By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE NAPTHINE Government has flooded Geelong with $65 million in election promises in the past two weeks as it targets local seats with four weeks of campaigning left until the state election.
The coalition announcements were aimed particularly at boosting the prospects of Paula Kontelj, contesting the Labor-held seat of Geelong.
Long-serving MP Ian Trezise will retire at the election, with Christine Couzens standing in his stead.
The Government made funding promises of $40 million last week for Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Bellarine Secondary College, Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club, a kindergarten and tourism promotions.
Premier Denis Napthine splashed more cash this week, with $10 million for a ManuFuture Geelong Initiative to create more than 400 jobs.
Mr Napthine said ManuFuture Geelong would be established at Deakin University’s Geelong Technology Precinct as part of a $30 million manufacturing innovation hub.
He also pledged $7 million for a Geelong-based injury and disability insurance centre to train 1000 tertiary and TAFE students.
The specialised training centre would provide employment pathways for people to work in the city’s growing injury and insurance industry, he said.
“We have committed to relocating WorkCover to Geelong if re-elected in November,” he said.
“Along with the TAC, these two agencies will create the Australian Injury and Disability Network and employ more than 1500 people in Geelong.”
Mr Napthine said the centre would add to the “critical mass” required to create an international centre for trauma, rehabilitation and injury management.
The Independent revealed last year that health sector leaders had declared Geelong in a unique position to capitalise on the combination of the National Disability Insurance Agency, Transport Accident Commission, WorkCover, Barwon Health, St John of God Hospital and Deakin University.
The Government also this week announced $4.7 million for Gordon Institute of TAFE to offer new “blended learning” to make courses “more innovative and industry focused”.
A further $1 million was pledged for a Living Geelong water management plan, while Barwon Health received $550,000 for an Intelligent Ward Information System to improve patient care, safety and the use of staff and beds.
Mr Napthine also announced another three years of support for Geelong’s Festival of Sails, whose 300 yachts, 3500 participants and 100,000 spectators are worth $1.9 million to the city annually.
The first of 43 new VLocity railcars for V/Line travellers was also rolled out this week, with passengers on the Geelong line to benefit from the $261 million order.
Roads Minister Terry Mulder announced $2.5 million for a new roundabout to improve access from the Great Ocean Road for Bellbrae’s Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.
