More election cash promises

PRE-ELECTION promises keep showering down on Ferntree Gully, with the Liberals touting a $1.5 million health injection.
The pledge of cash for Knox Community Health Service (KCHS) follows a promise of a $1.5 million to upgrade Ferntree Gully station to premium status if the Liberals win.
Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu announced the money for KCHS dental equipment and healthy living programs on Monday, 16 October.
Mr Baillieu said the centre provided an important educational and support resource for the Knox community through a range of lifestyle programs.
Services range from budgeting and nutrition programs to weight-loss and post-natal depression courses.
The funding would provide $1 million for the centre’s Old Court House facility where programs are conducted, plus $500,000 for two new state-of-the-art dental chairs.
“There has never been a time to send out a stronger message on healthy living, and I’m delighted to announce a Liberal commitment to enhance these programs and dental services at the Knox Community Health Service,” he said.
The bid to boost dental services comes after latest figures showed Foothills patients were waiting about 25 months for general dental treatment, which includes fillings, minor extractions and check-ups.
“This community has long recognised that improvements need to be made in the provision of and access to dental services,” Mr Baillieu said.