Labor’s candidate for the new seat of Hawke has announced funding across the electorate, including a commitment of $250,000 to progress the Ligar Street upgrade in Sunbury should the party win the federal election.
Former Labor Party state secretary Sam Rae was preselected for the new, notionally-Labor electorate last year, despite internal party controversy.
Following the Australian Electoral Commission redistribution which created the seat, the electorate of McEwen lost the township of Sunbury to Hawke – which is considered a safe Labor seat.
In a statement, Labor said the funding would be provided to upgrade the street between Cornish Street and Gap Road, with the $250,000 commitment matched by Hume council.
The proposed works would include an upgrade to the road pavement along Ligar Street, including improvements to safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project would benefit local residents and improve the area for local businesses and community groups, Labor said.
Mr Rae said the investment would give Sunbury residents the local infrastructure they deserve.
“Our growing communities deserve world-class services, facilities and access and that’s why an Albanese Labor government will get on with the job of upgrading Ligar Street,” Mr Rae said.
Mr Rae also announced on Thursday, April 28, a pledge of $200,000 for upgrades to Federation Park in Darley if elected.
The pledge will be matched by a $200,000 commitment from Moorabool council to progress the upgrade works.
According to the Labor, Federation Park has been selected for the funding as future upgrades will benefit the Darley community by encouraging residents to become more involved in their local community and get active.
The party said the promised funding would go towards traffic, pedestrian, parking and play space improvements, as well as the replacement of the amenities building.
Mr Rae said the proposed investment aimed to help locals make the most out of their own community and deliver a better life for families in Darley.
“I have heard firsthand of the need for open space improvements in Darley and Bacchus Marsh, and residents here deserve access to world-class facilities,” Mr Rae said.
Elsie Lange
