By Bridget Vallence
Soon, you’ll be asked to decide who will represent you and the local community at the state election in November. Elections are historic events. They demonstrate the strength of our democratic rights and freedoms and can change and improve the way we are governed.
It has been a privilege and an honour to serve our community as your local MP, and I haven’t wasted a minute over the past four years working to achieve better services and outcomes for our community. Whether it be advocating for better health, mental health and aged care services, better and safer roads, more reliable public transport or to improve the learning environment for school students, I’ll always stand up for the issues that matter most to our community.
After listening to many people, businesses, and community groups across our community, I’ve pledged that if the Victorian Liberals are elected to Government in November, we will allocate $8 million to build a new SES unit in the Dandenong Ranges, $5 million for road safety upgrades on Warburton Highway in Seville East, around $16 million to upgrade primary schools in Wandin North, Mt Evelyn, Coldstream, and Mooroolbark, and $1 million to redevelop the Coldstream sports pavilion.
Currently, our biggest challenge is that Victoria’s health system is in crisis and sadly one of the lowest funded in Australia. The Productivity Commission found Victoria has fewer hospital beds per person than any other state except Western Australia. The Maroondah Hospital is our closest major public hospital to receive emergency care and health treatments but is stretched and desperately needs the upgrades that were promised by the Andrews government in 2018 but never delivered. Our Liberal plan includes investing $400 million to upgrade and expand Maroondah Hospital with more beds, a new emergency department and ICU, nurse training facilities, and increased mental health services. It’s time our community gets the healthcare it deserves.
Furthermore, Victoria is headed for a troubling record $167 billion debt, and cost of living is increasing. Under a Liberal government, we pledge no new taxes and will legislate a debt cap.
I’m asking for your support to continue to recover and rebuild after the pandemic and the storms and be a strong voice to ensure our community gets its fair share. Together, we’ve achieved a great deal, but there’s always more to do. I’m determined to keep fighting to achieve the best possible outcomes for our local community. With your support, I will keep delivering for our community.
