HELPING BUSY FAMILIES COVER THE COSTS OF KIDS SPORT IN WERRIBEE
The Allan Labor Government is helping busy Werribee families with the cost of living and making sure more kids get the opportunity to play the sport they love, with another round of $200 sport vouchers on offer.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced the next round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open – helping eligible families cover the costs of sports memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 invested $6 million to extend the program and encourage more Victorian kids to join a local sports club or try a new activity.
Eligible families who hold health care cards or other concession cards can apply for vouchers of up to $200 per child.
Almost 150,000 vouchers have already been provided to families since the program launched in 2020 – with thousands more to come from this upcoming round. More than half of the families say their kids would not have been able to participate in sports without the voucher.
From soccer to dance, there are more than 70 sports and more than 2,000 activity providers included in the program across the state, meaning kids in Werribee have the chance to take part in the sport and activities they love.
Families can apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at an activity provider like a local sporting club.
The program is open to kids aged up to 18 who are named on a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and named on a Medicare Card.
A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, migrants and international students.
For more information and to apply for a voucher visit getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“This program is helping thousands of kids to play the sports they love and addressing cost of living - this is a big win for families in Werribee.”
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We’re helping busy families by making sure every child can get active this summer – whether they like basketball or ballet, every kid deserves to have a go at the sport they love.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“We’ve seen almost 150,000 vouchers given to families through the program – these vouchers are a win for healthy habits, a win for communities, and a win for the huge number of kids who would otherwise not be able to participate.”
HELPING BUSY FAMILIES COVER THE COSTS OF KIDS SPORT IN WERRIBEE
The Allan Labor Government is helping busy Werribee families with the cost of living and making sure more kids get the opportunity to play the sport they love, with another round of $200 sport vouchers on offer.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced the next round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open – helping eligible families cover the costs of sports memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 invested $6 million to extend the program and encourage more Victorian kids to join a local sports club or try a new activity.
Eligible families who hold health care cards or other concession cards can apply for vouchers of up to $200 per child.
Almost 150,000 vouchers have already been provided to families since the program launched in 2020 – with thousands more to come from this upcoming round. More than half of the families say their kids would not have been able to participate in sports without the voucher.
From soccer to dance, there are more than 70 sports and more than 2,000 activity providers included in the program across the state, meaning kids in Werribee have the chance to take part in the sport and activities they love.
Families can apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at an activity provider like a local sporting club.
The program is open to kids aged up to 18 who are named on a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and named on a Medicare Card.
A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, migrants and international students.
For more information and to apply for a voucher visit getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers.
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“This program is helping thousands of kids to play the sports they love and addressing cost of living - this is a big win for families in Werribee.”
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We’re helping busy families by making sure every child can get active this summer – whether they like basketball or ballet, every kid deserves to have a go at the sport they love.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“We’ve seen almost 150,000 vouchers given to families through the program – these vouchers are a win for healthy habits, a win for communities, and a win for the huge number of kids who would otherwise not be able to participate.”
Victoria’s top exporters have been celebrated at the 45th Governor of Victoria Export Awards, with 14 businesses taking out top honours for championing homegrown products and services on the global stage.
Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas last week joined the Governor of Victoria, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, to congratulate the winners representing key industries including agribusiness, food and beverages, resources and energy, manufacturing, advanced technologies and sustainability.
Victorian advanced technology company PMY Group, which provides technology infrastructure for live sport, entertainment and the leisure sector, was named Victorian Exporter of the Year and took out the Advanced Technologies award.
PMY Group export their technology systems for events across 12 countries, including the US Open, Wimbledon, Invictus Games and Olympic organising committees, as well as venues hosting the NBA, NFL and the Rugby World Cup – taking Victorian innovation to the world.
Founder of The Paw Grocer Jenny Richards received the Global Victoria Women’s Award for her remarkable achievements in growing her small business into a global brand.
Jenny’s passion for her product and diversification strategy helped launch her business on the international market, and now exports to the Middle East, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The state awards form part of the Australian Export Awards, with Victorian winners qualifying for consideration at the national awards in November.
Exports play a critical role in Victoria’s ongoing economic growth by contributing more than $67 billion and helping to support more than 330,000 jobs ranging from food and agribusiness to technology, health and international education.
The Allan Labor Government’s network of 23 international trade and investment offices is the largest and most effective of any Australian state or territory, supporting over $1 billion in export sales from almost 3,000 Victorian businesses participating in export programs and other key initiatives in 2023/24.
For a full list of the winners, visit global.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
“Our 2024 winners and finalists showcase the quality of Victoria’s homegrown products and services that are providing solutions to real world problems.”
“Victorian businesses are leading the way and exporting their innovations to the world – creating local jobs and driving economic growth in the process.”
Victoria’s top exporters have been celebrated at the 45th Governor of Victoria Export Awards, with 14 businesses taking out top honours for championing homegrown products and services on the global stage.
Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas last week joined the Governor of Victoria, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, to congratulate the winners representing key industries including agribusiness, food and beverages, resources and energy, manufacturing, advanced technologies and sustainability.
Victorian advanced technology company PMY Group, which provides technology infrastructure for live sport, entertainment and the leisure sector, was named Victorian Exporter of the Year and took out the Advanced Technologies award.
PMY Group export their technology systems for events across 12 countries, including the US Open, Wimbledon, Invictus Games and Olympic organising committees, as well as venues hosting the NBA, NFL and the Rugby World Cup – taking Victorian innovation to the world.
Founder of The Paw Grocer Jenny Richards received the Global Victoria Women’s Award for her remarkable achievements in growing her small business into a global brand.
Jenny’s passion for her product and diversification strategy helped launch her business on the international market, and now exports to the Middle East, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The state awards form part of the Australian Export Awards, with Victorian winners qualifying for consideration at the national awards in November.
Exports play a critical role in Victoria’s ongoing economic growth by contributing more than $67 billion and helping to support more than 330,000 jobs ranging from food and agribusiness to technology, health and international education.
