Every major Corangamite, Corio election promise revealed
What will Geelong and the Surf Coast get out of the election? Follow every major promise as it is made.
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Corangamite is set to be a key battleground once again — and should see plenty of promises hoped to win over voters.
But there’s plenty expected to come right across the Geelong region, with Corio voters hoping to gain some attention.
Keep up to date with the latest promises below.
Here’s a list of what they promised leading into the 2019 poll.
Anam Cara House will get $2.95 million to improve person-centred end-of-life care if the Labor Party win government.
The money will be used to lift the level of end-of-life care at Anam Cara House at Waurn Ponds that will consist of 20 palliative bedrooms within a “home-like and purpose-built facility”.
The funding will also be used to continue a research and teaching partnership with Deakin University’s School of Medicine and Faculty of Health and Anam Cara.
Adam Cara House Chair Diana Taylor the hospice’s partnership with Deakin University at its Waurn Ponds campus was a critical component of the level of care Anam Cara provided.
“The Federal Labor Party’s support, led by The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Member for Corio and Libby Coker MP, Member for Corangamite, will allow us to significantly invest in bedside teaching and research that will benefit people now and in generations to come across Geelong and the region,” Ms Taylor said.
Labor’s spokesman for health and ageing Mark Butler said: “This commitment recognises the importance of dignity and compassion in end-of-life care. It is made by Labor with the understanding of the significant impact that Anam Cara House has for members of the community.”
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said: “There is no other facility like Anam Cara in Australia. The new Anam Cara House is a unique facility that will continue the legacy of providing local families with palliative care choices and world-class end-of-life care.”
Corio MP Richard Marles said: “The work and care which Anam Cara provides to families is invaluable. This is a project which Labor proudly supports and understands the importance of giving guests choice and final wishes.”
Labor chips in $1.94m for Barwon Heads Football Netball Club
The Barwon Heads Football Netball Club will be redeveloped regardless of which major party wins government following a $1.2million pledge from Labor.
Meanwhile the party has also committed $700,000 to the proposed active youth space at Inverleigh, and $40,000 for the MacedonianCommunity Centre at Batesford, if elected.
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said work at Howard Harmer Reserve, Barwon Heads would include an upgraded netball pavilion includingnew change rooms, toilets and team rooms, and upgrades to lighting.
“It’s astounding how this club has grown over the years, from a one team club to now having 870. The club now has seventeennetball teams,” Ms Coker said.
“The club also has a lot of difficulty sourcing funds as they are not on council land.
“They are on foreshore land, so it is very important they get some extra help.
“The netball side of the club has been operating out of a modified donga, an ageing,
second hand portable. This does not really encourage participation.”
the community-driven project would improve opportunities for young people.
“This project has been developed by the local community and the Golden Plains
Shire following a survey of youth priorities,” Ms Coker said.
“The youth of Inverleigh have spoken, they have told us what they want, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to helpwith funding for this great project.”
The recreation space will include new bike tracks, an upgraded skate park and basketball court.
Corio MP Richard Marles said the funding for Macedonian Community Centre would be put towards a new roof.
He said the St. John the Baptist Church and community hall had been a place of gathering for religious services, communitymeetings, dance groups, seniors’ gatherings and celebrations for the past 40 years.
“Macedonian migrants who have come to Geelong have worked hard, raised families here and make wonderful contributions to ourcommunity,” Mr Marles said.
“This $40,000 grant will help to ensure that Macedonian Community can continue to gather and thrive in their service to thecommunity.”
What Morrison would give to Bellarine food relief charity
A re-elected Morrison Government would provide $4m to food relief charity Feed Me Bellarine to construct a purpose-built production and distribution centre.
Feed Me Bellarine currently delivers more than 7000 cooked meals and staple foods including fresh fruit and vegetables directly to 2000 families in need across the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Geelong each week.
The investment would fund the construction and fit-out of a new building, with Feed Me Bellarine to contribute the land, likely located centrally in Geelong.
Feed Me Bellarine board chair Glenn Mills welcomed the commitment.
“This investment will allow Feed Me to double our capacity, eliminate our waitlist and set our organisation up for the future,” Mr Mills said.
“Feed Me Bellarine welcomes this extraordinary commitment to local communities.”
Liberal Candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher said Feed Me Bellarine had been experiencing increased demand and this commitment would ensure their services continue to be accessible when people need support.
“Feed Me Bellarine does an outstanding job supporting those in need across our area and this investment will ensure they can continue their vital work into the future,” Ms Asher said.
Morrison’s commitment to Geelong’s Sikh community
If re-elected the Morrison Government has committed to spend $1.64 million on redevelopments at two sports club in the Corangamite electorate, and a security upgrade for the Sikh community in the Corio electorate.
The Liberal’s $600,000 pledge for Grinter Reserve at Moolap and $540,000 for Portarlington Recreation Reserve mean both facilities will be redeveloped regardless of which major party forms government.
Meanwhile the Gurudwara Sikh Temple at Lovely Banks will be given $500,000 to pay for a security system.
Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher said the Grinter Reserve money would be used to fund sports lighting at an oval, and upgrade netball and football facilities.
While the money for Portarlington, that adds to a previous Liberal pledge of $60,000 for a scoreboard at the reserve, would be used to make sure the facility kept pace with growing demand from the community to play sport.
Ms Asher said: “Corangamite communities deserve sporting facilities that keep pace with growing demand, and that’s exactly what this investment will ensure. By investing in better community facilities, my local plan will bring people together and support active and connected communities.”
Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the Morrison Government was committed to supporting community and religious organisations to ensure people feel safe.
“This $500,000 election commitment would deliver a very significant investment in the Geelong region’s Sikh community. The Morrison Government recognises the importance of investing in safety measures including for places of worship, whether they be synagogues, mosques, temples or churches,” Senator Henderson said.
Liberal candidate for Corio, Manish Patel, said: “This Sikh Gurudwara temple is used by Sikh and wider Indian community and contributes to the fabric of our diverse multicultural community.
How inclusive sport could get big expansion
More people with disabilities would be linked with sport via a $10.34m expansion of the Sport4All program under an Albanese Labor government.
The program, which currently runs in the City of Greater Geelong and other Victorian council areas, provides schools and sporting clubs tools to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport.
The Labor funding pledge will be used to expand the Sport4All program to 80 local government areas nationwide with a focus on regional, remote, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Under the program a disability inclusion coach is employed in a local government area to connect clubs and people with a disability.
Chief executive of Get Skilled Access which run the Sport4All program, Danielle Fraillon, said Labor pledge would allow the organisation to employ another 100 people, that will either have a disability or lived experience of a disability, across four years.
“The point of this is around mainstream clubs and schools, and how do we help them to become more inclusive?” Ms Fraillon said.
“The resources are actually available online to anybody. But what we’re finding is that (people with disabilities) engage better with an inclusion coach who helps them to work through all the resources, learn and understand. It’s really important that the inclusion coach is a person with disability.”
Ms Fraillon said the expansion of the Sport4All program was welcomed as regional Victoria prepared to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
Labor’s spokesman for sport Don Farrell, who visited Bell Park on Wednesday, said the party wanted to give all Australians, regardless of ability, a chance to enjoy sport.
“Sport’s benefits include boosting our mental and physical health, supporting community connectivity and social inclusion, and much more.
“Expanding Sport4All will help skill up schools and sporting clubs to provide even more and better opportunities for Australians with a disability to participate in their favourite sports.”
Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker said: “I am looking forward to working with local councils across my region and people in the disability sector to ensure that people of all ages with a disability have opportunity. People with disabilities really want to get involved and they should have every opportunity.”
Labor’s National Disability Insurance Scheme spokesman Bill Shorten said: “We know workplaces and grassroots sporting clubs around Australia are driven to be inclusive and this funding will make that happen.”
The pilot of the Sport4All program has reached more than 120 sports clubs, 30 schools and more than 50,000 people across five local government areas.
Research from the Australian Sports Commission found 75 per cent of people with a disability who play sport want to play more while 83 per cent of people with a disability who are inactive want to get active.
Multimillion-dollar satellite mental health service pledge
A satellite headspace service would be established at Bannockburn and the Corio headspace would undergo an upgrade if the Morrison Government wins the election.
The federal government has pledged $6.2m across four years to establish a headspace satellite service at Bannockburn, and upgrade the satellite service at Corio to a fully-fledged headspace centre with the youth mental service’s complete offering.
headspace provides free or low-cost support with mental health, physical health, and alcohol and drug issues for young people aged 12 to 25.
Liberal candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher said the pledge would be welcomed by many young people, parents and teachers in the region.
“With a focus on early intervention, headspace works with young people at a crucial time in their lives to provide the best possible health care and support, reducing the duration and impact of mental illness and helping them achieve their full potential,” Ms Asher said.
“In establishing a new service in Bannockburn, this recognises the growing needs of both Bannockburn and Inverleigh which are rapidly growing communities.”
The headspace services at Corio and Bannockburn will be commissioned by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network with funding starting next financial year.
The PHN will consult with the community to determine locations and ensure services meet community need.
Of the Corio headspace pledge Liberal candidate for Corio Manish Patel said: “The headspace centre will meet a significant need for services in Corio and Norlane, which has a large and growing youth population.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said one in four young Australians were affected by mental health issues each year.
Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said: “I want our young people in our region to know they are not alone.”
The Coalition has increased headspace funding since coming to government from $56m in 2012-13 to $204m in 2021-22.
About $870m is expected to be invested into the headspace network across the next four years.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
Leopold, Barwon Heads clubs promises multimillion-dollar cash injection
Sporting communities from Barwon Heads and Leopold could soon benefit from a multimillion-dollar investment if the Morrison government is re-elected.
Liberal candidate for Corangamite, Stephanie Asher attended Howard Harmer Reserve in Barwon Heads on Sunday, joined by club members as she made the announcement.
Ms Asher said better community facilities, particularly sporting infrastructure would form an important part of her local plan for the electorate.
The election promise would deliver $1.2m worth of much needed upgrades to the Barwon Heads netball club as well a $3.25m investment into the Leopold Memorial Reserve, including new facilities and amenities for the local community.
Speaking at Barwon Heads, Ms Asher said upgrades to the netball facilities would be delivered in partnership with the Barwon Coast Committee of Management.
“The number of teams has more than doubled in size since the club building was constructed in 2005 – increasing from 16 to 39 teams,” she said.
“The funding will support the extension of the existing club building which is now too small to cater for the club’s needs. It will also be an important community asset.”
She said the further multimillion dollar investment earmarked for the Leopold Football and Netball Club would support an upgrade to its junior change rooms, including toilet block facilities as well as netball training spaces, parking, accessibly and signage improvements.
