Transport and education Budget gets big tick

CARDINIA Shire Council has welcomed millions of dollars in funding allocated to local projects in the Victorian Coalition Government’s 2013/14 Budget.
Transport and education were the big winners with funding provided for schools, roads, public transport and the Port of Hastings.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen welcomed the State Government’s commitment to projects and initiatives in Cardinia Shire.
In particular Cr Owen said the upgrade of Cardinia Road, funding for Officer Secondary College, funding for bus services in the growth corridor and upgrades to the Dandenong railway line would improve the lives of local residents.
“The 2013/14 Budget includes several multi-million investments in the Casey-Cardinia growth corridor, which will improve amenities for local residents and prepare for future growth in the region,” Gembrook MP Brad Battin said.
“Locally, the Budget includes funding for the duplication of Cardinia Road, construction of Officer Secondary College, funding for the Berwick Trades Career Centre, funding to rebuild Emerald Primary School, and more than $20 million to improve services on the Dandenong Railway line.”
Mr Battin said first home buyers would also benefit from increases to the First Home Owners Grant and stamp duty concessions.
“All home owners will benefit from changes to the Fire Services Levy, which will save residents in Cardinia, Casey and Yarra Ranges more than $100 on their insurance bill,” he said.
“I am pleased the Victorian Coalition Government has delivered a Budget with a strong focus on infrastructure for the growth corridor.”