Ms Catherine King (Ballarat, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Brewery Tap Road intersection at the Western Freeway on the outskirts of Ballarat is one of those intersections where you hold your breath as you go through it. There are adjacent businesses and busy side roads intersecting with this major highway. Locals have always known how dangerous this spot is, and I get regular emails about near misses that have been there. It is a complex intersection, and it won't be easy to fix, but we are investing $100 million towards the upgrade for planning and early works.

Victoria's Big Build is currently undertaking consultation. At their recent drop-in session, 90 locals attended to contribute their suggestions and experiences. I thank everyone who has engaged so far. Local knowledge is important in determining the best solutions to projects like this. The $100 million Brewery Tap Road is in addition to our billion-dollar investment to upgrade the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs on the way to Melbourne. These will be critical upgrades. Under the former coalition government, these projects were in the too-hard basket for a decade, but the Albanese government is committed to doing something about them.

Thirteen years ago, I attended the opening of headspace Ballarat. I don't think we knew back then how successful this service would actually be. In the last year alone, headspace Ballarat has delivered 4,800 appointments supporting young people. Last year, the Albanese government pledged an additional $72.7 million for headspaces, and $1.2 million of that funded a relocation of headspace Ballarat. It is a welcoming, fit-for-purpose and accessible space. It's double the size of the old premises and features stunning art by local Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker.

Perhaps most importantly, this space is designed for young people by young people. I was lucky enough to meet 19-year-old Taylah Sims at the recent opening, and she was part of the project user group. Here is some of what she had to say about headspace Ballarat:

For many young people, walking through these doors might be one of the hardest steps they ever take. But today, we've made that step just a little bit easier.

This centre is more than bricks and paint. It's a message. A message that young people's voices matter. That our wellbeing matters. And that when we were invited into the process, we can help create something truly meaningful.

And you have created that, Taylah, for thousands of young people across our region.

The Ballarat Football Netball League recently made the decision to exclude the Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club from the 2026 junior competition. The community and locals are understandably very distressed by this decision. I'm particularly disappointed that the 80 netballers who are ready to start the season haven't been provided yet with an option to play. Participation in team sport is so important for girls. While the league has put forward a plan for the footballers, there's been no alternative option for the netballers. I urge the league to review this decision and hopefully find a pathway for netballers from Woady Yaloak to play.