Every major state election promise for Geelong
The Liberal Party has delivered a last-minute election pledge of $40 million to expand the Geelong Gallery, in the dying hours of the 2022 campaign. See every local promise here.
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There’s a sea of red over Geelong as we head to the November 26 state election.
The Coalition will likely need to flip at least one of the four-Labor held Geelong-region state parliament seats to win government.
Keep up to date with the latest 2022 state election promises below.
Here’s some of what the pollies promised at the 2018 election.
Liberals lob last-minute $40m pledge for Geelong Gallery expansion
The Liberal Party has delivered a last-minute election pledge of $40 million to expand the Geelong Gallery.
Shadow arts and creative industries minister David Davis on Friday delivered the funding promise, which would come from a new $100 million Regional Art Gallery Infrastructure Fund, to be delivered by a Liberal state government.
“We have already announced support for the ageing Benalla and Bendigo Art Galleries and today we are proud to announce much needed support for the Geelong Art Gallery,” Mr Davis said.
“The Liberals and Nationals have also committed more than 25 per cent of infrastructure spending will be in regional Victoria.”
Liberal Geelong candidate James Bennett-Hullin said the expansion of Geelong Gallery would be a boost to the local community.
“This real solution is the next step in developing an exciting arts and cultural precinct here in Geelong and I’m proud to be part of a Liberals and Nationals team who delivers it.”
Established in 1896, Geelong Gallery is one of Australia’s leading and oldest regional art galleries. The current Geelong Gallery was officially opened in 1915.
The Geelong Gallery completed a Business Case in 2021 for its expansion, finding investment in the range of $110-120 million over five years would allow it to deliver priority infrastructure to revitalise and expand the gallery.
Liberals to bring forward half-price V/Line pledge
V/Line fares will be slashed in half as soon as January 1, under a Liberal Party election pledge to deliver immediate cost of living relief to “hardworking families”.
The Liberal Party on Wednesday announced it would bring forward its pledge to cut V/Line fares in half and drop metro public transport fares down to $2 per day, if elected to government this weekend.
Under the plan the new fare system would be enacted from January 1, with the party spruiking it would “save the typical family of public transport users around $3,500 per year” – while expected to cost the government about $1.3bn over four years.
Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy said the move would provide immediate cost of living relief to Victorian public transport users.
“Hardworking families need cost of living relief now, and bringing forward our $2 flat fares achieves just that,” Mr Guy said.
“Our $2 all day, every day flat fare policy is just five weeks away if we are elected on Saturday.”
It is expected to cost the government a further $140m to bring the policy forward by 6 months.
Outpost saved: Both parties pledge $50k and help to save vital charity
he short-term future of key Geelong homelessness charity The Outpost is assured, after the Liberal Party pledged $50,000 and support to find a new home, matching a Labor election vow.
Shadow housing minister Richard Riordan on Tuesday announced a Liberal government would provide The Outpost with the funding and also work with them to find a permanent premises.
The Outpost – the city’s only nightly non-referral after-hours service providing warm meals and access to clothing and personal hygiene items to people in need – had recently warned it could be forced to close if it couldn’t find a new premises, after the City of Greater Geelong moved to sell off the CBD building it had operated out of for 22 years – which the city had provided at a peppercorn lease.
The charity was forced to launch a crowd-funding campaign to raise at least $40,000 to pay for a commercial lease, after being unable to find a suitable alternate venue while working with the council.
Mr Riordan on Tuesday said his party’s $50,000 commitment would allow The Outpost to ensure money it had raised to find a new home could now go towards helping people in need rather than paying rent.
Tuesday’s announcement from the Liberal Party came after Premier Daniel Andrews last week visited Geelong and pledged that a re-elected Labor government would step in to ensure the charity survived.
“There is an issue, where we’ve got an outstanding homelessness service which may well become homeless,” Mr Andrews said. “Now we don’t want that, so what I can commit to today, if we are re-elected we will provide $50,000, which is money to tide them over, and then Christine (Couzens) and I, relevant ministers, will work to find a permanent home for Outpost – and that will be free of charge.”
