The $80 million in federal funding promised to the Albury Wodonga Regional Deal has been retained in the budget, and $9.8 million for road upgrades in Mansfield promised by the former government will be delivered.
“During the election, crucial projects were promised to Indi by the former government, and through my discussions with new Infrastructure Minister Catherine King I have been able to ensure that they are still delivered,” Dr Haines said.
“The Albury Wodonga Regional Deal was announced by the last government but never appropriated and could have ended up on the chopping block, but I made sure that funding continued.”
But Dr Haines said the budget fell short when it came to funding for a new hospital on the border.
“In this budget, the government has funded a hospital in Perth, a medical centre in Adelaide and cancer centres in Brisbane and Adelaide — but not in Albury Wodonga,” Dr Haines said.
“We know the Federal Government do contribute to building hospitals, but we need the Victorian Government to stand up and make sure the NSW and federal governments can also come to the table and deliver a world-class, single-site hospital on the border.”
Dr Haines also criticised the government for the lack of new funding for roads, especially in the aftermath of the floods experienced across the north east.
“Everyone knows how bad the roads are at the moment, and the third La Nina in a row this summer is making it incredibly difficult for local councils to keep up with the necessary repairs,” she said.
This area needs significant investment and Labor has missed an opportunity to strengthen roads further in light of the recent floods.”
Dr Haines was pleased funding for roads in Mansfield promised in the election campaign would continue after confirmation the Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program would remain in place.
A promise made by the former government for $900,000 for the Biggara Recreation Reserve will be delivered in the next six months, Dr Haines said.
