Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (09:36): I rise to update the house on the recent allocations from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution Fund, known as GAIC, to the great Werribee community. An allocation will assist Wyndham council with the completion of the Ison Road project. Werribee locals know that this is a critical and necessary road link that will connect to the Ison Road rail overpass bridge that is currently under construction. The Ison Road connection will provide direct access to the Princes Freeway from the developing area of Mambourin, Manor Lakes and Wyndham Vale and ease traffic gridlock through the Werribee CBD. It is essential to get it done, and this government is committed to working in cooperation with our Commonwealth colleagues and local government to do exactly that.

I am also excited that this latest allocation includes funding for not only road infrastructure but new bus connections to Wyndham Vale train station from the Hartley estate and Cornerstone estate communities. This is an important service for a growing community. Just as exciting is the acquisition of land for the proposed government secondary school in Wollahra along with funding for a new Ambulance Victoria branch and SES facility in Wyndham Vale. So I think it is fair to say that the Allan Labor government is continuing to deliver for the west. People want to live close to transport, schools and essential services, and this investment will deliver the kind of infrastructure that is in fact needed.