By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE COALITION has significantly outspent Labor in election promises to local voters.
With its four seats, three affected by boundary redistributions, the region is considered a key battleground in tomorrow’s election.
The coalition has been widely reported as pledging around half a billion dollars, while Labor’s IOU is closer to $120 million.
Amid the flood of announcements from both major parties, it is difficult to separate funding for new projects from existing commitments for which the government of the day is financially responsible anyway.
The Independent has reported the big-ticket items including Labor’s $70 million for Skilled Stadium and $30 million for Geelong Performing Arts Centre. The coalition hit back with a $35 million pledge for the $140 million GPAC redevelopment.
Other coalition pledges have included:
* ManuFuture Geelong Initiative, $10 million;
* Geelong-based injury and disability insurance centre, $7 million;
* Geelong convention centre site study, $5 million;
* Bellarine Secondary College, Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club, a kindergarten and tourism promotions, $5 million;
* South Geelong Railway Station car park; $1.1 million.
Labor’s other pledges included:
* Portarlington safe harbour, $15 million;
* St Ignatius College Drysdale hall, $2 million;
* Leopold Hub, $3 million.
