Libs cash fails to win bookie nod over ALP

Erin Pearson
BETTING agencies have backed Labor to win Corangamite despite the Liberals pledging almost $60 million more in funding commitments for the seat.
Sportsbet on Wednesday had Labor incumbent Darren Cheeseman ahead $1.65 to Liberal candidate Sarah Henderson’s $2.10.
Sportingbet ranked Mr Cheeseman a firmer favourite at $1.60 to Ms Henderson on $2.23.
Mr Cheeseman has promised a total of $285.4 million in funding across the electorate, while Ms Henderson $344.4 million.
Labor holds Corangamite with a margin of less than one per cent after winning the seat in 2007.
As one of Victoria’s most marginal seats, Corangamite could be vital to Labor retaining office at Saturday’s election.
Both parties have promised $257.5 million to duplicate the Princes Highway between Winchelsea and Colac.
Mr Cheeseman’s eight big-ticket items for Corangamite include $2 million for a Shell Road upgrade in Ocean Grove, $7 million for a new rehabilitation and respite facility at Belmont and $10 million for water recycling in Torquay.
“There are two categories I’m most proud of: the commitments to sporting clubs and the water recycling plant for Torquay,” he said.
“The overall impression talking to local people is that Tony Abbott is a big risk on the major issues, which is the economy and job security because people believe he will bring back the worst elements of Workchoices.
“Our campaign has been about going door to door, not to do the high-profile signage and I think people have responded very well to that.”
Ms Henderson has announced funding for 12 project areas including $25 million for an Australian Technical College in Colac and $5.105 million for sport and community infrastructure upgrades.
“It’s been a dynamic and very busy election campaign,” she said.
“Since being preselected more than 12 months ago I have met with many, many people from all parts of the electorate and listened to their concerns.
“As a local, I’m passionate about our region and desperately want to see us become an even greater place to live, work and raise a family.
“It would be an enormous honour to be elected tomorrow as the next Member for Corangamite.”
The Liberals have also promised $36 million for an upgrade of Skilled Stadium and $15 million for redevelopment of Geelong Library and Heritage Centre.
Both parties have committed to delivering an international terminal at Avalon Airport.
In the safe Labor seat of Corio, incumbent MP Richard Marles is an unbackable favourite, according to the betting agencies.
Both have Liberal candidate Don Gibson on odds of around $7, with the Greens out to $33.