RDA turns downlights

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A PUSH for lights at Skilled Stadium appears doomed as Geelong awaits the outcome of a Federal Government funding announcement.
But the outlook is brighter for a proposed $50 million upgrade of Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, with a funding advisory committee giving it priority over the Skilled Stadium lights.
Regional Development Australia’s Barwon South West committee has sent a report to Government listing the library and heritage centre as the region’s number-one funding priority.
The committee ranked a timber industry project at Portland as second priority and the stadium lights third.
The Geelong projects both want $15 million from a $100 million national fund.
Peter Dorling, who sits on the committee, said funding for both in the first round of grants was unlikely.
“It will be interesting to see how the feds handle this because both are deserving projects,” Mr Dorling said.
“But one of the projects has a timing imperative, which is the footy club, because of its construction schedule.”
Mr Dorling said a panel would consider an estimated $1.5 billion in grant applications, with winners announced at the end of the month.
“The feedback we’re getting is that the Government will announce a second funding round of $200 million the same day they announce the successful applications. Unsuccessful applications from the first round will be automatically shifted into the second round.”
Mr Dorling said Cats chief Brian Cook wanted the lights included in a stage four upgrade project for Skilled Stadium.
“Brian is being pragmatic and wants to do the whole thing in one go. The council is pushing for (the library and heritage centre) project.
“It would be great if they (both) got up but we have to be mature enough to realise there’ll be more opportunities in the second round.”
Geelong Regional Library Corporation chair councillor Rod Macdonald said he was unconcerned about the push for Skilled Stadium.
“It’s getting to the pointy end, so everyone’s getting a bit toey,” he said.
“I can understand them having a dip but the library is the number-one priority.”
Cr Macdonald said City Hall had a foot in both camps as manager of Skilled Stadium and proponent of the library and heritage centre project.
“It just demonstrates the level of need in regional Australia. There’s always a danger in scheduling ahead of funding commitments.”