Wait for budget details

By CASEY NEILL
HILLS residents will have to wait and see what the 2012-13 State Budget has in store for them.
The budget papers released last Tuesday included bushfire, weeds, and horticulture funding that might find its way to the Dandenongs, but specific details have not yet been released.
There was $2 million set aside to develop community fire refuges in areas without suitable neighbourhood safer place, more than $35 million to upgrade CFA stations and buy new vehicles, and $62.5 million to replace the most high-risk powerlines with safer technology.
Environment Minister Ryan Smith said the budget would include an extra $43.7 million to support the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations for more planned burns and for free mapping data to emergency response agencies.
“Planned burning is the best tool we have to reduce bushfire risk to people, properties and communities,” he said.
“Already this year we have treated more than 170,000 hectares and we are committed to reaching this year’s target of 225,000 hectares.”
There was $6.27 million allocated towards the new 24-hour Emerald police station, which will be built on the proposed site of a four-storey medical centre, opposite Auto Plus More on Belgrave-Gembrook Road.
Cash was also earmarked for the Kokoda Memorial Walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe highlighted a “significant investment in horticulture”.
“$8.11 million in funding will enable horticulture growers to access industry information and assist them in improving their performance, securing the industry’s long-term future,” she said.
The Victorian Local Government Association (VLGA) applauded $12.7 million over four years in libraries funding – an extra $3.1 million a year – and $7.8 million over three years for roadside weed control.
VLGA president and Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn also welcomed $10.4 million over four years to establish a vulnerable persons register to help equip local councils with the resources to identify vulnerable people in the community for emergency situations.