“We will put the full resources of the government on this, and will find a home for them, and it will be on that peppercorn rate. That’s the fair and reasonable thing to do.”
Outpost Relocation Committee co-chair Amy Flint said she felt a sense of relief after the Liberal Party matched the Labor pledge.
“The Outpost is delighted and relieved that both parties recognise the contributions of the Outpost to the community and welcome their support over the coming years,” Ms Flint said.
The funding pledges came days after Western Victoria MP Stuart Grimley called on both Labor and the Liberals to stump up the “pocket change” needed to help keep the charity afloat as it hunted for a new home.
It also came after Geelong five-year-old Charlotte O’Brien raised $11,000 to support the outpost by running 1km every day for 30 days, culminating in a final run on Monday.
To donate to the Outpost, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/service-for-the-homeless-soon-to-be-homeless
Labor backs winemakers, distillers
A re-elected Labor government will deliver a $30m package to support producers, including distillers and winemakers, the party has announced.
It would create a $10m grant fund to support distilleries to establish and upgrade their facilities, and back the hospitality sector with $5m for scholarships of up to $10,000, enabling hospo workers to upskill.
Labor would invest $5m for the Wine to the World program, working in partnership with winemakers to share their offerings around the globe.
The package also include includes $2m for Victorian Grown grants, which would support small agribusinesses to expand and grow.
Meanwhile, $5m would be used to manage pests and weeds, and $3m to support farmer safety and wellbeing.
Mental health hubs for Colac, Torquay under Labor
Labor will establish new mental health services in Torquay and Colac if re-elected, Premier Daniel Andrews says.
The Royal Commission recommended the establishment of 50-60 local mental health services across the state to ensure mental health support was accessible close to home, Mr Andrews said.
The first six Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, including one in Greater Geelong, are open.
Work is under way on another 21 around the state.
Mr Andrews said a re-elected Labor government would invest $67m to deliver new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals in Narre Warren, Northcote and Leongatha and a further $10m would begin planning for another 20 services across the state, including in Colac and Torquay.
This would bring the total number of services under way to 50, Mr Andrews said.
The remaining Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals would be operational by 2026, Mr Andrews said.
The walk-in services provide free care and support for adults who are experiencing mental health concerns or psychological distress, as well as treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.
They would remove barriers that many Victorians face when they need treatment and connect them to support, without making them jump through hoops like a GP referral or meeting eligibility criteria, Mr Andrews said.
A re-elected Labor government will set a target of doubling the mental health workforce by 2031, from 8700 to 17,400 full-time equivalent workers.
Labor pledges Queenscliff neighbourhood battery
Labor would establish a new neighbourhood battery for Queenscliff if re-elected, Bellarine candidate Alison Marchant says.
It’s part of a pledge to invest $42m to install 100 neighbourhood batteries across Victoria.
Ms Marchant said increasing storage capacity would mean more households could reap the rewards of returning surplus solar-generated electricity to the grid through feed-in tariffs.
It meant more households would have access to cheaper renewable energy, she said.
The neighbourhood batteries would store clean, cheap energy when it is abundant during the day and feed it back into the grid when it’s needed at night – keeping the lights on and power bills down, she said.
Liberal candidate for Bellarine Donnie Grigau has already announced a Liberal state government would provide $500k for a community battery and urban solar farm in the Borough of Queenscliffe.
Premier’s $71m women’s health cash splash
A pioneering Geelong women’s health clinic will have its services expanded, under a $71m investment in women’s health pledged by the State Government if it is re-elected this month.
Premier Daniel Andrews visited Geelong on Tuesday morning to announce the major funding commitment for a range of expanded and new women’s services, including $58m to create 20 ‘comprehensive women’s health clinics’ across the state.
The clinics are billed as one-stop shops treating and supporting women with a wide range of health concerns, including period pain, fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and managing the symptoms of menopause.
