$30m hospital boost in disappointing budget share

Alex de Vos
The Geelong region is set to receive $100 million in funding from State Government’s $11.5 billion 2009 budget.
Big-ticket items for Geelong included $30 million for a new hospital surgical ward and a previously-announced $23 million to improve bus services around the region.
The budget also allocated more than $40 million to the region’s schools and over $30 for new emergency services equipment and facilities.
Geelong Performing Arts Centre receives $3 million to refurbish its Ford Theatre, while $3.5 million will go to improving the region’s dental services.
The budget also allocated $800,000 for a walking trail between Torquay and Airey’s Inlet.
Geelong Labor MPs welcomed the budget in a joint statement.
“In the 2006 election we promised to invest in the services that matter to Victorian families and this budget delivers on those commitments,” the MPs said.
“The 2009 budget focuses on making Victoria and the Geelong region the best possible place to live, work and raise a family.”
Geelong Liberal councillor Andrew Katos, who holds council’s planning and finance portfolio, said the budget was disappointing.
“It’s all welcome but Geelong could have done better,” Cr Katos said.
Opposition Western Region MP David Koch believed the region’s share of the budget was “insignificant”.
“Over four years Geelong will receive $100 million, while the state revenue will be between $120 and $150 billion,” Mr Koch said.
“No funds have been made available in support of Geelong-to-Melbourne commuters or further resources in frontline police.”