STATE ELECTION
No cause for celebration in Labor’s first budget By Kate Lardner* LAST week, we saw a Labor government deliver its first federal budget in almost a decade. While there were certainly some worthwhile inclusions in the budget – targeting issues like housing supply, affordable childcare and women’s safety – it remains clear that those of us on the Mornington Peninsula are likely to have drawn the short straw of government funding yet again. For decades, we’ve seen our districts fall victim to the gridlock of the two-party system. Budgets from both state and federal governments have failed to provide adequate funding to our region, leaving many of us wondering why we don’t get the attention we deserve. Research commissioned by the Committee for Greater Frankston has highlighted this issue. Despite having a larger population than Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, the Mornington Peninsula will see a mere one tenth of state government infrastructure funding, by comparison. As a result, much of our funding pressures fall on our local council, leading to an erosion in the quality of services, a lack of infrastructure, and an increased burden on ratepayers. Many of us have questioned why we face recurrent budgetary neglect. Perhaps it’s the narrative that the Mornington Peninsula is merely a
playground for the rich and famous. Or perhaps – as I firmly believe – it’s because the major parties are unable to work with representatives from the other side of the political aisle. In Mornington, where I am running as an Independent candidate, Liberal representation stretches back to 1947. For the past 12 years, we have had Liberal representation under a Labor state government – resulting in a political gridlock that has had severe impacts on our local communities. Needless to say, we haven’t been great beneficiaries of grants, infrastructure and investments over the past decade. This latest federal budget indicates that the trend of distributing funding towards marginal seats and away from safe ones is likely to continue. The Building Better Regions Fund, which provided more than $1 billion for infrastructure and community development, has been shut down, leaving more than 815 community organisations around the country (including some on the Mornington Peninsula) struggling for funds. The National Centre for Coasts, Environment and Climate – a research and education field centre in Point Nepean National Park – was also hit with funding cuts, delivering a blow to attempts at stemming local coastal erosion and marine research efforts. And the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Develop-
ment, Communications and the Arts has been stripped of $939 million. That’s not to say there are no positive elements of the budget: $250 million has been committed to expanding the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Labor’s plan to build one million homes will go a long way towards alleviating the stresses on the housing sector. And expanded paid parental leave will no doubt leave many in our community better off. But it remains to be seen how much of the cash splashed around in the budget will flow to our region. If history is anything to go by, I don’t hold out much hope. The inability of the two-party system to provide for our communities has been hurting us for decades – leaving us underfunded, under-resourced and left to fend for ourselves. The issue is not about how much money is in the budget, nor which programs are funded. The issue is about neglect; and our community not getting its fair share. My solution? Elect a representative who can work with both sides of politics to secure funding for our communities – regardless of which government is in power. • Dr Kate Lardner is standing as an independent for thew state seat of Mornington.
Have your say Draft Strategy sets out the future of recreational BMX and mountain biking on the Peninsula In 2021, we saw a surge in children and young people embracing bike riding activities on the Peninsula, with many creating their own jumps within park lands and on roadside reserves. Last year, we asked for your input to help us to start developing the Strategy. We wanted to know what was important to you, what an ideal site would look like and where they should be. Thanks to your contribution, we’ve now developed the draft Recreational Facilities for Mountain Bike and BMX Strategy and we now want your feedback.
To view the draft Strategy and share your thoughts visit our webpage before 5pm, 1 December 2022 mornpen.vic.gov.au/bikesports PAGE 12
Mornington News
1 November 2022
Candidates can speak at Hastings FIVE candidates who have announced they will contest the seat of Hastings in the 26 November state election have been invited to publicly give their views on health, education, climate change and the environment. A public forum is being held in Hastings Hall on Thursday 10 November - the last day for nominations of registered political party candidates and the day before independents must register. Invited to the forum so far are Briony Hutton, Liberal; Paul Mercurio, Labor; Paul Saunders, Greens; Robert Whitehill, independent; and Tyson Jack, Animal Justice Party. “It’s vital that whoever wins government this election, they prioritise the health of our community and environment. This forum will give each candidate the chance to share
how they’ll do that,” Environment Victoria community organiser Victor Komarovsky said. “If everyone in the Hastings electorate had access to clean, renewable energy, we’d have lower bills, healthier homes and a cleaner environment. We’re calling on all candidates to champion clean energy for all.” The forum is being organised by Environment Victoria, Save Westernport, Victorian National Parks Association and Voices of Mornington Peninsula. It will be moderated by broadcaster and author Tracee Hutchison. The Hastings electorate candidates’ forum will be held 7pm-9pm Thursday 10 November at Hastings Hall, Main Street Hastings. Tickets are free and can be booked at events.humanitix.com/hastingscandidates-forum
Liberals hailed for bus promise ELDERLY residents living in retirement centres four kilometres from Main Street, Mornington are being offered easy access to buses if the Liberal Party wins the 26 November state election. The Liberals have made a preelection commitment to bring buses to four new bus stops at Beleura Village, Peninsula Grange Retirement Village, St Macartan’s Parish Primary School and Mornington Gardens Holiday Village. Residents of both retirement villages have for years been calling on the state government to bring buses to existing bus shoulders on Bungower Road.
Liberal candidate for Mornington Chis Crewther and deputy Liberal Leader David Southwick said last week that a Liberal and Nationals government would extend bus routes 781 and 785 to go by the bus shoulders and have promised $100,000 for bus shelters and timetable poles. Don Robinson, who lives at Beleura Village in Bungower Road, said he and others at the nearby Australian Unity centre in Racecourse Road had campaigned for years for a bus service to Frankston and Mornington. “This is good news, let’s hope it gets up,” he said. Liz Bell
Are we ageing well? Join our Positive Ageing Community Summit! Thursday 24 November 10am – 2pm, Peninsula Community Theatre Book your free tickets over the phone or online: 5950 1765 mornpen.vic.gov.au/ ageingsummit We’re inviting older people, caregivers, families, local businesses, clubs, groups, academics, and everyone in between to share your local experiences of ageing.