Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh MP was in the Wellington Shire on Friday sharing good news for the local community from this year’s Victorian State Budget. 

The budget includes four local projects in the Wellington Shire – a new CFA station in Yarram, a $100,000.00 grant for Rosedale Neighbourhood House, an expanded pump track at Lion’s Park in Sale, and planning for a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Sale. 

All of these projects were commitments that Labor took to the election in November last year and all of these have received funding in the recent State budget. 

The budget includes $3.2 million for a new CFA station in Yarram. CFA volunteers put their lives on the line to protect our community and this funding will make sure our volunteer firefighters have the tools and equipment they need to safely respond to emergencies. 

This investment will boost the resources of the local CFA in Yarram and deliver the modern facilities they deserve and builds on the more than 50 new and upgraded fire stations the Labor State Government are delivering across the state. 

Tom also announced $100,000.00 for the Rosedale Neighbourhood House alongside Manager Jenni Monaghan and House users and volunteers. The funding will support the terrific program of activity at the House that promotes connection and lifelong learning in Rosedale and the surrounding area. 

Locals across Gippsland South will hone their BMX skills with a new dedicated pump track in a redeveloped Lions Park. The budget delivered up to $350,000 towards a track extension, providing an even better experience for riders from Sale and around the state. 

Community sport is the lifeblood of regional Victoria and the upgrade to Lions Park will offer improved facilities for local families, while providing a unique place for locals and visitors across the region to get active and come together. 

Sale will also be one of 50 places across Victoria to have a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local with funding in this year’s budget to commence planning the Sale centre. 

The new centre will provide free, easy-to-access care and support for adults with mental health concerns and alcohol and drug treatment. The centres are a key recommendation of the Royal Commission and will remove barriers to treatment by connecting people to support without making them jump through hoops like a GP referral or meeting eligibility criteria. 

There is already a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in the Latrobe Valley, and funding was also provided in this year’s budget to establish one in Leongatha. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh  

“We’re investing in the things that matter in the Wellington Shire from mental health and emergency services to community connection and local sporting infrastructure – this budget delivers for the local area.”