Murray MP Helen Dalton State Budget Response
Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has mixed feelings about the State Government’s funding announcement for the seat of Murray saying the people of Murray were expecting a lot more.
“Now that the school halls at Wade and Griffith High Schools are under construction and the Murrumbidgee regional High School has been officially demerged it seems the government thinks they have done their bit for education in the bush.” Helen said.
Among the budget submissions from the Member for Murray was a focus on Regional Rail Infrastructure; Modernizing Murray's rail network for enhanced safety, service frequency, and economic connectivity.
Mrs. Dalton said: “It’s great to see rail improvements and road maintenance are getting the attention they need out here, but there’s always more to be done.”
Rail maintenance and improvements received $M49,695 dollars while road maintenance and resilience received a little over $M46,664 dollars in the budget allocation for the seat of Murray.
Other investments include upgrades to the Ravensworth rest areas on the Sturt Highway, Maude. Works will include replacing the toilets on the Eastbound side and installing toilets on the Westbound $200,000
Wentworth Health Redevelopment allowance was $M3 dollars and has now $M4,456 dollars.
Lower Darling Fish Passage - Stage 2 Pooncarie 07/2025 06/2027 $M2,788 dollars.
Commence construction of the North Kooba Bridge, Settlers Road Irrigation Way $M3,398 dollars.
“Bridge improvements in cross border towns like Swan Hill and Echuca / Moama were also on the list for funding but there was one glaring omission, the aging Tooleybuc bridge,” Mrs. Dalton said.
“Investment in these areas is always welcome, but for too long replacing Tooleybuc bridge has been overlooked and once again we’ve missed out,” Mrs. Dalton added.
Mrs. Dalton also said much more resources were required across the electorate, especially when it comes to healthcare, housing and education.
“Ultimately this is a case of the government saying, for the moment, we’ve done our bit for Murray.” Helen said.