By Parker McKenzie
The local community will have a new face representing them regardless of the result of the 26 November state election after the retirement of long-standing Monbulk MP James Merlino.
The two front-runners to replace the former minister for education and deputy premier are Labor’s Daniela De Martino and Liberal candidate Gareth Ward.
Ms De Martino said she has worked hard to engage as many people with the Monbulk electorate as possible.
“We’ve been discussing what Labor has done and how we’ll continue to what matters for people in Monbulk,” she said.
“I am very pleased with our campaign and the positive response we have received so far.”
Throughout the election campaign, Ms De Martino has made the following funding commitments for the local area:
$8.77 million upgrade for Emerald Secondary School
$2.2 million upgrade for Wally Tew Reserve
$260,000 for Grassroots community organisations
An upgrade to Cockatoo Dog Park
$200,000 for an inclusive playground at Ferny Creek Primary School and $84,000 for Gembrook Primary School
$200,000 for treasuring our trees
Electronic speed signs outside Main Street Road in Gembrook
Establishing a Youth Advisory Council to advise her on relevant issues for young people.
In a Facebook post, Mr Ward said as a local living and working in Monbulk, the last 6 months on the campaign trail have been incredibly rewarding.
“Having the opportunity to meet as many locals as possible and listen to your concerns, ideas and love for the Hills has been a real highlight for me,” he said.
If the Liberal Party is elected, Mr Ward has made the following commitments:
$8 million for a new SES station in Olinda
$200,000 for shopping strip revitalisation
$40,000 funding for Belgrave Lantern and Light Festival
$3.8 million upgrade of Belgrave Recreation Reserve
$500,000 for a new Puffing Billy Station at Cockatoo
Funding to fix Kings Park club rooms
$1 million Gembrook primary school upgrades
$280,000 in funding for Tribe Monbulk Youth Inc
$2 million for an upgrade of Monbulk CFA
$4.5 million for a Monbulk Village Green Park
$2 million of funding for an upgrade to Wally Tew Pavilion
Mr Ward was contacted for comment.
