Liberal, Labor promise to spend millions in seat of Banks

As the battle for the marginal seat of Banks heats up, both major parties are making big spending promises to shore up votes.

Both Liberal and Labor are promising to spend millions of dollars to improve the health of Georges River. Picture: Robert Pozo

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As the battle for the marginal seat of Banks heats up, both major parties are making big spending promises to shore up votes.

Federal Liberal MP David Coleman, who holds the seat on 1.4 per cent margin, has promised to spend almost $2 million on sporting facilities, $1 million on Georges River and $12,000 on CCTV cameras at Chivers Hill Lugarno.

Labor candidate Chris Gambian, who was only 2588 votes behind Mr Coleman in 2016, has pledged $3 million on Padstow TAFE, $30.5 million to improve parking Panania, Mortdale and Hurstville train stations, millions on Georges River and $900,000 for Sir Joseph Banks High School.

Labor candidate for Banks Chris Gambian with Blaxland federal Labor MP Jason Clare announcing a funding promise for Sir Joseph Banks High School, Revesby.

Banks is seen as a crucial seat by the Liberal Party and Labor. Betting agency the TAB has the Coalition improving its odds of retaining Banks.

The ALP were favourites on April 8, paying $1.40 for the win compared to $2.60 for the Coalition but as of May 8 that had reversed with the Coalition as favourites at $1.60 and Labor blowing out to $2.25.

The Express is inviting Banks residents to attend our candidates forum on Tuesday, May 14, at Padstow RSL, starting at 7pm.

IN OTHER NEWS

Mr Coleman has promised that if re-elected the Coalition would spend $1.3 million on a new synthetic football pitch for the Bankstown District Amateur Football Association (BDAFA) at Stuart St, Padstow, home of the Padstow Hornets. It would be the first artificial pitch of its kind in southern Bankstown. The current closest field is at Regents Park.

Padstow Hornets president Geoff Taplin said it would be a big boost for football in the area.

“This is great news for local sporting clubs, who will benefit immensely from improved facilities,” Mr Taplin said.

Banks federal Liberal MP David Coleman with Canterbury-Bankstown Tennis Association officials at Marco Avenue in Panania. The association has received a $360,000 federal grant to build two new multipurpose courts.

Mr Coleman said the project was a key priority for the government, enabling clubs to use the space all year round. He has also pledged $250,000 for BDAFA to upgrade lighting at fields such as Marco Reserve in Panania, which is used by St Christopher’s Football Club.

“Improving lighting at our local sports fields will make it easier for local sports clubs to train

and play in low-light conditions, as well as provide a better experience for spectators,” association interim general manager Leanne Miller said.

Another $400,000 has also been promised to upgrade

Bankstown Sports AFL Club change rooms and install an electronic scoreboard at

Kelso Park, Panania. The Coalition says it will invest $1 million improving the health of the Georges River, with funding to be drawn from the new $100 million Environment Restoration Fund.

Some of the rubbish that is collected every year from the Georges River on Clean Up Australia Day. Both parties have pledged millions to clean up the river.

Labor is also promising to clean up Georges River, with Mr Gambian and Opposition spokesman for the environment and water an Watson MP Tony Burke, saying Georges River would be a priority project under the ALP’s $200 million Urban Rivers and Corridors Program.

Labor’s biggest spending promise is $30.5 million to improve park and ride facilities at Panania, Mortdale and Hurstville stations.

Labor has promised to improve parking at Panania station.

It will also spend $3 million for new aged care and disability teaching facilities at Padstow TAFE and $900,000 towards upgrading the industrial arts facilities at Sir Joseph Banks High School at Revesby.

Mr Gambian said the funding would help the school create a modern industrial arts hub with a suite of specialised workspaces and hi-tech equipment such as a 3D printer, laser cutter and design software.

Do you have a question for one of the candidates standing for the seat of Banks but are unable to attend our forum on Tuesday? Email your question to [e-mail] and we might be able to ask your question for you on the night.