PREMIER WAVES A CHEQUE FLAG

GEELONG Motorsport Club has been promised half a million dollars to improve its facilities and equipment if Labor is re-elected this month. Premier Daniel Andrews was at the Geelong Motor Sports Complex in Avalon yesterday to make the announcement, which forms part of a multimillion-dollar cash splash on the sport. Mr Andrews said the funding package would be split to provide grants for upgrades and equipment, while money will also be available for clubs to run larger events. He said the announcement marked a milestone day for motorsport. “It’s fair to say, I don’t think this sport … has received anywhere near the support it’s entitled to,” Mr Andrews said. “We know clubs … having to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars is very difficult.” As part of its commitment, Labor will also provide $300,000 to expand the Dare to be Different program, which gives females the chance to get involved in the sport through karting, pit stop challenges and driving simulators.

Confederation of Australian Motor Sport chief executive Eugene Arocca said he was “grateful” for the funding pledge. “Motorsport is invariably an expensive sport — even at grassroots level — so any commitment of any amount of money for these facilities is well spent,” he said.

Meanwhile, Labor has also announced it will evenly split $150,000 in funding for three projects in Queenscliff.

An inaugural Winter Wonderland event will be held over three weeks next year, featuring an ice-skating rink and snowfield, with more than 5000 visitors expected.

Labor is also providing $50,000 to the Queenscliff Music Festival, while the same amount will be spent on developing an industry-led brand and vision for the Borough of Queenscliffe.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the projects were aimed at attracting more visitors to the area, as well as boosting support for traders and the local economy.