The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with delivering on its election promises for our community – investing in what matters for the people of Footscray.  

We haven’t wasted a day delivering the services and projects that matter to Victorians. With the Victorian Budget 2023/24, we’re getting on with doing what we said we’d do.  

Victorians remember the State Electricity Commission (SEC): it meant a fair deal on your power prices and good, stable jobs for workers.   

That’s why we’re bringing it back – to drive down power bills and create thousands of jobs in renewable, government-owned energy.   

An initial $1 billion investment in the SEC will help deliver 4.5 gigawatts of power – the equivalent replacement capacity of Loy Yang A – through renewable energy projects.   

Bringing back the SEC won’t just mean more renewable energy, lower power bills and reduced carbon emissions – it’ll also help create 59,000 jobs. 

As part of a $2 billion investment in schools across Victoria, this year’s Budget includes $9.3 million to give students at Footscray West Primary School a new gym, canteen, food tech space and music room.  

We’re making sure that wherever you choose to send your kids to school, they have access to first-rate facilities. That’s why we’re delivering $2.6 million so upgrade St Margaret’s Primary School as part of our support to the low-fee Catholic and independent sector to deliver great local schools. 

Every Victorian should be able to get the healthcare they need, when they need it, close to home. We’re investing almost $58 million to deliver 20 Women’s Health Clinics across the state – ensuring women and their health are given the focus, funding and respect they deserve.  

New comprehensive women’s health clinics at Footscray and Sunshine Hospital will change the way women’s health issues in the west are treated, providing care and support for conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause and menopause.  

We’re getting on with building our mental health system from the ground up – kickstarting planning for a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Footscray. 

Sport is such a big part of our community, helping families in Footscray to stay active and get engaged. In this Budget, we’ll provide $10 million to deliver on the Shorten-Barrett Reserve Masterplan.  

This will transform the Shorten Reserve precinct and RecWest Footscray with a new multi-use court together with oval and pavilion upgrades, giving locals more opportunities to come together while supporting the next generation of sporting greats. 

Every community deserves great spaces to come together to celebrate and share in culture and tradition – that’s why we’re upgrading and revitalising the business and cultural hub in Footscray.  

We promised to upgrade community infrastructure for our Buddhist community, and we’re doing just that with the $250,000 for Chua Quang Minh temple in Braybrook and $150,000 for Fo Guang Shan temple in Yarraville. 

Supporting community events like the Tet Festival help Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities to stay connected to their culture, traditions and identity – and we’ll provide the festival with $100,000 per year for the next four years. 

We’ll make sure residents in high-rise public housing towers are comfortable year-round, with a $141 million investment to start delivering air-conditioning to these buildings. 

Our community knows the importance of having freight and traffic managed on our roads. It’s why we’re investing $20 million for Clean Air for the West to help truck operators modernise their fleets and support local councils to seal critical roads – improving air quality for local families.  

Our local SES crews work hard to keep our community safe. We’ll make sure they have the facilities and equipment they need to stay safe, too. We’re investing $500,000 towards planning to deliver a new VICSES unit for Footscray so our hardworking volunteers can continue keeping Victorians safe. 

With huge demand for a skilled workforce, the Labor Government is making sure Victorians can get the skills they need for the job they want.  

A targeted investment of $10 million towards Australia’s first Centre for Paramedicine will make sure the next generation of ambos receive world class training at Victoria University. 

Our community is creative and bold, which is why we’re funding a $200,000 grant to support the creation of murals in Footscray – giving local artists the space to reflect our vibrant community.  

These are the things that matter – and the things we promised to Victorians.  

And with this Budget, we’re getting on with delivering every election commitment we made at the last election. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall  

“With this Budget, we’re doing what matters for the people of Footscray – and we’re delivering on every election promise we made to them.” 

“Our women’s health clinics in Footscray and Sunshine will provide vital support for acute and chronic conditions that so often go undiagnosed – so women and girls in the inner west can get the quality care they need, close to home.”