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Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (15:56): It has been a busy summer across the Wendouree electorate, with the state government continuing to deliver for the Ballarat community.

Yesterday we celebrated an exciting new chapter for the Ballarat railway station bluestone goods shed, with the opening of conference rooms, a theatrette and banquet rooms thanks to $28.3 million from our government. The goods shed redevelopment has transformed Ballarat’s landmark railway precinct and stimulated the local economy by creating jobs for local suppliers, contractors and construction workers.

We have also opened stage 2 of the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre in the heart of Wendouree, made possible by $5.2 million from the Andrews Labor government. This brings the total investment into the greater Eureka sports precinct to $38.5 million since 2014.

Our government has also delivered a new bus interchange at the Ballarat railway station, giving passengers a safer and more comfortable place to wait for their bus, plus easier connections between the bus and train services. It has also taken buses off nearby streets, where they would previously wait for long periods in front of houses and businesses. Our new interchange includes pedestrian crossings, CCTV, lighting, shelters and seating, improving comfort and safety for our station users.

The opening coincides with improvements to Ballarat’s bus network, with more than 70 extra trips per week and a new improved timetable. There is so much more to come for Ballarat and the Wendouree electorate, making it an even better— (Time expired)

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