Geelong has “been left high and dry” in the 2021-22 federal budget with no new funding for council’s planned Northern Aquatic and Community Hub (NACH), according to Corio MP Richard Marles.
“For all the money the Morrison government is splashing around … there is still not a single cent from the federal [budget] committed to funding the NACH,” the deputy opposition leader said.
Norlane residents recently renewed their campaign for funding for the $61.5 million project, with Geelong council seeking $20 million each from state and federal governments.
Council agreed to reallocate $8.26 million of federal funding it received under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to the project, but has yet to receive any funding from state government.
Mr Marles also took aim at a lack of budget funding for Deakin University, Geelong’s oil refinery – which supports 700 jobs, and the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Newcomb.
On Wednesday, federal Victorian senator Sarah Henderson announced $105 million for stages two and three of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds rail duplication.
The budget also includes $90.5 million for the Barwon Heads Road duplication and $6 million to improve the safety of other local roads.
The Geelong City Deal will result in the region receiving $69 million for projects including the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Upgrade, the planned Geelong exhibition centre and Great Ocean Road infrastructure in the budget.
The budget also includes $1.25 million for stage one of the Geelong Anam Cara Hospice and $92,000 to upgrade lights at Portarlington Recreation Reserve.
“In the face of a once-in-a-century pandemic, the 2021-22 budget is the next stage of the Morrison Government’s economic recovery plan to build a stronger nation,” Senator Henderson said.
“Across our region, tens of millions of dollars will be unlocked this financial year for major infrastructure projects. This will not only create jobs but boost our regional economy.”
Regional alliance G21 welcomed funding for the Great Ocean Road but criticised a lack of tourism funding.
“The lack of a targeted JobKeeper-style program is a double whammy for the region’s visitor economy,” G21 chief executive Giulia Baggio said.