“Leopold is a growing community which deserves safe and fit-for-purpose facilities and that’s what my commitment will deliver,” she said.
“Leopold Memorial Reserve is a well utilised community space for local sport and passive recreation, but ageing facilities are in need of an upgrade to keep pace with local demand.
“Sport and recreation are at the heart of our community, and this funding will support the increasing number of young Australians getting into sport, as well as their families.
“My strong Local Plan for Corangamite supports active, healthy and connected communities across our area.”
Major parties back cricket club
The South Barwon Cricket Club will undergo a $1.6 million renovation regardless of which major party forms government following a Liberal pledge for the project.
Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher said the funding would be used to expand the Belmont facilities including a clubroom upgrade to include four changerooms, and install a commercial kitchen to support the work of community group Indians for Geelong.
“Active and connected communities are a key part of my strong local plan for Corangamite,” Ms Asher said.
“As a passionate supporter of women’s sport, this upgrade will also support new facilities for girls and women.
“I am committed to ensuring local communities have access to the facilities they deserve and this commitment is a real win for Corangamite residents.”
Ms Asher said South Barwon Cricket Club had tripled in size membership in the past five years, and the money would support the club’s 17 cricket teams and about 250 playing members.
Corio Liberal candidate Manish Patel said: “Indians for Geelong do amazing work for our local community and a new commercial kitchen means more space and better facilities for them to continue providing that vital service to those in need.”
Labor pledged $1.6m for South Barwon CC and the Indians for Geelong on April 11.
Rally backs better aged care support
More than 100 people attended a community rally on Friday calling for a better aged care system.
The rally, held outside a Marshall aged care home, was hosted by the Geelong Trades Hall Council, the Victorian Trades Hall Council and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.
The ANMF claimed the Morrison government has announced an extra $18.8bn for aged care but failed to legislate reforms to force aged care employers to roster more nurses and carers per shift so they have time to care for residents.
ANMF Victoria branch secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said 1997 aged care legislation ripped nurses out of nursing homes.
“For the first time in 25 years Anthony Albanese’s aged care election promises mean there is a sense of urgency to fix this crisis and put humanity back into the care of our vulnerable loved ones,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
Labor’s plan would require a registered nurse on site 24/7 in residential care and formally support a pay rise for aged care workers.
A spokesman for Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the government accepted recommendation 86 report of the Royal Commission in relation to both 16 hours of nursing a day in 2022 and 24 hours a day in 2024.
“In line with the Royal Commission recommended time frame for safely growing the nursing workforce we accepted the recommendation of the Commission regarding a very workable approach,” the spokesman said.
More surf club cash on offer
Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club will get $3.5m for an upgrade if the Morrison government wins this month’s federal election.
The Breamlea club, which provides patrols for more than 20,000 beach visitors each summer, now operates out of a single-level building that is more than 30 years old.
Liberal Corangamite candidate Stephanie Asher said the patrol tower had not been used for more than two years due to its poor condition.
“This support will allow the Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club to keep pace with growing local communities and support regional tourism,” Ms Asher said.
“Confidence and safety in the water is critical for local residents and this expansion will allow more kids to build their skills and social connections through local Nippers programs.”
Ms Asher said the upgrade would mean safer, better connected and more active communities across the Bellarine and Surf Coast.
She said the club had to cap membership and enrolments in its Nippers program due to the current facilities.
The SLSC pledge comes days after the Liberals pledged $6.5m for the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club if re-elected to government.
Highball offer for Armstrong Creek
Labor has promised to build a $6m regional “highball” centre at Armstrong Creek if it wins the federal election.
The facility, earmarked for the Armstrong Creek town centre, would be capable of hosting state and regional tournaments across basketball, netball, badminton and volleyball, Labor said.
Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker said the facility would help address the lag in sport and community infrastructure in Armstrong Creek and provide an opportunity for the area to host regional tournaments.
“This is a really exciting project and a milestone in the development of the township of Armstrong Creek,” Ms Coker said.
“It will make up part of the character of Armstrong Creek for years to come into the future.
“It will be a place where hundreds of local families, the kids and the mums and dads, come together, meet each other and make friendships.
“That’s the great thing about community sports and why I’m so keen to support these projects.
“The facility will also be a host facility for regional and possibly statewide tournaments where kids can see the elite players and get inspired.”
A $15m regional highball centre is included on the G21 – Geelong Region Alliance’s extensive priority list.
Ms Coker said the promised facility would provide for demand for sporting facilities created in Grovedale, Waurn Ponds and Torquay.
The population of Greater Geelong is due to top 393,000 by 2041, according to demographic service. idcommunity.
This figure includes more than 25,000 people at Armstrong Creek and more than 15,000 at Mt Duneed by 2041.
The population in those suburbs in 2022 is 10,800 and 5160.
An Indoor Recreation Facilities Strategy report prepared for Geelong council by the SGL Consulting Group in 2014 found the City of Greater Geelong area had one indoor court per 6510 people.
At the time, that was lower than the 1:6666 in the City of Frankston.
By contrast, the City of Ballarat then had an indoor court to population ratio of 1:3133.
Labor said the need for a new indoor facility in the Geelong region had existed for years.
Torquay’s key infrastructure could receive multimillion-dollar rebuild
A proposed $15m rebuild of ageing facilities at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club will receive an $6.5m injection if the Morrison Government wins the election later this month.
Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher said the funding would allow the club to expand patrols, its Nipper program and community events.
