Turnbull tackled on centre

GEELONG’S long-awaited convention centre could be on the rocks, with the Premier raising concerns the Federal Government is distancing itself from funding the project.

The Geelong Advertiser last night obtained a copy of a letter from Premier Daniel Andrews to be sent to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, urging him not to drag his heels on decid- ing whether he would or would not help fund the convention centre, through the Geelong City Deal.

All three levels of government came together in January to sign a memorandum of understanding that they would work to deliver major projects in the region through the City Deal — with all three signalling a convention centre should be a key feature.

In the letter to Mr Turnbull, the Premier raised concerns the Federal Gov- ernment was reconsidering City Deal funding for the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The GCEC project in particular has potential to transform Geelong’s visitor economy, however I have been advised that the Commonwealth does not view this project as a priority for inclusion in the City Deal,” the letter read.

“I propose that we expedite a decision on GCEC, recognising the unequivocal local support for this project and its importance to the overall visitor economy package and a successful City Deal.”

It is understood the letter was sent last night, and has not yet been seen by the Federal Government.

Meeting with the Advertiser earlier this year, the PM and Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson signalled their desire to fund the convention centre through the City Deal.

“I think the convention centre is absolutely one (project I would like to see funded),” Ms Henderson said.

The Premier’s concerns come after the Federal Government revealed it did not plan on making any City Deal commitments until October — a month before the state election. More than six months after Mr Turnbull’s trip to Geelong to sign the MOU, his Government is yet to commit a single dollar to the City Deal.

The commitment hold-up comes despite the State Government and Geelong council having already chipped in about $170 million.

The State Government’s 2018-19 Budget included a $153.2 million injection for City Deal projects — including building a convention centre, delivering the Shipwreck Coast master plan and revitalising the city centre.

The City of Greater Geelong has also kicked in City Deal funding, chipping in a further $15 million.