Hills nets a winner

HILLS residents can look forward to $50,000 for safety and security and a $2 million soccer windfall under the “new” Labor government.
Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese announced in the lead-up to the election $2 million to Yarra Ranges Council for its Monbulk Soccer Centre.
The new $7 million facility will include two new synthetic pitches with lights, a new pavilion and extra car parking spaces with a new access road.
The State Government and Yarra Ranges Council last year each spent $300,000 on stage one of the upgrade.
The council welcomed the $2 million promise. Councillor Graham Warren said it had already allocated $4 million in its 10 year Capital Expenditure Program.
“This announcement is wonderful news for Monbulk and the region,” he said.
“The Monbulk Soccer Centre is a desperately needed facility which would cater for more than 600 players.”
New member for La Trobe Laura Smyth will also follow through on a pre-election promise to improve public safety in Emerald.
Ms Smyth and Home Affairs Minister Brendan O’Connor announced $50,000 to improve safety and security in Emerald under its Safer Suburbs program.
“This is a victory for local residents and businesses who have been campaigning for CCTV so local residents can feel safer,” Ms Smyth said.
Former Liberal member for La Trobe Jason Wood promised $150,000 for closed-circuit television cameras in Emerald during his ill-fated campaign.
Ms Smyth said she is looking forward to working alongside Australia’s first elected female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
Ms Gillard formed a minority government with the help of Independents Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor.
“The Labor Party has some great policies for the nation, such as the national broadband network and education reforms,” Ms Smyth said.
Ms Smyth, 33, plans to hold mobile offices throughout the electorate each month.
She will be based at the Berwick electorate office, Unit 3, 16 Langmore Lane.
“I’ll be continuing as I began, which was really trying to get more active within the community,” she said.
“Health, education, infrastructure, employment and environment issues are on my to-do list.”