The only existing clinic of this type is based in Geelong at Barwon Health, which will see its service expanded from one day per week to five.
“For too long, too many women haven’t been listened to and their health issues have been ignored,” Mr Andrews said. “This plan will transform women’s healthcare, ensuring every Victorian woman can access the support and treatment they need and deserve.”
“Some of the most common conditions experienced by women go undiagnosed and untreated – tragically, sometimes until it’s too late. This is about making sure women have the care, and peace of mind, they need.”
The major funding announcement will also include working with Aboriginal health organisations to deliver an additional dedicated Aboriginal-led women’s health clinic, $2m to provide scholarships to 100 extra specialists for the new clinics, $5.3m for a Mobile Women’s Health Clinic to visit remote parts of the state and $6.4m million to establish another nine sexual and reproductive health hubs.
Gordon TAFE cash pledge
A re-elected Labor government will invest up to $36m towards The Gordon TAFE’s continued development.
In an announcement on Monday, Premier Daniel Andrews said if his government wins the November election, $30-36m will be invested towards Geelong TAFE’s disability services hub and to redevelop the student hub.
The pledge is part of a promised “building blitz” for TAFE institutes across the state.
Up to $170m will be invested to build new and improve existing TAFE campuses under the Building Better TAFE Fund, if the party wins the election.
“We’re doing what matters for Victorians – building and upgrading TAFE campuses in every corner of our state, making more courses free and supporting people to upskill or make a mid-career change to a great new job,” Mr Andrews said.
The premier also announced that a re-elected Labor government would make free TAFE available to every Victorian.
The previous eligibility criteria would be removed, making courses available to people with higher-level qualifications who want to return to study.
The once-in-a-lifetime limit on enrolling in a free TAFE course would also be removed when applicants are continuing a selected training pathway.
Promise to help bowls club grow
A re-elected Labor Government will support Torquay Bowls Club with new funding for the expansion of its coastal greens, Polwarth candidate Hutch Hussein announced.
Labor would invest $40,000 for planning for a third green – enabling the popular Torquay Bowls Club to accommodate more members, games and events for the growing local community, she said.
“Sport is such a big part of our community and our local bowls club is one of the best in the state, that’s why we’ll back Torquay Bowls Club to plan the upgrades it needs to keep locals active and engaged,” Ms Hussein said.
Cash pledge for Collendina Reserve
A re-elected Labor government would provide a $1m grant towards improving pedestrian and vehicle access to the Collendina Reserve in Ocean Grove, the party’s Bellarine candidate has announced.
Bellarine Labor candidate Alison Marchant said this would make it easier and safer for everyone to access this great local sports and recreation space.
Cash for Highton Village upgrades pledged
The Coalition would provide $200,000 for upgrades to Highton Village if it wins the state election, the opposition has pledged.
This funding would go towards improving footpaths, street furniture, lighting, and upgrading Bellevue Arcade.
Opposition spokesman for small business, David Southwick, said the funding would enhance the unique feel of Highton Village.
Liberal candidate for South Barwon, Andrew Katos, said that Highton Village had not seen significant upgrades for many years.
Cricket club upgrade promise
South Barwon Cricket Club will be handed an extra $400,000 for its facility redevelopment if the Liberals win the state election, local candidates have announced.
Liberal candidates for South Barwon Andrew Katos and Geelong James Bennett-Hulin announced the election commitment on Friday, boosting the $1.6m included for the project in the October federal budget.
The will funding will allow the club’s ageing facilities to be upgraded to cater for the growth of the club, particularly in its junior and women’s programs, via a new addition to the existing pavilion.
South Barwon Cricket Club president Simon Breuer welcomed the commitment.
“South Barwon Cricket Club is delighted to receive this support from Andrew Katos and James Bennett-Hulin, as it is a recognition of the needs and growth of our club over the past ten years, particularly in terms of our Women’s and Junior programs,” Mr Breuer said.
“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.
“Our plan of building contemporary and inclusive facilities will enable us to accommodate the needs of current and future members.”
