MR PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:46): I am pleased to update the house on two new exciting developments in the Werribee community. A couple of weeks ago I officially opened Riverbend Primary School in Wyndham Vale, one of 14 new schools to open this year thanks to the Andrews Labor government. Principal Lisa Conibeer and a few students gave me a tour of their new school, which includes impressive learning and recreation spaces and facilities, and state-of-the-art features. Riverbend Primary and the kinder next door will act as an education hub that will connect the growing Wyndham Vale community and will be central to its development and social connection.

I also recently visited the Duncans Road bridge to announce the opening of the new Geelong-bound Princes Freeway ramp, which marks the completion of road and construction works at that site. This upgrade includes a new Melbourne-bound freeway exit ramp that opened in November, and it will mean a safer and more reliable access for all commuters, including thousands of Werribee locals who use this busy interchange every day. The Andrews Labor government’s western roads upgrade is improving eight major roads across Melbourne’s west and resurfacing 37 roads to improve quality and safety.

Labor cares for the west, and with significant investments in our schools and roads infrastructure the Andrews Labor government is ensuring better education and easier commuting for road users in Werribee and right across Melbourne’s western suburbs.