Minister ’keen to finalise’ deal

FEDERAL Cities Minister Alan Tudge has written to the State Government seeking clarification on the Geelong City Deal.

In a letter to Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes, Mr Tudge requested details on the State Government’s funding allocation plans and said the Federal Government was keen to finalise and deliver the City Deal.

“The Australian Government has been ready to finalise the Geelong City Deal for a considerable period of time and is eager to ensure funding is provided to projects as soon as possible,” he wrote. “In addition to this, I also seek confirmation of the Victorian Government funding allocations under the deal, and specifically, in relation to the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In the letter, Mr Tudge also claimed there had been “contradictory statements made by the Victorian Government in relation to the funding of the Convention Centre”.

In January last year, the Federal Government and Labor State Government signed a memorandum of understanding that paved the way for the City Deal. The deal is designed to bring together federal, state and local governments to select and deliver a series of major projects to boost jobs, improve infrastructure and further advance the region.

A year later, the parties are yet to agree on the specifics.

“The Australian Government is anxious to provide funding as soon as possible to ensure that the transformative projects in Geelong, on the Bellarine and along the Great Ocean Road captured by the Geelong City Deal are able to start at the earliest opportunity,” Mr Tudge wrote to Ms Symes. “I am concerned about the Victorian Government’s lack of response to our correspondence which has impeded the finalisation of the Geelong City Deal.”

The State Government was first to pledge money to the City Deal, committing $153 million in its May budget.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the same amount from the Federal Government during a visit to Geelong in October.

The City of Greater Geelong has also promised to chip in $15 million for the stalled City Deal.