Tough budget hits sweet spot

By John Van Klaveren
THE BAILLIEU Government has laced a dour state budget with sweeteners for Geelong.
But Gordon Institute of TAFE faces a financial hit, with the government slicing funding for courses statewide.
Treasurer Kim Wells said the budget focussed on “securing the future and rebuilding the state’s finances”.
The budget allocated funding to fix problems plaguing Geelong’s rail link to Melbourne, including the purchase of additional V/Line rolling stock to increase capacity along with $172 million for regional track maintenance.
The Government also delayed the introduction of the troubled myki ticketing system on V/Line rail services until mid-2013.
Other announcements affecting the region included:
$13.6 million for a co-located police station and SES headquarters at Waurn Ponds
$93 million to expand Geelong Hospital by 64 beds
$8.3 million for regeneration of Northern Bay College
Another $2.1 million for a Lara-to-Avalon Airport rail link
$8 million for planning and land acquisition for a new Grovedale railway station
$6.16 million to acquire land at Connewarre for future school facilities
$2 million for renewal of Geelong Performing Arts Centre
Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos said the budget’s focus on health care, transport and school upgrades would drive economic activity, productivity and create jobs.
“Given the current economic challenges this is a major win for the Geelong region,” Mr Katos said.
G21 Alliance chair Cr John Mitchell said the $150 million to the region reinforced the Government’s belief in the area.
Labor MPs Lisa Neville, Ian Trezise and John Eren condemned the Government for “failing to take action on jobs and growth for the Geelong region and the Bellarine Peninsula”.
They said the Geelong Hospital funding was only $3.8 million this financial year.