Welcome back folks to the last Connolly’s Corner for 2022.
Last week, the results were finalised for the 2022 State Election, and with that, I’ve been officially elected as the new State Member for Laverton. It is a tremendous privilege to continue to serve our community in the Victorian Parliament, and I am thankful that the Laverton Electorate have put their faith in me to represent them over the next four years to deliver what we need here in Melbourne’s west.
For the last four years, I’ve been privileged to represent Wyndham as the Member for Tarneit. The last four years saw a massive transformation of these growing suburbs, with new and upgraded schools, level crossings removals, major road projects, and so much more. I know that the new Member for Tarneit, Dylan Wight, will continue the good work of delivering for folks living in Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit.
I am equally glad, however, that the communities in Truganina and Williams Landing that I have represented this term will be joining me in the new Electorate of Laverton. I am also very excited to be serving new constituencies living in Laverton, Sunshine, Sunshine West, Ardeer, Albion and Braybrook. To everyone who voted for me, and even those who didn’t, I won’t let you down.
Looking forward to the 60th Parliament, there’s a lot of work to get back to. Implementing free kinder across Victoria. Bringing back the State Electricity Commission. Strengthening our healthcare system. Doing the things that matter to all Victorians. And there’s a lot to deliver for Melbourne’s west. The Melbourne Airport Rail Project, now rebranded as SRL Airport, is beginning construction, and it’s happening right here in the west. The Metro Tunnel is nearing completion, a year ahead of schedule, and it will directly service commuters on the Sunbury line and cut travel times on the Werribee line.
That’s not all though – Albion Station is about to get a major $80 million rebuild, a major win for local commuters. Phase One of the Sunshine Station Masterplan will be implemented with $143 million set aside to begin transforming the station into a major transport hub between several major rail lines in the west. Further west, a new station for Truganina is in the planning phase alongside construction of a new station in Tarneit West, and works will commence on duplicating tracks between Werribee and Laverton as part of the Geelong Fast Rail project. While we’re at it, say goodbye to the remaining level crossings on the Werribee line.
In Truganina, works will begin next year on building a brand-new Education Precinct, including two campuses for a secondary school, a primary school, and an adjoining kindergarten, all in time to open in 2024. A new kindergarten is also on the way for Sunshine as part of the Free Kinder rollout.
Going forward, I look forward to delivering a whole lot more, and I’ll continue to keep the community updated with Connolly’s Corner. In the meantime, have a safe Christmas, and I’ll see you in 2023!