“The existing Torquay SLSC was built in 1972 and has been outgrown by the increasing number of local residents and visitors at one of Victoria’s busiest beaches,” Ms Asher, who is a member of both the Torquay and Ocean Grove SLSCs, said.
“This funding is an important step to ensuring this key facility can continue to support the Torquay community into the future.”
Ms Asher — joined at Torquay SLSC on Monday with Prime Minister Scott Morrison who made the funding commitment — said the club brought together families from across the local area and kept residents and visitors safe in the water year-round.
“This significant investment will help ensure this community facility will be able to keep pace with growing demand, ensure local programs can expand and support volunteers to continue their outstanding work.”
TSLSC president Tiffany Quinlan said the redevelopment, that would build an entirely new clubrooms, would allow the club to welcome more members.
“We are aiming to become self-sustaining and self-funded as well. (Once the redevelopment is complete) the clubrooms will be a true community facility – very much the same as what it is just on a bigger scale.
“We will continue to have bunk rooms so we can have educational camps and schools from Melbourne can come down … and go back with life-changing skills.”
Ms Quinlan said the 2021-22 nippers program was capped at 500 due to the space limitations.
She said the club wanted to improve the quality and accessibility of training around the water and wanted the community to use the club in the off-season.
Ms Quinlan said there was significant safety issues in the current clubhouse, and that the club couldn’t host functions in it because it could not cater to its burgeoning membership.
“Currently we’re at around 1500 members and we anticipate in the next five years we will get to 2500.”
Earlier this year the Liberal state opposition pledged $3.5m towards the redevelopment of Torquay SLSC if it won the state election in November.
Ms Quinlan said if both the state and federal Liberals won the elections this year, the club would still require $3m for the project after it raised $2m of its own money.
The project has progressed beyond detailed design stage and has been in the planning for more than three years.
The Morrison Government gave $500,000 to Torquay SLSC in 2019.
Proposed revamp for Portarlington Recreation Reserve
More than $1 million will be spent on two football and netball clubs in Geelong region if Labor is elected at the May election.
Labor has pledged $600,000 for the Newcomb Football Netball Club in the Corangamite electorate for sports lighting at a second oval at Grinter Reserve, and an upgrade to the netball and club facilities.
While Labor will also commitment another $600,000 for an upgrade at Portarlington Recreation Reserve in the Corangamite electorate to build new change rooms, improve lighting and install an electronic scoreboard.
Ms Coker said the funding commitment at Newcomb came as participation in local football and netball, especially among girls and women, was growing.
“The role Newcomb Power plays in this community is vital to keeping kids engaged, fit and healthy. There are a lot of families in this area who are really struggling, and the club gives them friendships, enjoyment and hope.
“Being a part of a club teaches good values, like looking after your teammates, supporting each other, and teaching leadership qualities.”
“The lighting on the second oval will increase the capacity for training and games, which will support the increase in overall participation.
Ms Coker said Labor’s pledge at Portarlington was also to help meet demand from increased participation.
“I recognise there is a lot to do to implement the Portarlington Recreation Reserve Masterplan, and hopefully this funding will kickstart contributions from all levels of government,” Ms Coker said.
“I’m so happy to be able to deliver this infrastructure funding because these clubs are the heart of the Portarlington community, and the clubs have their hands full with a growing demand in sports participation across the board.
“There has also been an opening up of opportunity for women and girls to play AFL and cricket, and that is great to see.
“Increased participation in all areas of the Portarlington club means we have to invest in modernised facilities generally, to meet community and player expectations and needs.
“The funding contribution towards sports lighting will open up more space and times for training and night matches.
“This is especially so for winter sports, where you have very limited use of grounds for training if you don’t have lights.
“The Portarlington Recreation Reserve has long needed a state-of-the art scoreboard for its main oval. This will now be possible under Labor.”
If the Morrison Government is re-elected it will commit $60,000 towards an electronic scoreboard at the reserve.
At the 2019 election the Liberals committed $250,000 for a lighting upgrade at the reserve which was recently completed.
Urgent care clinic pledged for region
Labor has pledged to establish an urgent care clinic in the Geelong region if elected to government.
The federal opposition says local families would get the bulk-billed, urgent medical care they need, without having to wait hours at overburdened hospital emergency departments.
It recently announced, if elected to government, it would fund Medicare Urgent Care Clinics to be based at GP surgeries and community health centres in at least 50 locations across Australia, confirming a Geelong centre on Tuesday.
Corio MP Richard Marles and Corangamite MP Libby Coker said Medicare Urgent Care Clinics would take the pressure off hospital emergency departments by providing an alternative option for families needing urgent care from a doctor or nurse.
They wold treat sprains and broken bones, cuts, wounds, insect bites, minor ear and eye problems and minor burns.
Asked about location, Mr Marles said Labor would consult with various medical organisations, particularly Barwon Health, about where the need was greatest.
Ms Coker and Mr Marles said the centres would be open seven days a week from at least 8am to 10pm – the time when the majority of non-life-threatening injuries occur.
Labor would invest more than $135m across four years to establish a trial of 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
Labor says each clinic would differ in size and structure, and the urgent care clinic in the Geelong region would be tailored to meet the needs of the local community.
New mobile phone tower touted for St Leonards
Telcos would be given $600,000 to boost mobile coverage in St Leonards under an Albanese Labor government.
