ALBANESE DROPS IN FOR POLL PLEDGE
FEDERAL Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has made his first visit to Geelong since Victoria’s borders reopened.
Mr Albanese visited Armstrong Creek on Saturday with Corangamite Labor MP Libby Coker and his deputy leader, Corio MP Richard Marles, to formally announce the ALP’s promise that a second section of the Barwon Heads Rd would be duplicated if it won the next federal election.
Mr Albanese said the $125m pledge should ensure stage 2 went ahead if Labor was elected.
“That’s the costing that’s been done by G21 and the Geelong council, so we believe this will ensure the project can go ahead,” he said.
“I understand that infrastructure must at least keep up but preferably get ahead of development so that we improve the quality of life, particularly for those people in growing communities like this one.”
The 5km duplication will occur between Reserve Rd, Marshall, and Lower Duneed Rd, Connewarre.
It is unclear if stage 2 would start before the initial stage was completed, with Mr Albanese saying he would work with authorities and the state government.
“What we’re saying is this funding will be available from our first budget, and it will be included in our first budget,” he said.
“Families in Armstrong Creek, Barwon Heads and across the Bellarine will have quicker and safer commutes to work, to school, to recreational activities as a result of this announcement.”
The Barwon Heads duplication is Labor’s most significant pledge to the region in the lead-up to the next federal election.
While in Armstrong Creek, Mr Albanese also responded to questions on growing concerns about the Omicron Covid outbreak.
“The health authorities are still examining the detail but what we should have is an attitude which mitigates risk,” he said.
“The Omicron outbreak is a major concern that should be of concern to all Australians.
“We know the impact that Delta had when it came here and we can’t afford to be complacent.”