Federal Election 2019: Labor pledges $1.5 million to revamp Croydon’s Tarralla Creek

Labor has called in the big guns during their fight for the marginal seat of Deakin, with a weighty green pre-election promise delivered by Senate leader Penny Wong and the seat’s main challenger.

Labor's Deakin candidate Shireen Morris and Federal senate leader Penny Wong walk over Croydon's Tarralla Creek. Picture: Kiel Egging.

Labor has called in the big guns in their fight for the marginal seat of Deakin, with a weighty green pledge delivered by Senate leader Penny Wong and the seat’s main challenger.

In Croydon on the campaign trail yesterday, Ms Wong said she believed Shireen Morris had a fighting chance to take the seat of Deakin on May 18.

The pair pledged $1.5 million towards Maroondah Council’s $15 million plan to revitalise Tarralla Creek, including improving the waterway and facilities for creek vistors.

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The creek will become a priority project under Labor’s $200 million Urban Rivers and Corridors Program.

“This is a great project and I’m here with a great candidate. She’s a really quality candidate who’s done a lot of stuff in her life.” Ms Wong said.

Ms Morris said she was pleased to announce the Tarralla Creek commitment after advocating for its inclusion in Labor’s program earlier in the year.

“I grew up roaming around these creeks and I don’t want to see them trashed,” she said.
“This is an area of the community that so many people have spoken to me about, and it’s clear the local community groups and people who live in this area do want to see this creek and the surrounds given some love.”

Penny Wong and Shireen Morris at Tarralla Creek. Picture: Kiel Egging.

Ms Wong said the incumbent, Deakin federal Liberal MP Michael Sukkar, had been “part of the chaos and division which has really exemplified the government.”

“Every campaign is tough and this is a tough seat to win, and I’m sure he’s got a lot of resources and I’m sure he’s spent a lot of money,” she said.

Mr Sukkar did not commit to matching Ms Morris’ pledge but said he would have “a bit to say between now and the election”.

When asked about Ms Wong’s campaign spending comments, Mr Sukkar said he was an “active and energetic” representative.

“We always run very active and energetic campaigns, that’s the way I operate,” he said.

“Unlike others, you don’t just see me busy and active at election time, I’m active in the electorate throughout the term.”

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