Responding to poor mobile phone reception in the suburb and on the Bellarine, Labor has committed money to combat “unacceptably poor service” and dropouts experienced by St Leonards residents.
The money would be put towards securing land for a new mobile phone tower after a previous attempt by a major telco to secure a site was not completed due to community backlash.
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said improving mobile coverage in St Leonards was a “top
priority.”
“I’ve been working with local communities in my electorate on their mobile and
broadband connectivity issues since becoming the local MP (in 2019),” Ms Coker said.
“Reliable mobile coverage and broadband are increasingly essential for enabling residents to stay in touch with family and friends, and for safety.
“After a decade of Liberal government, only now on the eve of an election are the Liberals acknowledging there are problems with connectivity in areas like the Bellarine, and communities like St Leonards.
“Too little, too late from the Liberal government.”
Labor’s spokeswoman for communications Michelle Rowland said: “Labor has developed a better plan for the NBN, and a smarter plan for expanding mobile coverage within communities and along roads.”
“I am pleased this can contribute to a better and more connected future for residents in Corangamite,” she said.
$1.76m grant for integrated welding centre in North Geelong
A precision engineering company with a facility at the former Ford factory in Geelong has been granted $1.76m from the Morrison government.
Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said Marand Precision Engineering would use the money to establish an integrated welding centre.
“This vital grant will enable Marand to develop an integrated welding centre for advanced steel alloys here at North Geelong,” Ms Henderson said.
“This project will implement a welding centre with hardware, software and ancillaries to enable the survivability of modern military platforms using high-grade ballistic steels.
“This will fill a significant gap in the nation’s military manufacturing capacity and provide potential export opportunities for future projects.”
Ms Henderson said the majority of manufacturing work for the project would be based at North Geelong, with additional work completed at Marand’s Moorabbin site in Melbourne.
Liberal Candidate for Corio Manish Patel said: “With unemployment in Geelong at just 1.9 per cent, I am delighted about the many ways in which the Morrison government is supporting the people of Corio.”
Marand Precision Engineering had partnered with Rheinmetall Defence Australia to develop the Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle should it be selected for the Land 400 Phase 3 program.
The Australian Defence Force project is worth between $18.1bn and $27.1bn with a contract expected to be awarded later this year.
Marand and Rheinmetall are competing against Hanwha Defence Australia to secure the contract with Hanwha promising to deliver the project at Avalon if successful.
If the Rheinmetall-led bid is successful some manufacturing would take place in Geelong.
The funding for the Marand’s welding centre came from the Morrison government’s $2.5bn Modern Manufacturing fund and was decided before the government went into caretaker mode.
Marand chief executive Rohan Stocker was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.
How Geelong’s mobile coverage could improve
The Geelong region would be in for a slice of a $78.5 million federal fund to improve poor mobile reception in outer urban areas, if the Morrison Government is re-elected.
Suburbs like Drysdale, Portarlington and Armstrong Creek would be eligible for connectivity upgrades under an extension of the peri-urban mobile program (PUMP), run by the
federal government but previously designated only for outer suburbs in metropolitan areas.
Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher said an extension of the PUMP into Geelong was a major win for the community.
“This will drive additional investment and better connectivity into places like Armstrong Creek and the Bellarine which are impacted, in some areas, by poor mobile connectivity,” Asher said.
“An important part of my local plan for Corangamite is ensuring local residents get the services and support they need wherever they live.”
The $78.5m extension to PUMP will be divided between Geelong, Wollongong, Gosford, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin and Canberra.
Under the PUMP extension, Geelong region residents, community groups and councils can nominate suburbs where mobile reception needs to improve. Final funding decisions would be made by the federal government.
In 2015, 11 Telstra mobile base stations were erected in the Geelong region that were due to provide full or partial coverage to 115 of the 141 identified black spots in the Corangamite electorate, which was significantly larger at that time compared to the 2022 iteration.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said: “Improving coverage on the urban fringe will help communities access vital information during emergencies, seek help if needed and stay in touch with loved ones.”
Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said: “Today I am delighted to announce we are extending eligibility for funding to address outer urban mobile black spots to the greater Geelong region.”
Under the Coalition’s mobile black spot program, 1000 of 1200 promised mobile base stations have been built in regional and remote Australia.
Mr Fletcher said the Morrison Government was committed to improving mobile connectivity for people living in outer urban areas as part of its plan for a strong economy and a stronger future for Australia.
Veteran wellness hub earmarked for Torquay
A $5 million wellbeing centre for defence veterans would be established in Corangamite if Labor win the federal election on May 21.
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said the hub would be a “one-stop shop” to support veterans and their families to access services including employment and housing assistance, and to connect with other veterans.
Ms Coker said the facility would have a focus of supporting veteran’s with experience in conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan and other contemporary conflicts.
She said if elected Labor would consult the Torquay and Geelong RSL subbranches, RSL Victoria and other members of the community to determine the location and services available at the facility.
“Veterans have given so much, and many are now naturally just searching for peace
and calm, so the services they need should be set within a therapeutic environment,” Ms Coker said.
“My electorate of Corangamite has one of the highest number of veterans in the state,
with around 2,000 veterans and family members, while there are around 3,500 veterans
and family members in the Greater Geelong region. We must do better to support them.”
Ms Coker said there was potential to house the wellbeing hub on the site of the Torquay Bowls Club.
“The Torquay site in my electorate is unique, situated between parklands, the beach
and the ocean, and there is a great social environment where veterans can connect into
a community.
