Aston federal Liberal MP Alan Tudge promises $5m for local projects if re-elected

A FEDERAL Liberal MP in Melbourne’s outer east has gone on a pre-election cash splash, promising close to $5 million for local projects if he is re-elected.

WITH less than a month until the federal election, Aston federal Liberal MP Alan Tudge has gone on a cash splash, promising close to $5 million for local projects if he is re-elected.

Mr Tudge has announced $4.5 million to build the “missing bridge” for Henderson Rd, Rowville, over Corrhanwarrabul Creek, linking Rowville to Knoxfield through a new road connection, if the Coalition won the July 2 election.

“The bridge has been on the map of Knox for decades as an idea, but we will ensure that the bridge is finally built and delivered,” Mr Tudge said.

He also pledged $150,000 to build a right-hand turning lane on Bergins Rd, Rowville, into the Waverley Country Club; $200,000 for new lights at Wally Tew Reserve; and $149,000 for the Knox BMX track to build a new storage facility and starting gate.

The seat of Aston is considered a safe Liberal seat, which Mr Tudge holds by 8.2 per cent, but he said he wasn’t taking the seat for granted.

Running against him is Paul Klisaris (Labor); Steve Raymond (Greens); Daniel Huppert (Independent); and Rosemary Lavin (Animal Justice Party). Nominations close on Thursday.

Mr Tudge, 45, a dad of three from Wantirna South, has held the seat since 2010.

“I’m a local who is committed to improving our community; creating more jobs, making it safer ... and having better roads,” Mr Tudge said.

He said the 14,000 Knox small businesses would benefit from his government’s tax cuts; and they had also committed to the East West Link and improvements on the Monash Freeway.

Mr Klisaris, a childcare centre owner and former Monash Council mayor, said he didn’t have the power to announce any funded election commitments for Aston, but promised voters if elected he would be a member of parliament “like no other” bringing energy, life experience, and business knowledge to the role.

Mr Klisaris, 49 and a dad of three, said health, education and jobs were the key issues for people in the community.

Mr Klisaris said he and his wife had sold their home in Prahran and were looking to buy somewhere in Aston. He said there was no definite date on the move, but would move there regardless of the election result.