Hospital, public transport top key issues for Melton

IMPROVED health care, a 24-hour hospital and public transport needs are firming up as the key political drawcards to win state election votes in Melton.

N20MT201 - A feature on the day in the life of a triage nurse at Melton Health. Triage Nurse Kelly Pigott with Megan Matthies.

IMPROVED health care, a 24-hour hospital and public transport needs are firming up as the key political drawcards to win state election votes in Melton.

Nine candidates, including three independents, will contest the seat at the November 29 election.

While not everyone knew who the current Victorian Treasurer, Michael O’Brien, was when asked by the Leader, all did agreed on one thing — that a full diamond interchange is desperately needed to alleviate traffic congestion at the Bulmans/Clarkes roads overpass.

Independent candidate Victor Bennett said the major political parties had forgotten about Melton because it’s considered a “safe Labor seat”, and accused incumbent Melton Labor MP Don Nardella of “sitting on his hands too long”.

Mr Nardella listed safety and job security as key issues for his constituents, while for Liberal candidate Daryl Lang the focus was on improving public transport and planning for future growth.

Voice for the West candidate Monika Thomas and independent Matt de Leon agreed a public hospital should be a top priority for any party that wins power on November 29.

Greens candidate Marie-Anne Cooper said she was determined to “get a better deal for the west” and Australian Christian Party candidate Mabor Chadhuol was looking for ways to address youth unemployment and mental health issues.

Improving road safety and primary health care in Melton were at the top of independent candidate Mohamad Aljofan’s key issues.

Other key issues raised include electrification of the Melton railway line, using the former Victoria University campus as a technical school, improving infrastructure and keeping whoever wins power honest.

N51MT206 The Western Hwy exit at Ferris Rd, Melton at 4 pm on a Tuesday. The exit is a notorious traffic jam area. Drivers are constantly calling for traffic lights to alleviate the jam especially at peak times.