“I can see an opportunity to build more service facilities, where veterans could join in on
some bowling, go sit on the beach, go for a swim, or just have a beer looking over the
ocean. That’s what I would call a therapeutic environment.
“I would be really keen for key stakeholders at the Torquay site to work through the
issues and develop a suitable proposal as part of the consultation process.”
Labor’s veterans’ affairs and defence personnel spokesman Shayne Neumann said the centre would be one of a number of similar facilities the party would establish around the country to meet need.
“The (Corangamite) centre will be a family-friendly space and provide peer-to-peer support for veterans and their families, bringing together critical services under one roof,” Mr Neumann said.
“This $5 million commitment (for Corangamite) is about providing practical support on the ground for our defence personnel and veterans, and their families who may be doing it tough.
“We want to see a facility run by veterans, for veterans, that’s inclusive and easily accessible for all ex-service men and women in the community.
“There has been an increased need for support services in the region as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and long delays for services from the Department of Veterans’
Affairs.”
Headspace pledge for booming Geelong suburb
A headspace youth mental health service would be established at Armstrong Creek during the first term of an Albanese Labor Government, under a $4.8 million election pledge made on Tuesday.
Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker said young people had told her they were waiting between three and six months for specialist mental health treatments in the region, and more early intervention services were desperately needed.
“The last few years have been difficult for so many people … in our community. This has affected mental health, with young people, in particular, adversely impacted,” Ms Coker said.
“I can give people hope that if Labor wins the election, we will have a full-service headspace in Armstrong Creek.
“No questions, no delays, no excuses. We will fund it, staff it and open it. This just can’t wait.”
headspace, the nationwide model for early intervention mental health treatment in a welcoming environment operates online and face-to-face, and caters to young people aged between 12 and 25-years-old.
Torquay resident and former Saint Ignatius College student, Neo Williams, 18, said there was growing need for more headspace services.
“The headspace facilities that we have are good but they are simply inaccessible; people, particularly from Torquay, Armstrong Creek and Portarlington they’ve got to come all the way into Geelong for the fully-fledged facility,” Mr Williams said.
“headspace do great stuff; they provide good things for a lot of young people and provide good outcomes but there’s simply not enough.”
Ms Coker said social isolation from Covid lock downs meant a “long recovery” was ahead.
“Covid really shone a light on the struggles some young people have had. Some people have resulted in feelings of depression, anxiety and isolation that they have not been able to overcome, and people have been unable to attend school because they are feeling they’re not coping.
“Some young people have come to me with issues around anxiety and eating disorders.”
Ms Coker said: “The actual location (of the headspace) will be determined, if we’re elected, in consultation with the community, with young people and obviously with local government.”
Ms Coker said a headspace at Armstrong Creek would service surrounding areas such as Torquay, Jan Juc, Grovedale and Marshall and catered to the estimate 60,000 people that are due to live at Armstrong Creek within 15 years.
“I fought for the Headspace in Ocean Grove and I’ve fought for this announcement for Armstrong Creek.”
Labor’s spokeswoman for families and social services, Linda Burney, said the party was committed to supporting young people, and their families through, mental health challenges.
“Libby and Labor know the importance of expanding mental health services in the Armstrong Creek area and that’s why we will deliver a full service Headspace,” Ms Burney said.
Asher’s $3.16m community spend
Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher has pledged $3.16m to community projects and facilities if elected.
Ms Asher announced the new funding through her Local Plan for Corangamite.
Under the plan Ms Asher has committed $1.25m to a Spring Creek Community Hub, $700,000 to the Inverleigh Active Youth Space, $350,000 to the Barwon Heads Bike Park, $700,000 to upgrade the Torquay Tigers Football and Cricket Club Spring Creek pavilion and $160,000 to upgrade lighting and the cricket pitch cover at the Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
The funding is in addition to the $20m already committed to the stage of the North Bellarine Aquatic and Leisure Centre, $690,000 pledged for the Bannockburn Female Friendly Netball Pavilion Upgrade, $500,000 committed to the upgrade of Surf Coast Basketball Association facilities and the $60,000 committed to the Portarlington Recreation Reserve electronic scoreboard.
“My Local Plan for Corangamite is all about delivering practical solutions to issues which matter to local residents,” Ms Asher said.
“For many years, I have listened to parents, employees, small business owners, older residents, new arrivals to the area, ‘born and bred’ locals, students, surfers, farmers, tradies, club members, retirees and many more people who make up Corangamite.”
“My strong Local Plan is all about standing up for the people of Corangamite and getting things done.”
Ms Asher also vowed to prioritise strengthening the economy, local jobs, investing in health, managing regional growth, protecting the environment, building stronger communities and improving mobile and internet connectivity.
“My strong Local Plan will continue to be updated with new policies and announcements throughout the election campaign,” Ms Asher said.
Bannockburn Football Netball club gets $690k promise
A re-elected Morrison government would contribute $690,000 to the redevelopment of the Bannockburn Football and Netball Club.
Liberal candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher said funding would cover half the total cost of the proposed $1.385 million new netball pavilion at Victoria Park in Bannockburn.
It comes as Labor pledged $350,000 toward the same project on Monday.
Ms Asher said the project would make the facility more female friendly and would benefit netball players of all ages.
“Bannockburn is a growing community with more and more local females and families wanting to get involved in local sport,” Ms Asher said.
“The current facilities are very basic and failing to keep pace with the local community.