The Allan Labor Government’s network of 23 international trade and investment offices is the largest and most effective of any Australian state or territory, supporting over $1 billion in export sales from almost 3,000 Victorian businesses participating in export programs and other key initiatives in 2023/24.
For a full list of the winners, visit global.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
“Our 2024 winners and finalists showcase the quality of Victoria’s homegrown products and services that are providing solutions to real world problems.”
“Victorian businesses are leading the way and exporting their innovations to the world – creating local jobs and driving economic growth in the process.”
The Allan Labor Government is creating highly skilled jobs and boosting the state’s technology sector by partnering with a global tech company to scale up operations in Victoria.
In Delhi today, Premier Jacinta Allan announced that Sonata Software, a global tech company, will establish its Centre of Excellence in Melbourne – with support from the Labor Government.
This will create around 100 new Victorian jobs over the next three years for data engineers, solution architects and technical analysts.
Sonata Software, a leading Modernization Engineering company, provides digital transformation services to clients across retail and consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, telecom, media and technology, banking and financial services and insurance.
The Centre of Excellence will focus on the retail and manufacturing industries to service Sonata Software’s growing demand in Australia for generative AI and data solutions, leveraging the talent and expertise from Victoria’s top education institutions to support the Centre’s research and development.
Victoria’s world-class technology infrastructure and talent, renowned culture of innovation and thriving education and financial services sectors were key factors in Sonata Software’s decision to establish the Centre of Excellence in Melbourne.
Sonata Software’s growing presence in the state will drive digital innovation and transformation across key local industries, developing IT solutions for global businesses.
The company will also look to source talent from the Labor Government’s Digital Jobs program for new roles, tapping into the program’s pool of experienced workers who have newly acquired digital skills.
Victoria’s tech sector contributed $35.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2023 and supports almost 280,000 tech workers across more than 22,000 businesses.
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We’re backing Sonata Software’s expansion in Victoria because it will deliver more jobs and boost our booming tech sector.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
“Victoria’s thriving tech sector continues to be a magnet for global tech companies, enhancing our state’s innovation capabilities and creating valuable opportunities for our highly skilled workforce.”
Quote attributable to Sonata Software Country Head and Vice President for Sales Biju John
“With our Centre of Excellence in Melbourne, we are tapping into Victoria’s vibrant ecosystem of innovation and technology which allows us to bring Sonata Software’s world-class services closer to our local clients.”
The Allan Labor Government is creating highly skilled jobs and boosting the state’s technology sector by partnering with a global tech company to scale up operations in Victoria.
In Delhi today, Premier Jacinta Allan announced that Sonata Software, a global tech company, will establish its Centre of Excellence in Melbourne – with support from the Labor Government.
This will create around 100 new Victorian jobs over the next three years for data engineers, solution architects and technical analysts.
Sonata Software, a leading Modernization Engineering company, provides digital transformation services to clients across retail and consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, telecom, media and technology, banking and financial services and insurance.
The Centre of Excellence will focus on the retail and manufacturing industries to service Sonata Software’s growing demand in Australia for generative AI and data solutions, leveraging the talent and expertise from Victoria’s top education institutions to support the Centre’s research and development.
Victoria’s world-class technology infrastructure and talent, renowned culture of innovation and thriving education and financial services sectors were key factors in Sonata Software’s decision to establish the Centre of Excellence in Melbourne.
Sonata Software’s growing presence in the state will drive digital innovation and transformation across key local industries, developing IT solutions for global businesses.
The company will also look to source talent from the Labor Government’s Digital Jobs program for new roles, tapping into the program’s pool of experienced workers who have newly acquired digital skills.
Victoria’s tech sector contributed $35.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2023 and supports almost 280,000 tech workers across more than 22,000 businesses.
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We’re backing Sonata Software’s expansion in Victoria because it will deliver more jobs and boost our booming tech sector.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
“Victoria’s thriving tech sector continues to be a magnet for global tech companies, enhancing our state’s innovation capabilities and creating valuable opportunities for our highly skilled workforce.”
Quote attributable to Sonata Software Country Head and Vice President for Sales Biju John
“With our Centre of Excellence in Melbourne, we are tapping into Victoria’s vibrant ecosystem of innovation and technology which allows us to bring Sonata Software’s world-class services closer to our local clients.”
Schools in Werribee are receiving a boost to essential maintenance projects, thanks to the Victorian Government.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced schools in the area are among 59 to share in over $20 million in funding for 62 maintenance projects under the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).
The schools include Iramoo Primary School and Westgrove Primary School.
The PMP provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government schools.
The program ensures schools can undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways.
Works are determined by a rolling facilities evaluation process, which provides up-to-date information on the condition of schools to create a faster and more targeted allocation of funding.
The Victorian Government has invested $16.9 billion over the past 10 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2,200 school upgrades − supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
It is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.
The Victorian Government is building the Education State so every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.
For a list of schools receiving funding under the Planned Maintenance Program, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/planned-maintenance-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll:
“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is kept up-to-date, so that every child can access a high-quality education in a high-quality environment.”
“We are constantly evaluating our schools and making sure every single classroom is safe, engaging, and will complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas:
“I’m delighted to see Werribee share in funding to make sure our students have the best facilities to learn in.”
Schools in Werribee are receiving a boost to essential maintenance projects, thanks to the Victorian Government.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced schools in the area are among 59 to share in over $20 million in funding for 62 maintenance projects under the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).
The schools include Iramoo Primary School and Westgrove Primary School.
The PMP provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government schools.
The program ensures schools can undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways.
Works are determined by a rolling facilities evaluation process, which provides up-to-date information on the condition of schools to create a faster and more targeted allocation of funding.
The Victorian Government has invested $16.9 billion over the past 10 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2,200 school upgrades − supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
It is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.
The Victorian Government is building the Education State so every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.
