By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE STATE opposition snubbed Mayor Darryn Lyons at a major election announcement in Geelong this week.
Cr Lyons was available to attend but confirmed the opposition failed to invite him.
Opposition leader Daniel Andrews launched a pitch for votes when he announced $70 million for Simonds Stadium’s stage-four upgrade and $30 million for the first stage of a Geelong Performing Arts Centre redevelopment.
“It was disappointing, not only as mayor but also as chair of (regional councils alliance body) G21,” said Cr Lyons, a Liberal Party member.
“I don’t know why I wasn’t invited.
“I’ve championed those projects. I’m all about getting the most funding I can for Geelong.
“As far as I am concerned, politics doesn’t come into it.”
The Independent understands Cr Lyons expressed his disappointment to Cats chief Brian Cook and others but was told Labor controlled the invitations.
Labor’s local election team was prominent at the announcement, including South Barwon candidate and Geelong councillor Andy Richards, who has previously locked horns with the mayor.
A Labor spokesperson said the $100 million package for the stadium and GPAC would create jobs for the region.
“The mayor has plenty of opportunities to meet with Mr Andrews, as he’s in Geelong on a regular basis.”
The stadium project will include replacement of its Brownlow and Jennings stands, increasing capacity to 36,000.
Sports Minister Damien Drum said he was surprised Labor would fund the entire stadium upgrade without seeking a federal contribution.
He labelled the announcement “typical Labor waste”, warning $70 million would be “ripped out of community sport”.