“Initial concept plans for the new pavilion include social rooms, storage area, umpire and team changerooms and toilets, first aid and office areas.”
South Barwon’s $1.6 million cash injection
The South Barwon cricket club will receive a $1.6 million funding injection if Labor win the federal election on May 21.
Labor said the club’s ageing facilities would be redeveloped under its pledge which was aimed at supporting junior and women’s teams, and other cricket games held at South Barwon Reserve.
The redeveloped facility would include a kitchen for the community group, Indians in Geelong, which operated a food relief kitchen and organised cricket games.
The new pavilion will provide unisex change rooms, and be used by community groups for events and social gatherings, Labor said.
South Barwon Cricket Club president Simon Breuer said the club had grown significantly in the past 10 years.
“We are strategically located to continue our growth in both number and stature, with an upgraded road network next to the club — we are at the gateway to the Armstrong Creek community,” Mr Breuer said.
“Our plan of building contemporary and inclusive facilities will enable us to accommodate the needs of current and future members.
“A big part of our plans has been a partnership with the Indians of Geelong who share our love for cricket and will utilise the facilities year round to support their cricket and cultural programs.”
Sunny Dhaliwal from the Indians in Geelong Inc said: “The new facility will provide us a home and infrastructure to continue our food relief program, community welfare activities and promote game of cricket among the Indian families of Geelong. We are looking forward to working together to achieve our goal of happier and healthier communities with stronger cultural harmony.”
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said: “The region is undergoing rapid population growth, where major community infrastructure is needed to create liveable and connected communities.”
Corio MP Richard Marles said Labor recognised the importance of community connection through sport.
“The joining of South Barwon Cricket Club and the Indians in Geelong Inc. is a perfect match,” Mr Marles said.
“This will allow the clubs to grow their membership and for the Indian community to build on the generous food relief service they provided during the pandemic.”
Drysdale’s $20m pool pledge
A re-elected Morrison government will splash $20 million on an indoor pool and leisure centre at Drysdale.
Liberal candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher said the indoor pool would be built as part of an aquatic facility which will include an outdoor 50m pool in stage 1 and an indoor pool in stage 2.
“A stage two indoor pool meets the need for the people that wanted an indoor facility as well. The outdoor pool is due to be opened early next year,” Ms Asher said.
“For too long, communities such as Drysdale, Curlewis, Portarlington, St Leonards and Indented Head have been denied access to sporting and community facilities other parts of our region enjoy.
“This facility will make an enormous difference for community health and wellbeing – for seniors, families and more than 3,500 students who attend local schools – and will also save lives.”
She said the indoor pool could open “two to three years” after the outdoor pool which is scheduled to open in 2023.
“There’s evidence, very strong evidence, that the Kardinia (outdoor) pool is used all year round. It is used by a lot of community members.”
The future indoor aquatic and leisure centre at Drysdale, where the Liberals want to build the indoor pool, is likely to cost about $40 million and will need more government funding before it can be delivered.
Ms Asher said concept designs developed by the City of Greater Geelong Council for the stage 2 indoor aquatic facility included a 21m by 14m warm water exercise pool; a 15m by 8m learn to swim pool; a third 19m by 19m pool; spa, sauna and steam room; change rooms and gym; group fitness rooms; health consulting suites; a cafe; and a childcare room.
The Liberal pledge follows a commitment last year from Labor of $20m for an indoor pool at the same location at Peninsula Drive, Drysdale.
Labor said if it won government it could deliver an indoor pool in the first stage of the project.
The Liberals said a funding agreement is already in place for an outdoor pool as part of stage 1.
Labor completed a survey last year of almost 2000 people, and Corangamite MP Libby Coker said it showed an “overwhelming” majority wanted an indoor pool in the first stage.
The Liberals committed $10m towards an outdoor pool at Drysdale at the 2019 election and construction is expected to begin in coming months.
Ms Asher said she wanted the outdoor pool at Drysdale to be heated all year round to a level “equivalent” to an indoor pool.
Drysdale mum Marlies Spendier said the closest pool to her house at Ocean Grove was “overloaded.”
“There’s been some times when we’ve gone over there and it’s so overcrowded. It’s uncomfortable. It’s loud. And there’s no space,” Ms Spendier said.
“I’m a kindergarten teacher and I’ve got two teenage children … and we have nowhere to learn to swim (in Drysdale). The facilities in our region are overloaded.”
Vic Park Victory: Bannockburn FNC redevelopment revealed
Facilities at the Bannockburn Football and Netball Club would undergo a $350,000 redevelopment if Labor is elected to the federal government.
Labor says change rooms at Victoria Park would be remodelled to be more usable for females.
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said the upgrade was proposed to increase participation among female and junior players.
“We have recently seen a surge in sports participation as more opportunities and
choices open up for women and girls,” Ms Coker said.
“This is increasing participation in sport overall, which is a wonderful thing.
“Watching so many more girls and women getting back out and playing footy and netball, as we emerge from Covid, has been an absolute joy to me.
“I am so thrilled to be able to contribute funding to support this historic shift and provide the change room facilities that women and girls deserve.
“Bannockburn is a rapidly growing community, and the needs for sporting infrastructure have increased across the board. For me it’s a priority that clubrooms be upgraded to cater for girls and women, to meet current standards and expectations.
Corio MP Richard Marles said Labor was committed to supporting families and strengthening communities.
“We want more families keeping fit and engaging in their local community by playing
sports, so we’ll create inclusive facilities,” Mr Marles said.