For a list of schools receiving funding under the Planned Maintenance Program, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/planned-maintenance-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll:
“This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is kept up-to-date, so that every child can access a high-quality education in a high-quality environment.”
“We are constantly evaluating our schools and making sure every single classroom is safe, engaging, and will complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas:
“I’m delighted to see Werribee share in funding to make sure our students have the best facilities to learn in.”
The Allan Labor Government today welcomed Victoria’s AA+ credit rating by international credit agency, Fitch Ratings.
The Fitch rating affirms a stable outlook for Victoria and states our ‘strong and diverse economy’ will support a continued recovery in the state’s fiscal position, following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This positive news follows a report last week from another international credit ratings agency – Moody’s – that affirmed Victoria’s current Aa2 credit rating with a ‘stable outlook’.
Moody’s report said the “stable outlook reflects our expectation that the state's large and diverse economy will remain resilient”.
The positive outlook from both Moody’s and Fitch is an endorsement of the Government’s strong and sustainable financial management.
Economic indicators show our plan is working – our economy is now 11 per cent larger than before the pandemic and 50 per cent larger than when we came to government.
That growth is predicted to continue, with Deloitte Access Economics forecasting that the Victorian economy will grow faster than the national average over the next five years.
In 2022, Treasury obtained a private credit rating from Fitch to provide further perspective on the credit market in the pandemic.
Fitch assessed Victoria as being rated AA+ in this earlier rating and has now affirmed that rating today. This private rating will be tabled shortly.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 confirmed the strengthening of Victoria’s fiscal position and we have created with the addition of a fifth step to the fiscal strategy: the reduction of net debt as a proportion of the state’s economy.
Due to our sensible and disciplined approach, debt is now reducing as a share of the economy for the first time since 2017. more than 850,000 new jobs have been created in Victoria since the Labor Government was elected in 2014, with total employment in the state now at a record 3.78 million.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“Our economic strategy is right for the times, and we are focused on driving growth and reducing debt.”
“We are focused on things that matter to Victorians, helping with the cost of living and making sure that we are supporting families, jobs, businesses and local communities.”
“This positive credit rating shows that our strong and stable financial management is working”
The Allan Labor Government today welcomed Victoria’s AA+ credit rating by international credit agency, Fitch Ratings.
The Fitch rating affirms a stable outlook for Victoria and states our ‘strong and diverse economy’ will support a continued recovery in the state’s fiscal position, following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This positive news follows a report last week from another international credit ratings agency – Moody’s – that affirmed Victoria’s current Aa2 credit rating with a ‘stable outlook’.
Moody’s report said the “stable outlook reflects our expectation that the state's large and diverse economy will remain resilient”.
The positive outlook from both Moody’s and Fitch is an endorsement of the Government’s strong and sustainable financial management.
Economic indicators show our plan is working – our economy is now 11 per cent larger than before the pandemic and 50 per cent larger than when we came to government.
That growth is predicted to continue, with Deloitte Access Economics forecasting that the Victorian economy will grow faster than the national average over the next five years.
In 2022, Treasury obtained a private credit rating from Fitch to provide further perspective on the credit market in the pandemic.
Fitch assessed Victoria as being rated AA+ in this earlier rating and has now affirmed that rating today. This private rating will be tabled shortly.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 confirmed the strengthening of Victoria’s fiscal position and we have created with the addition of a fifth step to the fiscal strategy: the reduction of net debt as a proportion of the state’s economy.
Due to our sensible and disciplined approach, debt is now reducing as a share of the economy for the first time since 2017. more than 850,000 new jobs have been created in Victoria since the Labor Government was elected in 2014, with total employment in the state now at a record 3.78 million.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“Our economic strategy is right for the times, and we are focused on driving growth and reducing debt.”
“We are focused on things that matter to Victorians, helping with the cost of living and making sure that we are supporting families, jobs, businesses and local communities.”
“This positive credit rating shows that our strong and stable financial management is working”
Victoria will continue to be Australia’s number one destination for students, as the Allan Labor Government launches a fund to help more Victorian universities and TAFEs take their education offering to the world.
In Delhi today – following the announcement of an expanded partnership between RMIT University and leading Indian university BITS Pilani – Premier Jacinta Allan announced a new $5 million Yes to International Students Fund to help bring more partnerships like RMIT-BITS to life.
The new fund will focus on transnational education – offering targeted seed funding to Victorian universities and TAFEs so they can kick start and grow partnerships to deliver more education overseas.
Transnational education (TNE) is the delivery of Australian courses to international students outside Australia, where a university may set up a campus offshore or co-deliver dual courses with a reputable international university.
Delivering Victoria’s world-class education overseas brings huge benefits back to the state: growing the economy, strengthening the global reputation of Victoria’s institutions, and giving staff and students in each country mobility and more opportunities for research, career development and further study.
Some Victorian public institutions with a smaller global footprint will benefit from more support to find reputable partners and explore valuable opportunities across the globe.
TNE students are currently proposed to be exempt under Australia’s National Planning Level reforms. Today, the Premier also called on the Federal Government to guarantee TNE students won’t be counted towards the cap.
Victoria is Australia’s leader in transnational education, supported by the largest offshore education network of any state.
The RMIT and BITS partnership is one of Australia’s TNE success stories and is the first Australian–Indian dual degree program where students complete half their undergraduate degree in India and half in Victoria.
TAFEs are a success story, too. Holmesglen operates a TAFE campus in Mongolia and has trained more than 1,000 mine workers, and in 2015, it opened a girls’ senior secondary school in Qatar specialising in business.
Victoria will work with universities and training providers on the design of the fund and confirm further details in the Economic Growth Statement later this year.
International students support Victoria’s economy, generating $14.8 billion in revenue last year and supporting more than 63,000 FTE jobs across the state.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We say yes to international students because they boost our economy and our global reputation, they support our small businesses, and they keep our multicultural state connected with the world.”
