By Aaron Violi
Unsealed roads make up a substantial portion of the road network in the Casey electorate.
That’s why the previous Coalition government delivered $300 million to be shared between Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire Councils for road sealing programs.
The funding was to be used to seal 187 kms of road throughout the Yarra Ranges and 110 km in Cardinia as part of the Sealing the Hills and Roads for Community programs.
Before I continue, it’s important to paint a picture of the political landscape when this bipartisan commitment was made.
Labor was trying to win the 2019 election, led by Bill Shorten. Anthony Albanese was the then Shadow Minister for Infrastructure.
Albanese’s office put out a joint media release with the 2019 Labor candidates for Casey and La Trobe, signalling Labor’s support to match the Liberals commitment of $300 million to seal roads across Casey.
Fast forward to October 2022, Labor has abandoned the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs. They’ve cut millions from these same road sealing projects and other local initiatives.
Anyone that lives in Casey knows how vital road sealing is for our communities, especially coming into bushfire season. Our roads are our main escape route, and the only way in and out for emergency services. It is crucial they are as safe as possible.
Yarra Ranges Council currently has more than 60kms of planned road upgrades that are in the construction, tender or design phase now stuck in limbo.
After the June 2021 storm and recent flooding, road upgrades have never been more crucial.
It is an absolute disgrace that Labor have abandoned this project and broken their 2019 election promise, but the pain for Casey doesn’t end there.
They’ve also scrapped the $110 million we committed for the Wellington Road duplication and failed to fund the Lilydale Youth Hub. The hub is an incredible facility for young people in the Yarra Ranges, having delivered 3,651 support sessions last financial year. The Coalition funded this important service for three years, and during my campaign I committed a further $3.5 million which would have allowed the hub to keep its doors open.
With Labor forming government, they are yet to fund the future of the Youth Hub despite advocacy from myself and council.
As a lifelong local, I understand the importance of safe local roads and access to mental health services close to home. I will continue to hold the government to account for abandoning the residents of Casey.
