The school, transport and health projects being delayed in your area
School upgrades, a new children's court, hospitals, suburban parks and an expanded railway station are among more than 150 funded projects now delayed, according to the Victorian budget.
Almost a third of the 518 projects funded in last year's budget have been delayed by at least three months. The total cost has also blown out $3.3 billion, or 1.9 per cent, in the year.
'The cost of materials and supply of skilled labour are improving across the construction industry. However, challenges remain,' Tuesday's state budget said.
An analysis by The Age of state budget papers found 171 projects have been delayed, referred to as 'revised' completion dates.
Many of them had already been delayed in previous budgets. For example, 10 community hospitals promised by former premier Daniel Andrews in 2018, have repeatedly faced delays. Recently completed projects were cut from the analysis.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes began their efforts to sell the budget to the public on Wednesday, defending the state's net debt levels, set to hit $194 billion by 2028-29.
Allan said Victoria's budget strategy was working as the government stabilised debt and grew the economy.
'We've also got to recognise that right now, working people and families, are facing real pressures … and my choice as premier and our government is supporting them with that cost-of-living support,' she told ABC radio.
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