Budget A Chance For Baillieu To Deliver For Ballarat

An expansion to the Ballarat Base Hospital and a new helipad needs to be funded in this year’s State Budget to ensure families have better access to quality healthcare, Leader of the Opposition Daniel Andrews said today.

Mr Andrews and Member for Ballarat East Geoff Howard visited Ballarat Base Hospital to call on the Baillieu Government to deliver funding for important projects for the region.

Last year’s Budget failed to provide the $15 million capital funding for a promised 60 extra hospital beds and the funding for a helipad at Ballarat Base Hospital.

“This is Ted Baillieu’s second budget and he needs to make sure it includes funding for his election commitments,” Mr Andrews said.

“Mr Baillieu has had long enough to deliver on his promise to provide extra beds for the hospital and build a helipad.

“More and more people are moving to Ballarat, and its growing community means it is important services can keep up with demand.

“Last year the Government said the capital funding would be provided in ‘future years’, but how long do Ballarat families have to wait for these improvements to the hospital?

Mr Howard called on the Baillieu Government to provide the funding for the hospital and the helipad.

“Mr Baillieu has shown he doesn’t understand that being able to access quality health facilities close to home is important for Ballarat residents,” Mr Howard said.

“Ballarat residents are beginning to realise the Government they voted for is very different from the one they have now.”

Other election commitments that must be funded in the Budget include:

• $18 million redevelopment for Sebastopol College;
• Funding for the Ballarat Ring Road, with just $2.5 million of the promised $38 million provided last year; and
• $2.5 million for Mt Helen Fire Station.

Mr Andrews said the State Budget was also a chance for the Baillieu Government to outline a plan to create jobs and grow the economy.

“There are thousands of Victorians who have lost their jobs and now facing an uncertain future,” Mr Andrews said.

“So far this Government has refused to develop a jobs and investment plan that will secure jobs in our state. Ted Baillieu needs to start working hard to keep people in work, and the State Budget would be a good place to start.”