Mr Katos said the Liberal Party was focused on meeting the needs of the community by delivering better local suburban infrastructure.
“It is so important to invest in our sporting facilities to ensure local sporting clubs can thrive well into the future,” Mr Katos said.
Queenscliffe community battery pledge
A Liberal state government will provide $500k for a community battery and urban solar farm in the Borough of Queenscliffe, an election candidate has pledged.
Bellarine candidate Donnie Grigau on Friday announced the funding for a locally connected microgrid which would feed into a community battery from solar panels on houses and businesses, who will benefit from cheaper, clean energy.
“This new neighbourhood battery will be available for the Queenscliffe community,” Mr Grigau said.
“I am very pleased to announce up to $500k which will also help with the supporting infrastructure to get this project right.”
“A local solar energy microgrid will provide a real solution to keep prices down and transition to a net-zero future for the environmentally conscious voters in the Queenscliffe area.
“Having people participate in the scheme builds a sense of community and connectedness. I want to help Victoria achieve our carbon-neutral goals.”
Labor pledges pier cash splash
A re-elected Labor state government will invest $20.5m to rebuild the St Leonards Pier, the party’s Bellarine candidate has announced.
Bellarine state Labor candidate Alison Marchant on Friday announced the funding pledge, which she said would improve safety, support local jobs and ensure the much-loved location could be enjoyed for generations to come.
“St Leonards Pier is an iconic part of our community and these improvements will ensure locals can continue to use it for decades to come,” Ms Marchant said.
Otways protection pledge
Southern Otway Landcare Network will receive a $50,000 grant from the state government if the Labor Party wins the election, the Polwarth candidate has announced.
Candidate Hutch Hussein on Friday announced the grassroots community program, dedicated to protecting and restoring our environment, would receive the funding boost if Labor is re-elected.
“Everyone knows how vital it is to look after and protect our Otways – this grant demonstrates our support to the Southern Otway Landcare Network and their team,” Ms Hussein said.
“Only Labor will support the grassroot community groups that are working hard to protect our environment.”
Pledge to start planning new school
The Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed area could gain a new secondary college under a re-elected Labor government.
Premier Daniel Andrews and South Barwon Labor MP Darren Cheeseman announced on Friday morning that $1m would be invested to begin planning a new school in the growth area if Labor wins the upcoming election.
Mr Cheeseman said a new secondary school in the area was what kids deserved.
“The best teachers can’t do the best job in ageing classrooms and out-of-date facilities,” he said.
Labor said it was delivering on a promise to build 100 new schools by 2026.
It comes after Iona College, which was built to cater for the region’s unprecedented growth, was reported to be nearly at capacity earlier this year.
The Charlemont high school opened in 2020 with 150 year 7 students and is expected to have a student population of 830 by next year.
Principal Damien McKew told the Geelong Advertiser in August this year that the college’s intake was as high as they couldcurrently manage from a buildings and facilitates perspective.
“It is expected that the school’s enrolment will ultimately grow to 1400 (year 7-12 students),” he said.
Data from demography website forcast.id revealed that Armstrong Creek, Mount Duneed and Marshall-Charlemont were in Greater Geelong’s top five suburbs for anticipated growth.
How Bellarine could get new high school
The Bellarine Peninsula would gain a second public high school if the Coalition wins the upcoming state election, the opposition has pledged.
Bellarine Secondary College is currently the only government high school servicing a large part of the peninsula, and is split across two campuses.
Years 7-8 are offered in Ocean Grove and years 9-12 at Drysdale, but the Coalition has pledged to develop a plan to upgrade both campuses to offer full year 7-12 if elected.
Under the new promise announced on Wednesday, the Coalition said it would commit $20m to complete masterplans and deliver stage one construction of new facilities.
Bellarine Liberal candidate Donnie Grigau said he had heard from parents the new high school was needed desperately.
“We have primary schools across Bellarine, but only one government high school,” Mr Grigau said.
“It is not enough. Bellarine students and families deserve better.”
