Colac had grants setback

AN application for funding for a Colac sporting reserve deemed deserving by the national sporting body was rejected soon after the town was removed from the marginal electorate of Corangamite.

Figures revealed by the ABC show many sporting groups that scored highly against eligibility criteria were knocked back in favour of clubs deemed less deserving.

Colac Otway Shire was the third highest-scoring group in the country to be rejected for funding, according to the figures, reaching 95 out of 100 in assessment criteria for one application.

Sport Australia set a rating threshold of 74 out of 100 to receive funds, but some clubs that had grants approved scored as low as 50.

The shire confirmed it applied for two grants — for a Colac Central Reserve netball court and lighting upgrade and the Western Reserve Colac oval redevelopment — each worth $500,000.

“Both applications were unsuccessful with Sport Australia, but have received funding through other grant opportunities,” CEO Peter Brown said.

It is not known which of the two applications scored 95.

The redistribution was considered a blow to then-incumbent Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson’s chances of retaining the seat, which she lost to Labor’s Libby Coker.

Deakin University politics expert Geoff Robinson said there were questions about whether the redistribution and funding denial could be connected. The Australian National Audit Office found the 2018-19 Community Sport Infrastructure program was biased towards marginal Coalition seats.

Anglesea Golf Club, which remained in Corangamite after the redistribution, scored 84 but was denied $380,000, according to the ABC.

A spokesman for Senator Henderson said she advocated for Corangamite organisations without fear or favour.