Budget wait on cash for local projects

FLOOD rebuilding funding tops the list of Loddon hopes in next week’s Victoria Budget.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub this month called for an acceleration in the flow of flood funds from the State Government.

Cr Straub’s call for flood funds and better investment in rural roads and services have been echoed by Murray Plains MP and Nationals leader Peter Walsh in the lead up to the Budget being handed down on Tuesday.

Mr Walsh said: “Cruel cuts to community health services have already been announced by the Andrews Labor Government, and important infrastructure projects are being delayed to prop up a sinking budget that has maxed out the public’s credit card.

“This budget will be a shocker, but regional healthcare services must be prioritised, especially after years of ongoing neglect.”

Community health services had been pushing for a significant increase in their funding.

And Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad said roads should be a driving force in the Budget.

“Many of our regional and rural roads are in poor condition,” Ms Broad said.

“We’re tired of dodging potholes, reduced speed limits, and sharing single lane roads with heavy transport vehicles,” Ms Broad said.

“Residents are being forced to pay for vehicle repairs and increased wear-and-tear on their cars because of the lack of state government investment in our roads.”

Ms Broad said she had spoken to local councils who are crying out for state government funding to maintain better roads, especially in flood affected areas.

While the Government made few specific commitments to Loddon communities during last November’s election campaign, there will be interest whether Treasurer Tim Pallas’ documents includes funding for the tranche of State Government child care centres to open, including one slated for the Loddon Shire.

Community consultation on the Loddon centre and its location has been promised this year ahead of a 2026 opening.

Treats for nurses on international day

THERE was cake in Boort and churros in Inglewood when Loddon health services celebrated International Nurses’ Day on Friday. Boort District Health held a special gathering to thank its nurses while at Inglewood, where 72 nurses are employed, a changeover of shift staff saw nurses tucking into freshly prepared churros.

The Inglewood celebration also saw nurse Narelle Guidice recognised for her five years on the health service staff.

Women’s big pink turnout

SPORTING arenas turned pink at Boort on Saturday for breast cancer awareness.

Footballers, netballers and hockey players wore pink socks donated by Boort Amity while women gathered for a pink high tea where breast cancer survivors Jo Haw and Theresa Jones spoke of their experiences.

Netball club president Roxy Train said more than $2500 had been raised for Breast Cancer Network Australia “and will keep adding to the total”.

“Playing at home against Wedderburn meant we were able to involve more people in raising awareness and supporting the network,” she said.