Benefits to residents of Essendon of 2008/2009 Budget

• New assistance to first home buyers with a reduction on stamp duty costs and new eligibility for stamp duty and first home buyer's assistance.

"This is particularly important for young people in Essendon who wish to remain living in Essendon, and who find the increasing costs of homes prohibitive.

• $30 million for the Craigieburn track upgrade to allow more morning peak services.
• "The increased services already introduced have assisted with overcrowding, but there is still room for further improvement"

• An air conditioning upgrade of the Moonee Ponds Police Station to improve conditions for the police who are stationed in Moonee Ponds.

• Part of 112million programme on clearways which includes improving public transport speeds on major roads. The funding will also be used to improve bicycle and walking access.

"Details of these programmes are yet to be determined and there will be a consultation programmes with Councils and traders prior to finalisation of plans"

• Stage 2 of the redevelopment of the Sunshine Hospital and money for planning for the redevelopment of the Royal Eye and ear Hospital.

• "This is the next stage in improving health services in the West. This combined with the redevelopment of the Children's' Hospital and the Women's Hospital, as well as the recent improvements to the Royal Melbourne Hospital will give our area first class access to local acute care."

• A $294 million for climate change initiatives to drive renewable energy and clean coal technologies

• The Nightrider service to Essendon frequency increased to 30 minutes from 60 minutes to decrease wait times and overcrowding for passengers.

"On a recent tour I took of Queen Street and surrounding areas it was a concern that young people were hanging around awaiting for the nightrider bus to take them home. This more frequent service should improve the safety of young women especially, returning home"

• The development of a regional food kitchen which will be developed by 14 local councils including Moonee Valley. (Cost $6 million)

"This will be a facility to centralise and improve the Meals On Wheels programme in these municipalities. This service is particularly important for Essendon's older population. The location of the kitchen is yet to be decided"

• A $37.2 million Alcohol Action Plan to create safer streets and address excessive alcohol consumption.

• $1.43 billion in tax cuts and reduced business costs including cuts to stamp duty, land tax, payroll tax and WorkCover premiums.

"Some of the projects already announced include the ambulance upgrade and Better Schools Funding for North Essendon Primary School.

"There are other initiatives but I don't have details yet."