“We say no to the Federal Government’s caps. Our new fund is going to help our unis and TAFEs find innovative ways to challenge them, and make our offering to international students even stronger.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
“We want to axe the caps, but we also want to bring something positive to the table that can grow our economy and keep us innovating.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"We back our universities and TAFEs to deliver world-class training, here and abroad. And we absolutely stand by them against these damaging caps."
Victoria will continue to be Australia’s number one destination for students, as the Allan Labor Government launches a fund to help more Victorian universities and TAFEs take their education offering to the world.
In Delhi today – following the announcement of an expanded partnership between RMIT University and leading Indian university BITS Pilani – Premier Jacinta Allan announced a new $5 million Yes to International Students Fund to help bring more partnerships like RMIT-BITS to life.
The new fund will focus on transnational education – offering targeted seed funding to Victorian universities and TAFEs so they can kick start and grow partnerships to deliver more education overseas.
Transnational education (TNE) is the delivery of Australian courses to international students outside Australia, where a university may set up a campus offshore or co-deliver dual courses with a reputable international university.
Delivering Victoria’s world-class education overseas brings huge benefits back to the state: growing the economy, strengthening the global reputation of Victoria’s institutions, and giving staff and students in each country mobility and more opportunities for research, career development and further study.
Some Victorian public institutions with a smaller global footprint will benefit from more support to find reputable partners and explore valuable opportunities across the globe.
TNE students are currently proposed to be exempt under Australia’s National Planning Level reforms. Today, the Premier also called on the Federal Government to guarantee TNE students won’t be counted towards the cap.
Victoria is Australia’s leader in transnational education, supported by the largest offshore education network of any state.
The RMIT and BITS partnership is one of Australia’s TNE success stories and is the first Australian–Indian dual degree program where students complete half their undergraduate degree in India and half in Victoria.
TAFEs are a success story, too. Holmesglen operates a TAFE campus in Mongolia and has trained more than 1,000 mine workers, and in 2015, it opened a girls’ senior secondary school in Qatar specialising in business.
Victoria will work with universities and training providers on the design of the fund and confirm further details in the Economic Growth Statement later this year.
International students support Victoria’s economy, generating $14.8 billion in revenue last year and supporting more than 63,000 FTE jobs across the state.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We say yes to international students because they boost our economy and our global reputation, they support our small businesses, and they keep our multicultural state connected with the world.”
“We say no to the Federal Government’s caps. Our new fund is going to help our unis and TAFEs find innovative ways to challenge them, and make our offering to international students even stronger.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
“We want to axe the caps, but we also want to bring something positive to the table that can grow our economy and keep us innovating.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"We back our universities and TAFEs to deliver world-class training, here and abroad. And we absolutely stand by them against these damaging caps."
Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (10:06):
I was very pleased to join local construction workers at Ison Road in Werribee last week to celebrate the launch of Victoria’s Building Equitable Futures Strategy. The Allan Labor government is building a new road overpass bridge across the Melbourne–Geelong railway line at Ison Road, extending the road south towards Browns Road to provide a vital link to the developing residential areas of Wyndham West and to the Princes Freeway from Melbourne and Geelong and removing another level crossing from metro Melbourne.
I was joined by women working on that site in engineering, design, environmental sciences, labouring and project management, including a young builders apprentice. This project is setting a high standard, with over 30 per cent women working onsite. These are numbers we want to see replicated across the industry. At the moment the number of women working in civil construction sites sits at around the 14 per cent mark, but onsite the number is closer to 2 per cent. We are committed to achieving gender equality in the workplace, and we are making progress in many ways. However, we are not there yet in construction, an industry that many women have felt uncomfortable entering or in which they have experienced such a poor workplace culture that they do not want to stay. The Allan Labor government is building a Victoria for the future, one where all Victorians benefit from these fantastic projects and have the opportunity to work in the jobs that will get us there.
Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (10:06):
I was very pleased to join local construction workers at Ison Road in Werribee last week to celebrate the launch of Victoria’s Building Equitable Futures Strategy. The Allan Labor government is building a new road overpass bridge across the Melbourne–Geelong railway line at Ison Road, extending the road south towards Browns Road to provide a vital link to the developing residential areas of Wyndham West and to the Princes Freeway from Melbourne and Geelong and removing another level crossing from metro Melbourne.
I was joined by women working on that site in engineering, design, environmental sciences, labouring and project management, including a young builders apprentice. This project is setting a high standard, with over 30 per cent women working onsite. These are numbers we want to see replicated across the industry. At the moment the number of women working in civil construction sites sits at around the 14 per cent mark, but onsite the number is closer to 2 per cent. We are committed to achieving gender equality in the workplace, and we are making progress in many ways. However, we are not there yet in construction, an industry that many women have felt uncomfortable entering or in which they have experienced such a poor workplace culture that they do not want to stay. The Allan Labor government is building a Victoria for the future, one where all Victorians benefit from these fantastic projects and have the opportunity to work in the jobs that will get us there.
Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (14:26):
I have got some very exciting news about the ever-improving situation with regard to the state’s exports. These numbers were recently released, last week, by the ABS and show that Victoria has recorded the largest increase in exports across the nation, growing exports by more than $2 billion over the past 12 months and increasing Victoria’s exports by 3.6 per cent. What that means is that in the June quarter we have taken our exports to a record $17.6 billion. Growing export markets right across the economy creates jobs of course, and indeed this government has created more than 860,000 jobs since 2014. That is in a labour market of 3.7 million.
There is one export area, though, that the state is being constrained in, and that is in international education. This is due to the federal government’s recently announced caps on student numbers. International students generated $14.8 billion in export revenue in 2023, and they support 63,000 Victorian local jobs. As a state we want to attract international students to come to study here in this state, especially in in-demand professions like engineers, planners, project managers and even, dare I say it, defamation lawyers. As a state we value our international students not just for the economic benefits that they bring to this state but also because they add colour, culture and vitality to Melbourne and to Victoria. This is under threat due to the federal government’s decision. I will be frank, a decision of this nature will take a long time to turn around.
Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (14:26):
I have got some very exciting news about the ever-improving situation with regard to the state’s exports. These numbers were recently released, last week, by the ABS and show that Victoria has recorded the largest increase in exports across the nation, growing exports by more than $2 billion over the past 12 months and increasing Victoria’s exports by 3.6 per cent. What that means is that in the June quarter we have taken our exports to a record $17.6 billion. Growing export markets right across the economy creates jobs of course, and indeed this government has created more than 860,000 jobs since 2014. That is in a labour market of 3.7 million.
There is one export area, though, that the state is being constrained in, and that is in international education. This is due to the federal government’s recently announced caps on student numbers. International students generated $14.8 billion in export revenue in 2023, and they support 63,000 Victorian local jobs. As a state we want to attract international students to come to study here in this state, especially in in-demand professions like engineers, planners, project managers and even, dare I say it, defamation lawyers. As a state we value our international students not just for the economic benefits that they bring to this state but also because they add colour, culture and vitality to Melbourne and to Victoria. This is under threat due to the federal government’s decision. I will be frank, a decision of this nature will take a long time to turn around.
Fans of Wyndham Vale Falcons Football Club and Wyndham Vale Cricket Club can keep up with all the latest action, thanks to a new LED scoreboard at their home ground at Wyndham Vale South Reserve. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today joined Wyndham City Council and club representatives to officially launch the new scoreboard and other improvements at the reserve, made possible by a $200,000 investment from the Allan Labor Government. Sport is the lifeblood of growing communities like Wyndham Vale and the new scoreboard provides a great new way for fans of the local game to engage with sport. The new LED scoreboard adds a whole new dimension to the player and fan experience at the ground, providing clubs and future champions the chance to showcase their achievements on the big screen. There’s also an opportunity for local community groups and businesses to take advantage of the scoreboard to broadcast local initiatives, upcoming events and promotions. The project also included the installation of a new storage shed. The Victorian Government has invested more than $2.3 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure over the past decade.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is also providing more than $23 million to continue delivery of community sport and active recreation infrastructure and programs to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility.
Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, levelling the playing field and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available, visit sport.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “Keeping up with all the latest on and off the ground is an integral part of community sport, especially during the big games that’s why infrastructure like scoreboards are so important.” “It’s a real game-changer. It helps ramp up the excitement at local fixtures and adds a whole new dimension to grassroots sport.”
“It also provides the local community a valuable way to promote local initiatives and keep up to speed with what’s going on in and around the ground.”
Fans of Wyndham Vale Falcons Football Club and Wyndham Vale Cricket Club can keep up with all the latest action, thanks to a new LED scoreboard at their home ground at Wyndham Vale South Reserve. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today joined Wyndham City Council and club representatives to officially launch the new scoreboard and other improvements at the reserve, made possible by a $200,000 investment from the Allan Labor Government. Sport is the lifeblood of growing communities like Wyndham Vale and the new scoreboard provides a great new way for fans of the local game to engage with sport. The new LED scoreboard adds a whole new dimension to the player and fan experience at the ground, providing clubs and future champions the chance to showcase their achievements on the big screen. There’s also an opportunity for local community groups and businesses to take advantage of the scoreboard to broadcast local initiatives, upcoming events and promotions. The project also included the installation of a new storage shed. The Victorian Government has invested more than $2.3 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure over the past decade.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is also providing more than $23 million to continue delivery of community sport and active recreation infrastructure and programs to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility.
Investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, levelling the playing field and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available, visit sport.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “Keeping up with all the latest on and off the ground is an integral part of community sport, especially during the big games that’s why infrastructure like scoreboards are so important.” “It’s a real game-changer. It helps ramp up the excitement at local fixtures and adds a whole new dimension to grassroots sport.”
“It also provides the local community a valuable way to promote local initiatives and keep up to speed with what’s going on in and around the ground.”
Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (09:46):
I am pleased to update the house on the recent tree-planting event at Victoria University under the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program. Together with the member for Point Cook and the member for Tarneit I joined Victoria University staff for their tree-planting event organised in collaboration with the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program. With the assistance of Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action staff and over 200 volunteers, we successfully planted the remaining 2500 trees. I, for my part, planted a substantial minority of the 12,600 trees allocated to the Werribee campus as part of the initiative.
The More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program was introduced as currently Melbourne’s west has far less tree canopy cover than the east and south-east, causing the western suburbs to experience the greatest urban heat island effect across metropolitan Melbourne. The program will create more shade and green spaces, which in turn will drive down pollution, reduce temperature and improve air quality. I am proud to tell you that we have officially hit the three-quarter mark, with 375,000 new trees now planted across the western suburbs. This achievement means residents in Melbourne’s west now have access to cooler, greener and more livable spaces, especially for the staff and students at Victoria University, who will enjoy the urban forest at the Werribee campus.
Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (09:46):
I am pleased to update the house on the recent tree-planting event at Victoria University under the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program. Together with the member for Point Cook and the member for Tarneit I joined Victoria University staff for their tree-planting event organised in collaboration with the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program. With the assistance of Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action staff and over 200 volunteers, we successfully planted the remaining 2500 trees. I, for my part, planted a substantial minority of the 12,600 trees allocated to the Werribee campus as part of the initiative.
The More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program was introduced as currently Melbourne’s west has far less tree canopy cover than the east and south-east, causing the western suburbs to experience the greatest urban heat island effect across metropolitan Melbourne. The program will create more shade and green spaces, which in turn will drive down pollution, reduce temperature and improve air quality. I am proud to tell you that we have officially hit the three-quarter mark, with 375,000 new trees now planted across the western suburbs. This achievement means residents in Melbourne’s west now have access to cooler, greener and more livable spaces, especially for the staff and students at Victoria University, who will enjoy the urban forest at the Werribee campus.
Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (14:16):
Yesterday the federal government made the ludicrous decision to cap international student numbers from January of next year. ‘Naive’, ‘short sighted’ and ‘fundamentally destructive’ may be the most fitting words to describe yesterday’s announcement. I will not sugar-coat it. These caps will have a significant impact on the Victorian economy. I echo the words of Duncan Maskell, the vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne, who said:
The cap on international students will have detrimental consequences for our University, the higher education sector generally, and the nation for years to come.