Labor launches regional first homebuyer pledge
Seats: Corangamite, Corio
A federal Labor Government will hand Geelong first-home buyers a $28,000 boost under a new housing support scheme election pledge announced by leader Anthony Albanese in March.
The Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme will help 10,000 regional first home buyers annually by removing the need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance with a deposit of up to five per cent.
A Labor Government would guarantee up to 15 per cent of the value of properties purchased.
The scheme – reserved for Australians that have lived in that region for more than a year – will save Geelong residents up to $27,946 on properties worth up to $700,000.
House prices across the region have skyrocketed in recent years, with the median house price in the Geelong region rising by 17.6 per cent ($114,000) in the year to March, where it now sits at $760,000.
Labor reveals wetlands restoration plan
Seat: Corangamite
On March 24, it was announced a wetlands restoration project near Torquay had been promised a $1.9m boost if Labor wins the federal election.
Using the funding, the 320ha Karaaf Wetland, which form Torquay’s eastern boundary and extend to Thompson Creek at Point Impossible, would undergo work to improve ponds, lakes and weirs and the ability to store and filter stormwater.
“The proposed north Torquay refurbishment will improve the overall natural function of the Karaaf wetlands, by reducing the amount of pollutants, or potential for pollutants, to reach environmentally significant areas,” Corangamite MP Libby Coker said
“The Karaaf wetlands is also currently the subject of an application to be included for protection as a Ramsar site of international importance.”
Ms Coker said the wetlands were one of the region’s most important “sinks” to catch carbon.
She said Deakin University research showed “blue carbon” sank sequestered carbon in wetlands 30-40 times better than carbon stored in forests.
Leopold sports hub set for redevelopment
Seat: Corangamite
Facilities at the Leopold Memorial Reserve would undergo a $3.25 million redevelopment to promote the growth of cricket, football and netball if Labor win government at the federal election expected in May.
An Anthony Albanese-led government will commit $2.1m to upgrade the reserve’s junior change rooms which would better cater to girls, $600,000 will be used to build a half-court netball training facility, and $550,000 would be set aside for more parking and better signage.
Leopold Football and Netball Club President Richard Hockley said the funding would support the growth of the club.
Labor’s battery pledge for Torquay estate
Seat: Corangamite
In January, Labor announced it would deliver a community battery to Torquay’s The Sands estate if elected, fast-tracking the community’s efforts to be among the first to achieve net-zero status.
This battery commitment would allow local households to feed solar power into the shared battery during the day and draw from it at night – cutting electricity bills and emissions and reducing pressure on the grid.
Opposition climate change and energy spokesman Chris Bowen said the high price of household batteries meant communities were still struggling to realise the full potential of rooftop solar, and it was putting more pressure on our electricity grid.
“Labor’s community battery commitment puts residents in front financially while helping the environment,” he said.
Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker said The Sands community had some terrific representatives who cared about the local environment and understood a community battery would save people money at the same time.
Barwon Heads Rd duplication pledge
Seat: Corangamite
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has made his first visit to Geelong in an electioneering sense in November 2021.
Mr Albanese visited Armstrong Creek with Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker and his deputy leader, Corio MP Richard Marles, to formally announce the ALP’s promise that a second section of the Barwon Heads Rd would be duplicated if it won the next federal election.
Mr Albanese said the $125m pledge should ensure stage 2 went ahead if Labor was elected.
“That’s the costing that’s been done by G21 and the Geelong council, so we believe this will ensure the project can go ahead,” he said at the time.
The 5km duplication will occur between Reserve Rd, Marshall, and Lower Duneed Rd, Connewarre.
Labor makes play for Drysdale pool plan
Seat: Corangamite
In October 2021, it was announced A federal Labor government will commit $20 million to an aquatic centre and 50m indoor pool at Drysdale.
The funding, Labor’s first major commitment in the ultra-marginal Corangamite seat before the federal election, could lock taxpayers into a $30m spend on the facility with Geelong council putting in another $5.45m.
The promise has been met with scepticism from Scott Morrison’s government, which has already committed $10m towards an outdoor pool, with construction to begin early next year. Labor wants to use the government’s existing commitment as part of $30m in federal spending on the project, which is being jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong.
Labor want to redevelop facilities at Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve
Female changerooms and lighting upgrades at the Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve will be funded by a $750,000 promise if Labor wins the federal election.
Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker said the funding would assist the football, netball and cricket clubs that used the reserve.
“We have recently seen a seismic shift in sports participation as opportunities and choices
open up for women and girls, and this is increasing participation in sport overall, which is
a very good thing,” Ms Coker said.
“Watching the happiness and fun girls and women are getting out of playing AFL and
cricket has been an absolute joy to me. I am so glad to be able to contribute funding to
support this historic shift.”
“Ocean Grove is a rapidly growing community on the Bellarine Peninsula, and the needs
for sporting infrastructure have increased across-the-board for both boys and girls, and a
lot of juniors still train and play at Memorial Reserve. The lighting and the clubrooms are
currently substandard and need to be upgraded to meet current standards.”
“This is about strengthening local club infrastructure to increase participation.
“We want more local adults and children keeping fit and engaged in the local community by playing sport.”
Ms Coker said Labor would allocate $300,000 to lighting and $450,000 to upgrading the clubrooms but the allocations might be changed on “needs basis.”
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Originally published as Every major Corangamite, Corio election promise revealed
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