By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG could lose its $2 million a year Schoolgirls Head of the River regatta after State Government refused to help fund urgent dredging works.
A spokesman for Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the dredging was a local responsibility.
“Dredging of Barwon River is the responsibility of the City of Greater Geelong and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority,” he said.
Lara Labor MP John Eren accused the Government in last week’s Independent of risking the loss of the event by “stalling” on a funding application for the dredging.
Geelong’s council had set aside $250,000 and asked the Government for the same amount.
The dredging needs to be complete in time for summer for the rowing event to go ahead.
Mr Ryan’s spokesperson said Mr Eren should be aware local authorities were responsible “since this issue has been around for many years”.
“The Coalition Government recognises the importance of the Geelong region as evidenced by the more than $21 million invested in 22 projects worth $333 million in the City of Greater Geelong from the Regional Growth Fund.”
But Mr Eren hit back, saying the funding refusal was a “totally neglectful act by State government”.
“We can’t risk this event. It’s a no brainer.
“This is a cop-out by the Government. Peter Ryan should show leadership instead of saying, ‘It’s not my problem’.”
“State Government has always been there to make sure these types of events are supported and provides a back-up if things go wrong for whatever reason.
“If we lose this event it will be the fault of the State Government because $250,000 is not a lot compared to benefits this town will receive as a result.
“The Government can’t promote its Regional Growth Fund on the one hand but refuse this funding on the other.
“It’s an important event and acts as a catalyst for other events. If we start losing one it can have a flow on effect – something else will go.”
City Hall projects, recreation and central Geelong general manager Dean Frost said council was still “hopeful of receiving a positive response” to its funding application.
Mr Frost said all parties, including council, agreed the Schoolgirls Head of the River was an important event for Geelong.