Some things are just common sense, and not capping the state’s biggest export is one of them.
Tim PALLAS: In Victoria international students generated about $14.8 billion in export revenue in 2023 and supported around 63,000 jobs. These changes put at risk almost $5 billion of revenue and some 12,000 jobs. Since 2020 the state has invested almost $150 million into our international education sector. We hold 30 per cent of the nation’s market share when it comes to international students. In enrolments across public and private universities, TAFEs and private colleges just this year, Melbourne was again named Australia’s best student city and the fifth best student city in the world. The Commonwealth’s cap threatens all of this. A cap on international students is a cap on economic growth, a cap on jobs and a cap on business investment, particularly in the inner city, where traders rely on international students to provide a key workforce and consumer base. The message the cap sends to international students is that there is a limit to their welcome here. This needs to be changed.
Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (14:16):
Yesterday the federal government made the ludicrous decision to cap international student numbers from January of next year. ‘Naive’, ‘short sighted’ and ‘fundamentally destructive’ may be the most fitting words to describe yesterday’s announcement. I will not sugar-coat it. These caps will have a significant impact on the Victorian economy. I echo the words of Duncan Maskell, the vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne, who said:
The cap on international students will have detrimental consequences for our University, the higher education sector generally, and the nation for years to come.
Some things are just common sense, and not capping the state’s biggest export is one of them.
Tim PALLAS: In Victoria international students generated about $14.8 billion in export revenue in 2023 and supported around 63,000 jobs. These changes put at risk almost $5 billion of revenue and some 12,000 jobs. Since 2020 the state has invested almost $150 million into our international education sector. We hold 30 per cent of the nation’s market share when it comes to international students. In enrolments across public and private universities, TAFEs and private colleges just this year, Melbourne was again named Australia’s best student city and the fifth best student city in the world. The Commonwealth’s cap threatens all of this. A cap on international students is a cap on economic growth, a cap on jobs and a cap on business investment, particularly in the inner city, where traders rely on international students to provide a key workforce and consumer base. The message the cap sends to international students is that there is a limit to their welcome here. This needs to be changed.
The Allan Labor Government is backing a new initiative that will see local councils, universities, sporting clubs and community organisations join forces to help stop young people vaping.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced a $2 million investment to deliver workshops, community events, and develop a peer-to-peer digital platform for young people aged 14 to 25 – to educate young people about the harms of vaping
The two-year project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) in partnership with UNCLOUD.
UNCLOUD is a digital platform which provides peer-reviewed and scientifically backed information about vaping and allows young people to share their stories with each other.
More than 30 local councils, including Wyndham City Council, five sporting teams, and five universities will join the project by sharing the UNCLOUD platform at community events and activations.
Sporting bodies and teams including Swimming Victoria, Athletics Victoria, Melbourne Vipers, Deakin Melbourne Boomers and Hockey Club Melbourne, will share and promote the UNCLOUD platform at sporting carnivals, youth holiday programs, events, and across social media platforms.
As part of the project, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation will upskill coaches at sporting clubs across Victoria with anti-vaping education.
Tertiary institutions including the University of Melbourne, Federation University, Monash University, Deakin University and Swinburne University of Technology, will use the funding to establish student advocates, while others will others will offer education and training on-site to health staff.
VicHealth, Quit Victoria and the Department of Health will provide guidance and support to these organisations.
The Victorian Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth and other states and territories on the implementation of the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024. Banning retail sales and making vapes available only through pharmacies will in ultimately keep vapes out of children's hands.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“We know the impacts vaping has on our health and this initiative will allow young people to learn about the risks – empowering them to make health-led decisions.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“We’re working with sporting clubs, universities, and local councils including Wyndham City Council to share anti-vaping messaging to the community of Werribee.”
Quote attributable to Executive Manager, Health Promotion Systems at VicHealth Michelle Murray
“This initiative is about giving young people the tools to warn each other about vaping through real, authentic stories – because we know the best way to reach young people is through other young people.”
The Allan Labor Government is backing a new initiative that will see local councils, universities, sporting clubs and community organisations join forces to help stop young people vaping.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced a $2 million investment to deliver workshops, community events, and develop a peer-to-peer digital platform for young people aged 14 to 25 – to educate young people about the harms of vaping
The two-year project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) in partnership with UNCLOUD.
UNCLOUD is a digital platform which provides peer-reviewed and scientifically backed information about vaping and allows young people to share their stories with each other.
More than 30 local councils, including Wyndham City Council, five sporting teams, and five universities will join the project by sharing the UNCLOUD platform at community events and activations.
Sporting bodies and teams including Swimming Victoria, Athletics Victoria, Melbourne Vipers, Deakin Melbourne Boomers and Hockey Club Melbourne, will share and promote the UNCLOUD platform at sporting carnivals, youth holiday programs, events, and across social media platforms.
As part of the project, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation will upskill coaches at sporting clubs across Victoria with anti-vaping education.
Tertiary institutions including the University of Melbourne, Federation University, Monash University, Deakin University and Swinburne University of Technology, will use the funding to establish student advocates, while others will others will offer education and training on-site to health staff.
VicHealth, Quit Victoria and the Department of Health will provide guidance and support to these organisations.
The Victorian Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth and other states and territories on the implementation of the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024. Banning retail sales and making vapes available only through pharmacies will in ultimately keep vapes out of children's hands.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“We know the impacts vaping has on our health and this initiative will allow young people to learn about the risks – empowering them to make health-led decisions.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“We’re working with sporting clubs, universities, and local councils including Wyndham City Council to share anti-vaping messaging to the community of Werribee.”
Quote attributable to Executive Manager, Health Promotion Systems at VicHealth Michelle Murray
“This initiative is about giving young people the tools to warn each other about vaping through real, authentic stories – because we know the best way to reach young people is through other young people.”