Support pledged for Anglesea service
A re-elected Labor government would provide support to help Anglesea Community House to keep delivering programs, activities and events that support locals.
Labor candidate for Polwarth Hutch Hussein said it would provide a $60,000 grant to help Anglesea Community House continue to create a more connected, inclusive and caring community, through a range of services that span emergency food relief to farmers markets and innovative solutions to local waste management.
She said for years the Anglesea Community House has been a much-loved community asset, supporting thousands of locals to feel a stronger connection to their community, while assisting the most vulnerable among them to get back on their feet.
Neighbourhood house pledges
SpringDale Neighbourhood Community Centre and Gellibrand Community House will each receive a $50,000 cash injection under a re-elected Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor promise will support the SpringDale centre in its operational needs providing education, training and community connection.
It’s understood the centre welcomes more than 900 people through its doors each week.
Bellarine Labor candidate Alison Marchant welcomed the promise.
“Neighbourhood and community houses do a fantastic job across our state in promoting a sense of belonging, reducing social isolation and offering educational opportunities,” she said.
“The SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre is run by the community, for the community – and we’re supporting them to continue their great work.”
Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Colin Brooks said the service played an important role in community connection.
“The SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre is a vital community service offering invaluable support to the Bellarine community,” he said.
Polwarth Labor candidate Hutch Hussein also announced the $50,000 pledge for the Gellibrand Community House to continue managing events and working groups, acting as an advocate for the concerns of the area and also being a hub for the community to connect.
“Gellibrand Community House is a small service but one with a big heart – giving everything they have to support the local community. It’s why we’re going to make sure they have what they need to keep supporting local residents,” Ms Hussein said.
“Everyone in Gellibrand knows and loves the Gellibrand Community House, they have been serving our community for years. We’re proud to give back to those who have given so much to us.”
Specialist family violence outreach worker pledge
A specialist outreach worker would be called out to family violence incidents under a program proposed by Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party candidate Stuart Grimley.
Mr Grimley, who is a former police officer, this week committed to push for funding for a full-time perpetrator intervention position which would sit alongside police in Geelong, if he is re-elected.
Under the proposal, the employee would be called out to family violence incidents with police.
Mr Grimley said the employee would stay with the perpetrator to educate them about the harm their offending could cause to their partner and children.
The worker would also look to engage the offender in programs and would attend police cells to visit the offender.
“As a police officer it was frustrating attending incidents where there was a repeat offender,” Mr Grimley said.
“If we were to have a dedicated, qualified person who could intervene after a first offence that could properly engage the offender, it would be a game changer for many victims and families.”
Rail fares to be slashed, Labor promises
Geelong daily rail fares will be capped under a re-elected Labor government, with Daniel Andrews promising to slash daily peak tickets between Geelong and Melbourne from $27.60 to $9.20.
The premier on Wednesday announced a $1b package to improve regional rail services with cheaper fares, extra weekend services and a 23 new VLocity trains to replace older trains.
The Premier promised his re-elected government would cap the cost of a daily ticket on the regional network at $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession – the same price as a metro daily fare, and a 66 per cent saving for Geelong commuters.
Regional commuters who use a myki pass to travel between 28 and 365 days a year, will also be capped at the Melbourne rate – currently $5.52 per day.
The $1b package would also boost weekend services in Geelong to every 20-minutes between 8am and 9pm on weekends, and see some of the 23 new Victorian-built VLocity trains replacing older trains on the Geelong line.
The VLocity trains include mobile phone signal-boosting technology, more comfortable seats, room for bicycles, luggage racks and overhead luggage storage, a toilet, drinking fountain and six wheelchair spaces with companion seats close by.
“Cheaper fares, comfortable trains and more frequent services – that’s what matters to commuters across regional Victoria, and that’s what Labor will deliver,” Mr Andrews said on Wednesday.
$500m hospital, $60m CBD carpark
The Geelong women’s and children’s hospital would be delivered a year earlier and a $60m 800-space public carpark would be built near it, under a Matthew Guy-led Coalition government.
