Promises come thick and fast

GEELONG, you could be forgiven for struggling to tell the difference between the promises coming from the major parties.

As the November 24 state election draws closer, Labor and the Coalition have been in close step with each other on a range of policy announcements for the region. Let’s go through them. This week Labor mirrored a promise from the Opposition to introduce fast rail to the Geelong line.

While there is a difference in how the parties would deliver it — and especially how soon it can happen — both have jumped on board the issue with big bucks.

The roles were reversed a few weeks ago when it was the Opposition who followed in Labor’s footsteps to promise the legislation of town boundaries and height limits on the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.

Then there are a range of other issues drawing bipartisan support: a secondary school in Armstrong Creek, a Great Ocean Road authority, duplication of the Barwon Heads Rd and upgrades to Bellbrae Primary School and Herne Hill Reserve.

The biggest differences in Geelong, at this point, appear to be Labor’s unmatched pledges to fund redevelopment at Kardinia Park and the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.

Meanwhile, unlike Labor, the Coalition has promised a Minister for Geelong and kickstarting plans to further redevelop the city’s waterfront.

But with more than three weeks until pre-polling opens, there will be more announcements, and voters should expect more similar policies.

The promises are surely a positive for locals and indicate how serious the parties are treating Geelong seats ahead of the election.

With Labor’s grip on power relying on such a tight margin, local seats could prove critical in determining who forms the next State Government.

If one thing is clear, this poll is fast shaping as a referendum on the question: Who do you trust more?