Detail lacking on deal
Feds coy on $150m Geelong funding leak
“I am looking forward to making some very positive announcements.” CORANGAMITE MP SARAH HENDERSON
CORANGAMITE MP Sarah Henderson has refused to reveal how the Federal Government plans to spend $150 million earmarked for the region.
It comes after a major leak yesterday that former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had personally ticked off on a national $7.6 billion roads and rail package aimed at saving marginal seats across the country.
It included $150 million for the Geelong City Deal, expected to focus on improving transport links, revitalising the Geelong city centre, upgrading the Great Ocean Road and supporting innovation.
But Ms Henderson yesterday baulked when asked for specifics about projects to be funded.
“I am looking forward to making some very positive announcements,” Ms Henderson said. “I am fighting extremely hard to deliver the best City Deal possible for Geelong and the broader region, including the Great Ocean Road.”
More than $400 million is still needed for the duplication of 11 kilometres of rail track between Waurn Ponds and South Geelong.
The Federal Government has already committed $150 million to the project and the Victorian Government has promised to tip in $147 millionif Labor is returned at the November election.
A Geelong convention centre and the redevelopment of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club are also in the running for funding under the City Deal.
A spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack would not reveal how the $150 million will be spent.
“The Australian Government does not provide commentary on infrastructure projects which may or may not be under assessment,” the spokesman said.
“These projects are also subject to ongoing talks and discussions to consider various details during different stages of development between states and other key agencies, such as Infrastructure Australia.”
A $1.5 billion allocation to begin planning and pre-construction works for a highspeed rail along the east coast linking Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Newcastle was also revealed yesterday.