Libs top cash vow battle
THE State Opposition has trumped Labor in announcing half a million dollars more in funding for Herne Hill Reserve.
Hours after the State Government released — and then withdrew — a media statement pledging $1 million towards upgrading the reserve, the Coalition said on Thursday it would invest $1.5 million on the same project.
The reserve is home to St Joseph’s Football and Netball Club and St Peter’s Cricket Club.
As part of the Coalition’s commitment, funding would be put towards developing a masterplan for the reserve, along with an overhaul of the clubrooms.
Liberal candidate for Geelong Freya Fidge said action was needed to help cater for a growing number of male and female users of the ground.
“The continued rise of membership at St Joseph’s FNC has created an unprecedented demand for these facilities, which are urgently needed to assist with this growth — this funding will help to achieve this,” she said.
It is understood Labor’s funding would see plans for a new oval boundary, an outdoor playground, storage spaces, street and on-site parking, and improvements to drainage and surrounding parklands.
Labor’s Geelong MP Christine Couzens said her party’s $1 million commitment was still on the table, despite withdrawing her media statement announcing the funds.
Ms Couzens said an “issue” with the statement needed to be clarified, but did not go into further detail. She denied it had anything to do with the Coalition’s bigger pledge.