New schools and better roads and train services are top of the wishlist compiled by Wyndham council in its submission to the 2016-17 state budget.
At least three new primary schools and a secondary college are included in the submission, which cites “considerable concern” in the community about education resources and infrastructure.
Health services are also on the list, as is upgraded irrigation infrastructure for market gardens at Werribee South.
The council’s priorities include acquisition of land for construction of a primary school at Saltwater Coast, to take the pressure off Alamanda K-9; land for a primary school at Hummingbird Boulevard, Tarneit; and more land for a primary school at Truganina East.
The council also wants a site secured for another secondary college at Point Cook.
Funding has been requested for the duplication of Dohertys Road from Fitzgerald Road to Grieves Parade, to duplicate Derrimut Road from Sayers Road to Dohertys Road, and to plan and design the duplication of Sayers Road between Derrimut and Forsyth roads.
Councillors also supported moves to lobby for more peak-hour services on the Werribee train line, boosting these to eight per hour, and for a new commuter carpark at Williams Landing train station.
Mayor Adele Hegedich acknowledged the state government’s previous support for new infrastructure, including $87 million for the Werribee Mercy Hospital in its last budget, but she said more was needed.
The council would seek funds to continue work on the next stages of the hospital’s masterplan, she said.
It was also hoping to secure funding to replace existing open irrigation water channels with pipelines to the growing fields of Werribee South.
“While we have made some positive strides over the past few years, there’s still so much more to be done,” Cr Hegedich said.
