MR PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:39): Last week’s budget featured a number of new initiatives for the Werribee community. Soon local residents will enjoy a quicker commute thanks to funding in the budget for the commencement of the vital Ison Road rail overpass. This means motorists from Wyndham Vale and west of Werribee will have a direct connection to the Princes Freeway, resulting in less congestion on our local road network. We are also increasing the capacity of train services by up to 50 per cent during peak periods for commuters in Wyndham Vale and Melton, with a $94 million investment.

Across the state the budget funds another 13 new schools and upgrades for 52 more, including funding for two news schools in Manor Lakes and Wyndham Vale that will be ready to open in 2023. Manor Lakes P–12 College will receive a $9.4 million upgrade, and we are preparing for new suburbs by acquiring land for a new school in Mambourin. There is also funding to plan for an upgraded emergency department at the local Werribee hospital and $5 million to plant 500 000 new trees across Melbourne’s west. It is an exciting time to be living in Melbourne’s west, and I am excited to be joining with residents of Werribee as we roll out these upgrades to our community.