Keep me posted
The Victorian State Budget for 2025-26 has been released, and sadly after some initial looks, it is not great news for our region.
Many of the projects we had been advocating for remain without funding, including upgrades to our sporting facilities in Violet Town and elsewhere and upgrades to CFA brigades, as well as the need for more train services along the northeast line.
We have also seen huge cuts to our already pathetic roads budget, delays to other projects, and a lack of childcare and housing investment locally once again.
On top of that, the Emergency Services Tax is front-and-centre as an additional cost all of us will have to pay.
To put it simply, this is a budget that completely fails regional Victoria.
Agriculture funding has been cut by $77.6 million – almost 13 per cent – amid a crippling drought in many areas of the state.
Regional development funding has also taken a 17 per cent hit – with Labor slashing it from $296.7 million to $245.6 million.
Once again this is a government that fails to recognise the value of its regional communities – including those who put food on the table.
Despite all of the increased taxes, ignored projects, and cuts to services - Victoria's debt is still set to blow out to $194bn by 2028-29.
That will be $28.9m in interest every single day paid by all Victorians – or $10 billion every year.
I look forward to speaking with many of our local organisations about their funding futures following this budget – and hope they are receiving all the help they need to keep serving our communities.
So to our local community groups – please reach out and keep me posted about how this budget has impacted you.
Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa
Not Just a Farmer
A life on the land can bring troubles and doubts,
with cares about finance, concern about droughts.
Let not pent emotions cause you to despair,
for you're not alone: there are others who care.
Though some go to pieces, you can (with true grit)
seek that which you need to be mentally fit:
reach out for support to help you be calmer;
and never forget that you're not just a farmer.
Craig Penny, Terip Terip