The pledges – announced by Mr Guy in Geelong on Thursday – would be paid for by redirecting funds earmarked for the Suburban Rail Loop in Melbourne.
The Opposition vowed to complete the hospital in 2028, one year before the Andrews’ government’s plan for the $500m project.
“We’re going to reprioritise (the Suburban Rail Loop money). Nothing is more important than Victorian’s health,” Mr Guy said.
More on this story here.
Western Heights College upgrade
A COMPETITION-GRADE gymnasium would be built at Western Heights College in Hamlyn Heights under a re-elected Andrews government.
Labor candidate for Lara Ella George promised the government would allocate $7.55m to the project.
“A re-elected Andrews Labor government will deliver a competition-grade gymnasium at Western Heights College, so kids in Hamlyn Heights have the world-class classrooms they deserve,” Ms George said.
“The best teachers aren’t able to do the best job in ageing classrooms and out-of-date facilities.”
Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said: “Our teachers do an amazing job educating Victorian students and that’s why we deliver so many new and upgraded classrooms and facilities at schools right across the state.
“We want our teachers and students to have what they need to succeed in the classroom.”
Ms George said since coming to government in 2014 the Labor government had spent more than $12.8bn building and upgrading schools.
McDonald Reserve, Belmont upgrade
Facilities used by the Highton Cricket Club and the South Barwon Football and Netball Club would be upgraded under a re-election commitment of up $2.5m from the Andrews government.
The money would be used to redevelop the clubrooms at McDonald Reserve and realign an oval.
Mr Cheeseman said the government would deliver better facilities for sport clubs so the financial burden was taken off members.
Community sport Minister Ros Spence said: “Every parent wants to see their kids active and engaged – local sporting clubs are the heart of so many communities.”
Indian Community Centre
Construction of a community centre for the Indian community in Geelong would get a $2 million boost if the Coalition wins government at the November election.
Liberal candidate for South Barwon, Andrew Katos, said the Indians in Geelong community organisation provided 500 meals per week to those in need but did not have its own facility.
He said the money would be use to create a meeting place for the Indian community of Geelong that would include a function space, commercial kitchen, a garden to grow vegetables to help feed vulnerable people and a space for sport to be played year-round.
Mr Katos said he saw many parallels between the Greek community’s rise in Australian society since the 1950s and the Indian community today.
“It is important to integrate into Australian society as my parents did and at the same time
to never forget one’s culture, religion, and language. This is how multiculturalism works
best,” Mr Katos said.
“This commitment from the Liberals will provide an important asset for the entire community
and also assist in maintaining the culture and heritage of the Indian community.”
Shadow multicultural affairs Minister Craig Ondarchie said the funding would ensure the Indian community in South Barwon would have the resources to share their culture.
The Coalition said multiple sites would be considered for the centre with the Indian community’s preferred site at the Mount Duneed Recreation Reserve.
Labor promises school upgrades
Two Geelong primary schools will receive a combined $5.49m in classroom upgrades if the Labor government is re-elected.
Labor Bellarine candidate Alison Marchant has committed to providing $2.1m in funding to upgrade Wallington Primary School’s main school building and to replace and upgrade relocatable buildings.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens also promised $3.39 million to construct two new general-purpose classrooms at East Geelong Primary School.
Ms Couzens said the upgrade would include the development of toilet facilities, shared learning spaces, the demolition of an existing building and the creation of new exterior courtyards and landscaping.
“Every family deserves a great local school, and a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver upgraded classrooms, administration and amenities at Geelong East Primary School so kids in East Geelong have the world-class classrooms they deserve,” Ms Couzens said.
Labor locks in on North Shore FNC
Women’s change rooms would be built at the North Shore Football and Netball Club under a commitment worth up to $2 million if the state government is re-elected.
The number of women playing sport with the club at Norlane has rise in recent years.
Labor candidate for Lara, Ella George, said the party wanted to support the club to encourage more children into sport.
