IN JUST under two weeks, the Coalition will celebrate its first year in government.
Many things have changed for the better since Victorians went to the polls on 27 November last year.
The Coalition has introduced a number of practical measures to ease the cost of living pressures; including gas heater rebates, stamp duty cuts, year-round electricity concessions for eligible households and a reduction in TAFE diploma fees.
An extra $100 million has been invested in public transport to increase maintenance across Melbourne’s rail network, and 635 additional train services have been introduced to the weekly timetable.
More than $600 million has been invested in road projects.
Every government school in Victoria will undergo a comprehensive maintenance audit over the next few months, part of the Coalition’s $100 million boost to school maintenance funding.
The recruitment drive has started for 940 Protective Services Officers and 1700 new frontline police – the largest ever boost to police numbers in a single government term.
The Coalition has also introduced a zero tolerance approach to hoon drivers, tougher sentencing and an end to suspended sentences and home detention for criminals.
The owners of illegal puppy farms will now face fines of up to $20,000 and a possible 10-year ban on owning animals. Premier Ted Baillieu recently announced the establishment of a $1.6 million Animal Welfare Fund to assist organisations that care for abused animals.
These changes benefit everyone – but things have changed locally, too.
In Warburton, commuters can now catch a bus to Lilydale with a single ticket. Energy companies are investigating the best route for Natural Gas, a service that will give an additional option to residents currently paying for LPG or firewood. Land is being prepared for the new Warburton CFA Station.
In Emerald, work is currently underway on a $150,000 refurbishment of the historic hall next to Emerald Community House. Negotiations are underway to purchase land for the new Emerald police station. Gembrook Football Club will soon have new lights.
To the south of the electorate, major road upgrades have commenced at Clyde Road and Cardinia Road. Construction of Officer Special School will begin soon.
I am here to represent the needs of the Gembrook electorate in State Parliament. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve this great community, I would love to hear them.
You can contact me on 9796 1987 or through my website www.bradbattin.com
