SHORTEN BACKS GEELONG CONVENTION CENTRE:
THE federal Opposition has pledged $153 million for Geelong’s City Deal, bringing the city’s convention centre a step closer to reality.
Labor Leader Bill Shorten announced an elected Labor federal government would kick in the money for the City Deal project, matching the $153 million already budgeted by the state Labor Government, and on top of the $15 million budgeted by Geelong Council.
Mr Shorten said the money would be put towards the Geelong convention centre, the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, Central Geelong revitalisation and the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour project.
“The projects will create around 975 additional permanent jobs and build a better Geelong for the region’s current and future residents and visitors,” Mr Shorten said.
The current Federal Government is yet to announce any specific City Deal funding, even after News Corp this month revealed former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had approved $150 million for the City Deal.
Corio federal Labor MP Richard Marles welcomed his party’s funding commitment yesterday.
“Geelong is a great city with a great future in front of it. It’s time we had a government that helped us reach that future,” Mr Marles said.
“The projects we’ll support through the City Partnership are the projects our community has said they need. Labor is listening to Geelong, and we’ll be relentless in getting these projects going to support the economy.”
Labor’s Corangamite federal candidate Libby Coker said the funding would help create jobs and boost economies along the Bellarine, the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road.
“This is where my focus is: on making sure our community gets the attention we need,” Ms Coker said.
“This is what businesses have been telling me they need in order to put on extra staff.
“I’m proud to be part of a team that really cares about my community.
“We’ve worked with them to put together a group of projects the community wants and needs.”
The Labor deal would be rebranded as the Geelong City Partnership, with the party proposing to allow for independent oversight and greater input from the state and local governments.
The Geelong City Deal — an agreement between all levels of governments to work to deliver a series of major projects for the city — was signed by the state and federal governments and the City of Greater Geelong in January.
The 2018-19 State Budget included a $153.2 million in- jection for City Deal projects, and the City of Greater Geelong has also contributed funding, chipping in a further $15 million.
When recently asked about specific projects to be funded by the Federal Government, Corangamite federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson said: “I am looking forward to making some very positive announcements.”
“I am fighting extremely hard to deliver the best City Deal possible for Geelong and the broader region, including the Great Ocean Road.”
“The projects will create around 975 additional permanent jobs and build a better Geelong for the region’s current and future residents and visitors.“OPPOSITION LEADER BILL SHORTEN