DOWN TO THE WIRE
Race tightens in South Barwon
SOUTH Barwon is shaping as the seat to watch in today’s state election as Darren Cheeseman attempts to wrest back the electorate Labor lost eight years ago. With fresh polls indicating a statewide swing towards Labor, there is growing uncertainty whether Liberal MP Andrew Katos can survive with his slim 2.9 per cent margin.
THE two men facing off to become the state’s premier for the next four years have made their final pitch to Geelong voters ahead of today’s election.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy have offered competing visions for the region as they jostle for a late flurry of votes to decide who forms government.
In his pitch to the Geelong Advertiser, Mr Andrews said he was intent on continuing a job his government started in 2014.
“Geelong is a proud city with a bright future and we’ve worked hard each and every day to deliver the schools, health, transport and jobs that locals need,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’ve modernised local schools to make sure every child has the best start in life, brought back a Tech School for Geelong, saved the Gordon TAFE and we’ll make TAFE free.
“But we know there’s more to do.”
He pledged further improvements to Geelong schools and health services, as well as tighter planning laws on the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.
“Only Labor has a positive plan for Geelong’s future — and only Labor will keep delivering for all Victorians,” he said.
Conversely, Mr Guy said it was time for the Liberal-Nationals Coalition to take the reins, something he said would lead to timely benefits for Geelong.
“We are offering Geelong a realistic change for the future, and it is not just a change that is, like the Labor Party, for 2040-2050,” he said.
“These (changes) are a Minister for Geelong, the most representation they’ve ever had in a government, and the most influential representation they’ve ever had.
“That’s along with a raft of infrastructure and social policy upgrades that will transform this city into the outstanding place that it is.”