The Allan Labor Government is focused on what matters most to families in Ripon, delivering real help with the cost of living and more investment in frontline services.

We’re investing in the things that make Ripon such a fantastic place to live, including a new dog park for Lucas.

Currently this growing community has no local off-lead areas. This investment will provide a dedicated, safe space for dogs to exercise and give their owners a much-needed area to enjoy the outdoors.

The Beaufort Scouts Hall will also receive an investment of $50,000 in this year’s Budget, which will provide much-needed upgrades to this well-loved space.

With this Budget, we’re also funding the newly opened and expanded Maryborough and District Hospital.

The state-of-the-art redevelopment includes a new urgent care centre, new birthing suites, a 32-bed inpatient unit, two operating theatres, and a day medical centre with imaging and pathology services.

It’ll mean locals can get the care they need – without a try to the city.

Those early years for parents can be really tough. But families have told us that the Early Parenting Centres make a real difference. That’s why this Budget invests $22.4 million in Early Parenting Centres across our state – including at our local EPC in Lucas.

It’ll mean more support for parents, helping them develop new routines and new confidence – and it’ll set up families in Ripon to flourish.

This Budget also invests in making sure our schools keep up with our local community. This includes funding to kick-start planning on even better learning spaces for the Maryborough Education Centre and its 1000 students.

No one should miss out on things that make school fun. But the cost of camps, school sports and excursions can be too much for some families.

That’s why we’re increasing the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund to help families with a Health Care Card or concession card. Payments will increase from $154 per year for primary school students and $256 per year for secondary students to $400, from 1 January 2026.

For parents in Ripon, every dollar counts. It’s why we’re making public transport free for Victorians under 18.

It’ll mean savings of up to $755 a year – per child. With free PT for under 18s, we’re ensuring cheaper school runs, more affordable weekends – and one less thing for families to worry about.

It’ll make Victoria the first state to introduce free public transport for kids and teens, with the investment beginning 1 January 2026.

Costs can also add for seniors. It’s why this Budget, we’re making statewide public transport free for Victorians aged 60 and over on weekends.

From 1 January 2026, this change will help Victorians with a Seniors Card visit the grandkids or experience even more of our state – without the extra expense.

We’ve helped families in Ripon slash thousands off their power bills by switching to solar and making their homes more energy efficient. This Budget delivers more rebates for energy efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems, so that more families can save up to $400 a year on their energy bills.

We’re also providing energy bill relief to those doing it tough in Ripon. This Budget delivers a $100 Power Saving Bonus to eligible Victorian households with a concession card, in time for their August winter bills.

Getting in to see a GP is hard – especially one who bulk bills. That means too many families put off looking after their health.

This Budget invests a further $18 million to enable pharmacists to treat even more Victorians with even more conditions – without a trip to the doctor for a prescription.

That means pharmacies will be able to treat more conditions with medicines usually only available with a GP script – including allergies, nausea, high blood pressure and minor wound care, with more conditions added progressively over the next two years.

We’re also covering the cost of the consult – ensuring Victorians can access care for free.

This Budget also invests $900,000 to support the National Centre for Farmer Health, to improve the health and wellbeing for farmers and their communities. And we’re investing $250,000 to continue the Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program, developing the next generation of local leaders.

And because Ripon’s agriculture sector is so important to our state and local economy, we’ll continue the Fox Bounty and invest $9.2 million to manage pest animals.

This Budget, we’re also investing in Victoria’s buses – giving more locals the choice to leave the car at home.

This investment will continue supporting regional buses and coaches, including the Ballarat – Bendigo V/Line Coach, as well as funding a review of the Ballarat bus network, opening community consultation to make sure local voices shape the future network.

Funding will also make local train stations even safer – delivering new digital CCTV at Wendouree station.

This is a Budget – and a Government – focused on what matters most to Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Cost of living is hitting families hard – this Budget delivers real help.”

“It also continues investing in the frontline services that matter most to Ripon – including our brand-new Maryborough Hospital, which is transforming care for patients and their families.”