“We will back local sport and local sports grounds, with up to $2 million for North Shore sports club,” Ms George said.
A spokeswoman for the North Shore Football and Netball Club said the funding would help
keep the club viable into the future.
“Female friendly facilities support the participation of women and girls in the sports they love, and support clubs to embed an inclusive and welcoming culture,” the spokeswoman said.
“North Shore (FNC) has a proud history and will be celebrating its centenary in 2027.
City of Greater Geelong councillor Anthony Aitken said a planned redevelopment at the club would cost $6.5m.
Cr Aitken said the upgrade would support women’s and men’s football, cricket and netball.
“North Shore football, netball and cricket clubs have all worked tirelessly to create this vision and this announcement is a major step forward for the clubs,” Cr Aitken said.
Portarlington Recreation Reserve overhaul
An improved Portarlington Recreation Reserve via a promise worth millions is on the cards regardless of which major party wins government at the state election.
The Coalition through Liberal candidate for Bellarine, Donnie Grigau, has committed $4m to the reserve’s masterplan.
Mr Grigau said he “genuinely” believed the funding was needed.
“I genuinely believe this funding is what the clubs deserved,” Mr Grigau wrote on social media.
The Labor Party has also announced money for the reserve through Bellarine candidate Alison Marchant.
If re-elected the Labor government would spend up to $3.15m on the upgrade.
Ms Marchant said the funding would encourage more people to play community sport.
“Local sporting clubs are the heart of our local communities and I’m so proud that we’re supporting them to grow and expand – so more people in our community can play for great sports clubs,” Ms Marchant said.
Pledge for 500-seat sport stadium at Armstrong Creek
A 500-seat indoor sports stadium for basketball, netball, volleyball, futsal and other sports would be built at Armstrong Creek if the Coalition win government at the November election.
The Victorian Liberals have pledged $10 million toward the facility at the suburb’s town centre, off Surf Coast Highway, that would include four courts, two unisex change rooms and parking space for at least 180 vehicles.
Shadow sport Minister Cindy McLeish said the Coalition wanted to meet the needs of
the community after Basketball Victoria identified Armstrong Creek as a priority area to cater for pathways, programs, competitions and events.
Geelong United Basketball chief executive Mark Neeld said indoor stadiums in Geelong had reached capacity.
“This funding gives basketball and other indoor sports the opportunity to provide for our participants another place to play,” Mr Neeld said.
“At the moment all indoor sports (facilities) in Geelong are at capacity which means unfortunately we are turning people away.
“The addition of four (courts) and potentially another two on top of that … in the Armstrong Creek area provides an extra place to play which is fantastic for our community as we look to encourage lifelong activity.”
Mr Neeld said Geelong United Basketball operated competitions at seven venues comprising 19 courts across Geelong, and an 850-team summer basketball competition was about to begin in the region.
An Armstrong Creek indoor sport facility also attracted a $6m commitment from federal Labor in the lead up to the federal election.
More on the promise here
Second stage funding for North Bellarine Aquatic Drysdale
The Coalition would pump $20 million into the second stage of an aquatic centre at Drysdale if it wins government at the November election.
Construction of an outdoor pool, funded by $10m from the former Commonwealth government and $5.5m from Geelong council, is already underway at Peninsula Dr, Drysdale.
The $20m from the state Coalition would be put towards a second stage of the Peninsula Dr facility, that would include an indoor pool and other aquatic facilities, and cost about $45m.
Liberal candidate for Bellarine Donnie Grigau said the funding could be used to complete the project.
“If elected, we will provide the funding needed to ensure the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre is completed,” Mr Grigau said.
“This is great for locals who will be able to enjoy a splash at the nearby pool all year round.
Bellarine’s population has grown by over 20 per cent in recent years, yet our community infrastructure has fallen well behind.”
Labor committed $20m for an indoor pool at the same site during the federal election campaign but wants to built during in the first stage of the project.
More information here.
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Originally published as Every major state election promise for Geelong
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