Big things are coming to Victoria’s tiniest towns with new support through the Allan Labor Government’s Tiny Towns Fund set to make our smallest communities even better places to live, work and visit.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today welcomed the announcement that Round 2 of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund is now open. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 will be available through Regional Development Victoria to boost tourism, livability and community pride in towns with up to 5,000 people.
From new barbecues, bike tracks and walking trails to club and community hall upgrades, the grants will support towns to bring to life projects that celebrate community spirit and make a positive difference to locals.
The first round of the Tiny Towns Fund is already supporting more than 200 projects in 181 towns across regional Victoria and interface councils – with $7 million provided to projects that matter to local communities.
Wyndham City Council received $50,000 for the Youth Services team to engage young people in Little River through sport and recreation in the region.
The Tiny Towns Fund is backing stronger communities by enhancing local towns, boosting livability and local jobs and creating more reasons for people to visit Victoria’s great regional towns.
Townships that have not yet received a Tiny Towns grant, or that have worthy project ideas to boost community resilience, recovery and economic growth, are encouraged to come forward in this round. The application process has also been updated to make it even easier for smaller, volunteer-run community groups to apply.
The fund is a part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment since 2014 in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria.
For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
"The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality."
Big things are coming to Victoria’s tiniest towns with new support through the Allan Labor Government’s Tiny Towns Fund set to make our smallest communities even better places to live, work and visit.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today welcomed the announcement that Round 2 of the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund is now open. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 will be available through Regional Development Victoria to boost tourism, livability and community pride in towns with up to 5,000 people.
From new barbecues, bike tracks and walking trails to club and community hall upgrades, the grants will support towns to bring to life projects that celebrate community spirit and make a positive difference to locals.
The first round of the Tiny Towns Fund is already supporting more than 200 projects in 181 towns across regional Victoria and interface councils – with $7 million provided to projects that matter to local communities.
Wyndham City Council received $50,000 for the Youth Services team to engage young people in Little River through sport and recreation in the region.
The Tiny Towns Fund is backing stronger communities by enhancing local towns, boosting livability and local jobs and creating more reasons for people to visit Victoria’s great regional towns.
Townships that have not yet received a Tiny Towns grant, or that have worthy project ideas to boost community resilience, recovery and economic growth, are encouraged to come forward in this round. The application process has also been updated to make it even easier for smaller, volunteer-run community groups to apply.
The fund is a part of the Labor Government’s record $45 billion investment since 2014 in projects and programs that support regional and rural Victoria.
For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/tinytownsfund or suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
"The Tiny Towns Fund empowers small communities to thrive, ensuring projects that locals are passionate about can become a reality."
Good News Lutheran College can start planning for new kinder facilities in Werribee, thanks to a grant from the Allan Labor Government.
Member for Werribee announced that Good News Lutheran College will receive $150,000 as part of the Building Blocks Planning grants.
Good News Lutheran College is one of ten local councils and kindergarten service providers sharing in $1.3 million for planning new kindergarten building projects, thanks to the Labor Government’s investment in early learning.
Building Blocks Planning grants help councils and kindergarten providers plan the projects needed to meet future demand for three- and four-year-old kindergarten in their local area.
Funding can support project management and pre-construction work, such as architecture and design planning, soil testing and geo-technical services. Other activities can include construction costing works, environmental sustainability assessments and feasibility studies.
Good News Lutheran College in Werribee West will receive $150,000 to plan an Integrated Childhood Service at the College’s new campus Mambourin.
The funding will be used to plan for a three-room Integrated Learning Centre which will also accommodate additional services such as Allied Health, Maternal Child and Health services and/or community services. The proposed service will allow for funded three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs as well as wrap around care options of After Kinder Care and CCS claimable long daycare on days when children are accessing their funded kindergarten programs.
Since Building Blocks was launched in 2020, the Labor Government has invested more than $235 million in planning, building and upgrading early childhood services across the state.
The nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms are transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents to return to work or study.
For more information, go to schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/building-blocks-grants-capacity-building.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services across Victoria to expand access to early education and help our kids learn, thrive and grow.”
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“This grant means that Werribee can plan for more kindergarten places and more modern facilities close to home, setting our youngest learners up for the best start to life.”
Good News Lutheran College can start planning for new kinder facilities in Werribee, thanks to a grant from the Allan Labor Government.
Member for Werribee announced that Good News Lutheran College will receive $150,000 as part of the Building Blocks Planning grants.
Good News Lutheran College is one of ten local councils and kindergarten service providers sharing in $1.3 million for planning new kindergarten building projects, thanks to the Labor Government’s investment in early learning.
Building Blocks Planning grants help councils and kindergarten providers plan the projects needed to meet future demand for three- and four-year-old kindergarten in their local area.
Funding can support project management and pre-construction work, such as architecture and design planning, soil testing and geo-technical services. Other activities can include construction costing works, environmental sustainability assessments and feasibility studies.
Good News Lutheran College in Werribee West will receive $150,000 to plan an Integrated Childhood Service at the College’s new campus Mambourin.
The funding will be used to plan for a three-room Integrated Learning Centre which will also accommodate additional services such as Allied Health, Maternal Child and Health services and/or community services. The proposed service will allow for funded three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs as well as wrap around care options of After Kinder Care and CCS claimable long daycare on days when children are accessing their funded kindergarten programs.
Since Building Blocks was launched in 2020, the Labor Government has invested more than $235 million in planning, building and upgrading early childhood services across the state.
The nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms are transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents to return to work or study.
For more information, go to schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/building-blocks-grants-capacity-building.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services across Victoria to expand access to early education and help our kids learn, thrive and grow.”
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“This grant means that Werribee can plan for more kindergarten places and more modern facilities close to home, setting our youngest learners up for the best start to life.”
