to upgrade Exford Primary School
• $650,000 to plan for an upgrade at Staughton College
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
• $100 million for the Western Rail Plan which will include planning the electrification of the Melton line
• 100 new or upgraded car parks at Melton Train Station
