The major parties are targeting sport and recreation in the battle to win the marginal seat of Corangamite at this month’s federal election.
Surf lifesaving is set to be the big winner, with the coalition and Labor both committing to upgrades of clubs at Jan Juc, Anglesea, Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale.
The coalition has promised to spend more than $2 million on the four clubs. Labor has matched the coalition’s $600,000 for Point Lonsdale’s rebuild project and promised to fund each the other three clubs without putting dollar values on each commitment.
Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club has spent more than 10 years advocating for redevelopment, raising $4.8 million toward a $5.4 million goal.
Liberal MP Sarah Henderson said her $600,000 pledge would provide “a total of $1.25 million” following a previous $650,000 delivered in March.
Labor candidate Libby Coker said her party’s commitment meant the “important project can finally go ahead”.
Labor and Liberal have also pledged millions toward sports clubs in Corangamite.
One of Labor’s biggest promises includes $3 million for stage two of upgrading Drysdale’s sports precinct. The Liberals have put $3 million toward Lorne’s Stribling Reserve upgrade.
Both parties have also promised a $100,000 lighting upgrade at Lethbridge Recreation Reserve and $500,000 for facility advancements at Inverleigh Sporting Complex.
Labor’s MP in the safe seat of Corio has announced plans to “tackle” inequity with a focus on targeting health care and joblessness.
Richard Marles pledged $2 million to a G21 Region Opportunities for Work (GROW) project to reduce unemployment in disadvantaged areas of Geelong.
Palliative care provider Anam Cara House will also benefit if Labor wins the election following a $15 million pledge from Mr Marles.
Anam Cara had provided “vital” services in Geelong since 2007 but its facilities are “outdated”, he said.
“Anam Cara is providing a unique and compassionate end-of life service that is considered world’s best practice.”
The coalition has yet to announce any community funding commitments for Corio, although both parties have promised hundreds of millions of dollars for a convention centre on Geelong’s waterfront and rail upgrades including fast trains between the city and Melbourne.
Labor is the hot favourite to win the Corio seat at $1.01, while the coalition stands at $11, according to Sportsbet.
The betting agency has Labor at $1.38 and the coalition at $2.80 in Corangamite.
The coalition holds Corangamite with Australia’s smallest margin, .3 per cent. Labor holds Corio by 8.2 per cent.