The Allan Labor Government is investing $5 million to build 16 new or upgraded dog parks across the state, providing Victorians and their fury friends more green open spaces to enjoy close to home.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas is encouraging local councils to put forward new ideas for dog parks or existing dog parks that need an upgrade as part of Round 2 of the New and Upgraded Dog Parks program.
Applications for grant funding of up to $100,000 or up to $300,000 are available to all 79 local Victorian councils for projects that enable people to socialise and exercise their dogs off-leash in areas of greatest need. This investment in more green spaces close to home also supports the health and wellbeing of dog owners.
Funding will primarily be for purpose-built facilities for dogs and their owners to enjoy – such as new dog parks, upgrades and additions to existing off-leash areas that can include designated ball play areas, sand digging pits, agility equipment, drinking fountains, fencing, shelters, bins, landscaping, and lighting.
This funding builds on the $7.6 million allocated in Round 1 of the grant program, which is delivering 19 new and upgraded dog parks across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Round 2 applications are now open and dog park locations will be announced in early 2025 following a competitive grants process. All projects will undergo community consultation before designs are made final.
Since 2018, the Labor Government has delivered 31 purpose built off-leash dog parks across the state, including 10 dog parks in regional Victoria.
For more information and to apply visit, environment.vic.gov.au/dog-parks.
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“Quality, green open spaces close to home are so important to the health and wellbeing of our local communities –giving our dog owners and their beloved furry companions a new ‘leash’ on life!”
The Allan Labor Government is investing $5 million to build 16 new or upgraded dog parks across the state, providing Victorians and their fury friends more green open spaces to enjoy close to home.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas is encouraging local councils to put forward new ideas for dog parks or existing dog parks that need an upgrade as part of Round 2 of the New and Upgraded Dog Parks program.
Applications for grant funding of up to $100,000 or up to $300,000 are available to all 79 local Victorian councils for projects that enable people to socialise and exercise their dogs off-leash in areas of greatest need. This investment in more green spaces close to home also supports the health and wellbeing of dog owners.
Funding will primarily be for purpose-built facilities for dogs and their owners to enjoy – such as new dog parks, upgrades and additions to existing off-leash areas that can include designated ball play areas, sand digging pits, agility equipment, drinking fountains, fencing, shelters, bins, landscaping, and lighting.
This funding builds on the $7.6 million allocated in Round 1 of the grant program, which is delivering 19 new and upgraded dog parks across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Round 2 applications are now open and dog park locations will be announced in early 2025 following a competitive grants process. All projects will undergo community consultation before designs are made final.
Since 2018, the Labor Government has delivered 31 purpose built off-leash dog parks across the state, including 10 dog parks in regional Victoria.
For more information and to apply visit, environment.vic.gov.au/dog-parks.
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“Quality, green open spaces close to home are so important to the health and wellbeing of our local communities –giving our dog owners and their beloved furry companions a new ‘leash’ on life!”
The Allan Labor Government is getting on with delivering world-class healthcare for families in Melbourne’s west, with main works now underway on the critical expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today turned the first sod on the massive project, which will double the capacity of the emergency department – supporting an additional 25,000 patients every year.
The project will see patient treatment spaces expanded from 33 to 67 and deliver four new resuscitation bays, 16 short stay beds, 36 emergency care cubicles as well as a behavioural assessment room – meaning more locals can access the emergency care and treatment they need, closer to home.
The expanded facilities will also ensure our hardworking dedicated doctors, nurses, allied health workers and support services have a modern, world-class workplace designed to ensure they can deliver the best possible emergency care.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, with Besix Watpac appointed as builder, the project is on track to be completed in 2026 and is expected to create and sustain more than 300 local construction industry jobs.
The project is part of a critical $280 million investment to boost capacity of the emergency departments at Werribee Mercy Hospital and Casey Hospital Berwick – two of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs
Locals in the west are already benefiting from the expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital completed in 2018 – the more than $120 million project delivered new inpatient beds, new critical care beds, new operating theatres and 54 extra mental health beds.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
“We’re upgrading the emergency department at the Werribee Mercy Hospital – so more locals can get the care they need, close to home in world-class facilities.”
“By doubling the treatment spaces, this project will also help to alleviate pressure on busy, nearby emergency departments and make it easier for ambulances to get back on the road.”
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“A bigger, better emergency department at the Werribee Mercy Hospital will ensure people in our growing outer western suburbs have access to world-class facilities when a loved one gets sick or when an emergency occurs.”
The Allan Labor Government is getting on with delivering world-class healthcare for families in Melbourne’s west, with main works now underway on the critical expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital’s emergency department.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today turned the first sod on the massive project, which will double the capacity of the emergency department – supporting an additional 25,000 patients every year.
The project will see patient treatment spaces expanded from 33 to 67 and deliver four new resuscitation bays, 16 short stay beds, 36 emergency care cubicles as well as a behavioural assessment room – meaning more locals can access the emergency care and treatment they need, closer to home.
The expanded facilities will also ensure our hardworking dedicated doctors, nurses, allied health workers and support services have a modern, world-class workplace designed to ensure they can deliver the best possible emergency care.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, with Besix Watpac appointed as builder, the project is on track to be completed in 2026 and is expected to create and sustain more than 300 local construction industry jobs.
The project is part of a critical $280 million investment to boost capacity of the emergency departments at Werribee Mercy Hospital and Casey Hospital Berwick – two of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs
Locals in the west are already benefiting from the expansion of Werribee Mercy Hospital completed in 2018 – the more than $120 million project delivered new inpatient beds, new critical care beds, new operating theatres and 54 extra mental health beds.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
“We’re upgrading the emergency department at the Werribee Mercy Hospital – so more locals can get the care they need, close to home in world-class facilities.”
“By doubling the treatment spaces, this project will also help to alleviate pressure on busy, nearby emergency departments and make it easier for ambulances to get back on the road.”
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“A bigger, better emergency department at the Werribee Mercy Hospital will ensure people in our growing outer western suburbs have access to world-class facilities when a loved one gets sick or when an emergency occurs.”