Surf Coast Shire locks in projects it wants state government funding for – but two councillors say no
A council seeking millions for sporting upgrades faces the challenge of lobbying for an electorate where the elected MP has been missing in action for well over a year.
A local council is seeking state government funding of $4m for upgrades at a pair of sporting venues located in an electorate that has suffered from an almost complete lack of representation for more than 18 months.
Surf Coast Shire council on Tuesday night endorsed a list of projects – six votes to two – it will advocate for in the lead up to the Victorian election in 12 months’ time.
The shire, which takes in the seats of Polwarth and South Barwon, is seeking $3m for the installation of lighting and drainage upgrades at Connewarre Reserve, as well as $1m for female friendly facilities at Mount Moriac Reserve – home of the Modewarre Football Netball Club.
Both projects are within the South Barwon electorate held by Darren Cheeseman, who has not been seen in the electorate since being booted by Labor in April last year.
Rebecca Thistleton was last week confirmed as Labor’s candidate for 2026.
Polwarth is held by Liberal MP Richard Riordan.
Among the Polwarth projects are a roundabout at the intersection of Messmate Rd and Briody Drive ($800,000) to the west of Torquay, precinct plans for central Torquay and Baines Crescent ($475,000), and infrastructure to ensure the fledgling Surf Coast Suns Football Netball Club is compliant with Bellarine league requirements ($500,000).
Detailed design work on the Anglesea Community and Health Hub ($390,000) also made the list, as did the Anglesea mountain bike trails (total cost $2.8m).
The initial stage for the latter would be to undertake cultural heritage and vegetation assessments.
All projects reflect council’s recently adopted four-year plan.
“While I would be hugely surprised if we achieved them all, I would also be hugely surprised if we don’t achieve some, if not many, of them,” new deputy mayor Tony Phelps said.
Winchelsea ward councillor Joel Grist said “advocacy was legitimate when it seeks state and federal action for state and federal responsibilities”.
“Many of these (listed) projects would carry large future operating subsidies by ratepayers that are not disclosed,” he said.
“We must ensure advocacy doesn’t become the silent approval of future operational cost burdens without life cycle costing and clarity on whether we proceed without grants, perhaps given to councillors as a separate document.”
Similar sentiments were shared by Paul Barker – both voted against the motion.
A broader advocacy document not specific to the state election also formed part of the motion.
Key to that was improved transport connections and maintenance of state-managed roads.
Opposition spokesman for roads and road safety Danny O’Brien slammed the state government on Wednesday for failing to meet its own maintenance targets.
“Our roads are going backwards at a rate of knots and Victorians are suffering damage with no compensation at a time of a cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
The state election is scheduled for November 28 next year.
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Originally published as Surf Coast Shire locks in projects it wants state government funding for – but two councillors say no
