Despite the enormous spending and debt contained in the budget, Ms Lovell said there was nothing for a range of critical infrastructure projects in Shepparton including the Shepparton bypass, the next stage of the Goulburn Valley Health upgrade, Maude St, the regional sports stadium or the expansion of La Trobe University.
“The Andrews Labor Government has failed to provide vital funding for projects to create jobs and deliver much needed infrastructure and services that would contribute to Shepparton’s economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
Ms Sheed said the budget funded the completion of the Shepparton Rail Project and confirmed $119 million for the Shepparton Education Plan.
Ms Sheed said the region's share of a record investment in social housing stock was also significant.
“This investment is expected to cut the waiting list for homes in the Shepparton area in half,” she said.
“There is no doubt that, as the pandemic eases, debt and how we pay it off will become an issue. In the meantime, we must use the stimulus available and ensure that every dollar is invested wisely, that jobs are created and that the needs of the community are prioritised.”
Committee for Greater Shepparton chief executive Sam Birrell welcomed the initiatives to boost economic recovery.
“It is a big spending stimulus budget and there is a lot of money there to encourage businesses to employ,” he said.
“Incentivising businesses is a step in the right direction, but our biggest issue is getting people to be work-ready, we still have long term structural things we need to fix in regional areas to address under achievement in education and issues with mental health and disadvantage, things that prevent people being able to participate in the workforce.”
Victorian Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said despite the measures, Victoria’s unemployment would remain higher than the national average for each of the next four years.
“One in five Victorians currently are out of work or underemployed. Despite the big taxing, big borrowing and big spending budget, our jobs crisis is set to continue,” he said.
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