Upgrades to the Ring Road
The M80 Ring Road is being upgraded, with work currently underway. The next stage will include improvements between Edgars Road and Plenty Road. The $220 million upgrade will reduce congestion, alleviate the bottleneck between Edgars and Dalton Roads, and improve safety at the interchanges at Edgars, Dalton and Plenty Roads.
New La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science complex
A new world-class research facility is being built at La Trobe University thanks to an $85.8 million funding boost for the Gillard Government. It will facilitate collaboration between leading scientists in Molecular Science - a field of science that offers new hope in treating illnesses and new opportunities for Australian business.
As a science graduate, Harry is delighted that the new Molecular Science complex will be used to reach out to secondary school students and inspire them to be the next generation of scientists.
Australian Volunteer Awards 2010
The Australian Volunteer Awards are an opportunity to thank people who have worked tirelessly in the local community.
Harry acknowledged the work of 19 people in Scullin and presentated them an Australian Volunteer Award certificate in December.
The recipients for the Award were Mary Renshaw, Soula Porfiris, Tim Kappellidis, Faye Doukas, George Dimos, Pam McLeod, Donna Cook, Ray Wilton, Colleen Geddes, Dianne Oslovick, Joseph Consiglio, Norm Germantsis, Paula Gilby, Colin Bartlett, Pavlos Maridis, Eileen Culbertson, Ridah Salman, Margaret Cusack, Peter Daniels.
South Morang to be connected
South Morang is one of only two areas in Victoria earmarked to receive early access to the National Broadband Network.
National Broadband Network Co has selected South Morang as a site for important infrastructure that will connect the South Morang community to the National Broadband Network.
Harry has strongly advocated on behalf of residents who have over the years approached him about the lack of access to affordable quality broadband services.
Whittlesea Community Legal Centre funding
Whittlesea Community Connections is now funded by the Federal Labor Government for its Community Legal Service program. Funding of $288,463 is being provided over three years.
Harry was delighted that this program has finally received Federal funding, after receiving no funding under the previous Howard Government.
The funding is a long overdue recognition of the valuable services provided by the Whittlesea Community Legal Service to our local community and the dedication of its many staff and volunteers over the years.
Binnak Park Playground Development, Watsonia North
A new playground has been built at Binnak Park to cater for children from toddlers to teenagers, and is accessible for children with a disability. It was a joint project between the Federal Government and the Banyule City Council.
This is one of five local infrastructure projects funded by the Federal Government in Diamond Valley area.
Shared bicycle and pedestrian path along Darebin Creek in Bundoora
A new shared bicycle and pedestrian path has been built along Darebin Creek in Bundoora following a $350,000 investment by the Federal Government. The path is a key link to providing a continuous path from the Metropolitan Ring Road to Melbourne’s CBD.
This is one of 15 local infrastructure projects funded by the Federal Government in the City of Whittlesea.
More bike paths in Whittlesea
Three bike path projects have been funded by the Federal Government – a total of $908,000 from the National Bike Paths Projects fund.
The projects include: a new shared path has been built along Cooper Street from Epping Train Maintenance Depot to Edgars Road, Epping; a new 1 km shared pathway along McKimmies Road to connect suburbs; and the upgrade of Plenty Road with a 1.8 metre wide on-road bicycle lane thereby eliminating the missing link in the local bike network.
Farm Vigano Redevelopment – A new Community and Cultural Centre
Farm Vigano is to be re-established as a site of agricultural and community significance in the Plenty Valley.
The Federal Government investment of $2.45 million will establish an innovative garden and health facility. Benefiting older people from non-english backgrounds, primary school students, people with disabilities and local families.
Farm Vigano is an important historical site that recognises the contribution of southern European migrants in the City of Whittlesea.
Once complete, the Community and Cultural Centre will provide a range of activities such as community gardening, cooking, creative arts, woodwork and cultural programs.
The new facility is anticipated to open in early 2011.