Budget boon

By Nicole Williams
THE STATE budget is a boon for Greater Dandenong with funding for roads, mental health and manufacturing on the bill.
A grade separation in Springvale, new mental health beds at Dandenong Hospital and additional funding for the manufacturing industry will the major spends for the city.
Money has been allocated for a grade separation at the level crossing at Springvale Road and the construction of the Dingley Bypass.
Roads Minister Terry Mulder said investing in roads was an essential spend.
“Investing in our roads is paramount to support the economy and Melbourne’s liveability,” he said.
“Planning investigations have been undertaken for all these projects with new funding which will enable construction over the next few years.”
Two grade separations, in Springvale and Mitcham, are expected to cost $350 million.
The Dingley Bypass, between Warrigal Road and Westall Road, will receive $136 million, in addition to the $20 million provided in last year’s budget.
“This year’s budget provides funding for two major level crossing removal projects at Springvale Road, Springvale and Mitcham,” Mr Mulder said.
“These level crossings are well-known not only for being dangerous, but for holding up traffic for extended periods of time, especially in peak periods.”
With 40 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing in Greater Dandenong, funding allocations for high performance manufacturing will also benefit the region.
Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva said $58 million had been dedicated to assist the manufacturing industry in meeting its challenges.
“For manufacturing to meet challenges like the high Australian dollar, increasing global competition and the carbon tax, it must be a high performance industry, driven by increased productivity and innovation,” he said.
The funding will be allocated over four years to support new productivity networks, support for new technology and innovation and specialist advice and services for manufacturers.
Grants will be available for manufacturers investing in new technology, help manufacturers build co-operative agreements, small manufacturers and retrenched manufacturing workers.
“This budget delivers the practical support to build a stronger, more innovative and agile manufacturing sector to secure future growth and jobs across Victoria,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.
Funding for 43 new mental health beds has also been allocated for Dandenong Hospital.
Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the beds were among 95 new mental health beds which would improve outcomes for people with mental illness and their families.
“These new beds will ease pressure on mental health inpatient services and reduce the length of time that people wait in the emergency departments,” she said.
Dandenong Hospital will receive funding for three adult acute inpatient beds, 30 secure extended beds and 10 aged acute inpatient beds.