With the Victorian State Budget for 2023/24 being announced on Tuesday, May 23, Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland spoke on the high priority projects for the Seymour area.
Ms Cleeland said in Seymour, the projects needing funding in the budget included upgrades to the facilities at the Seymour Football Netball Club, improvements for Seymour College, and a new site for the CFA.
Upgrades to Seymour’s premier sporting team’s facilities have been a long-time coming, with The Nationals’ first raising the topic as part of the 2014 election, a commitment that has yet to be matched by the Labor Government.
“Seymour Football Netball Club is in urgent need of an upgrade, with both the changerooms and function spaces needing improvements from their current, outdated facilities,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It is essential that our sporting infrastructure matches the skills of our country athletes, as well as the dedication of the tireless volunteers that keep clubs running.
“Providing funding to improve these facilities means more participation, more spectators, and a boost for local economies. These clubs really are the lifeblood of our communities and deserve great facilities that are fit for purpose.”
The Seymour CFA is another local group requiring upgrades to their facilities and have been maintaining their advocacy for a new site in town to ensure they can continue to serve and protect the community in a timely manner.
The current site on Gordon Crescent poses significant challenges for the brigade, impacting turn out times and creating traffic chaos on the busy dual lane Anzac Avenue.
“The amazing volunteers at the Seymour CFA have raised the need for a new site in town because of the growth of the region and the difficulties the current location presents – including needing to make three point turns to get the trucks out of the shed and the nightmare of needing to reverse trucks back into the shed,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It is also a major risk turning onto Anzac Avenue and if they’re turning left the truck can’t complete a full turn without facing oncoming traffic and crossing the median strip.
“This is a serious traffic and safety hazard and a constant concern for volunteers answering emergency calls.
“A new site in town would allow the brigade to build a new facility, eliminate safety issues and smash their target times.”
Ms Cleeland also discussed the need for the final piece of funding to allow Seymour College to complete their rebuild, something that was put forward by The Nationals as part of their election commitments.
“Seymour has a massive catchment area, and the school offers a great range of hands on and technical learning options,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Bringing the tech and art buildings into the 21st century will ensure no matter your passion there are state of the art facilities to learn in.
“The rebuild here at Seymour has been an ongoing process for over a decade, and its time that this funding was allocated to the school.”
The State Budget will be announced on Tuesday, May 23, with hopes that Seymour’s projects are included as part of the funding announcements.
