Better bus services for Sunbury and new schools are among the top items on Hume council’s wishlist ahead of next week’s state budget.
Mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou said bus arrivals remained too infrequent, with commuters, including those getting off trains at Sunbury station, often forced to endure a long wait.
Calling on the government to improve Sunbury’s bus timetable, she said many students and senior citizens relied on buses to access shops, schools and medical centres.
‘‘We don’t want people to be forced to wait up to 45 minutes if they only just miss a local bus,’’ Cr Patsikatheodorou said.
The council has again urged the government to fund educational facilities, with 21 new schools needed across Hume over the next 20 years.
Projections show the number of primary school aged children living in the municipality is expected to soar 65 per cent by 2035.
‘‘Hume is one of the fastest growing communities in Australia,’’ Cr Patsikatheodorou said.
‘‘New schools are vital for Craigieburn, Greenvale, Mickleham and Sunbury.’’
The long-awaited Bulla bypass and traffic lights at the intersection of Gap Road and Horne Street are among other projects the council wants to see funded when Treasurer Tim Pallas hands down the budget on April 27.
Macedon Ranges needs
Macedon Ranges council’s acting chief executive, Karen Stevens, said the municipality needed improved sporting facilities, the creation of a safe space for users of Kyneton courthouse and funding for community projects such as the Greater Romsey All Abilities Park.
Ms Stevens also urged the government to be mindful of the challenges councils face through the introduction of ratecapping.
‘‘Rural councils have smaller budgets … but also have extensive road networks and community infrastructure to maintain, in addition to a similar range of community services as metropolitan councils,’’ she said.
‘‘Council will continue to advocate for the government to fund any shortfalls in important services.’’
