By Luke Voogt
A lack of funding for the proposed Northern Aquatic and Community Hub in the 2019-20 budget has angered municipal alliance G21 and council.
G21 chief executive Elaine Carbines described the lack of funds for the $61.6 million health and recreation complex as “a glaring omission”.
“Despite intensive advocacy by [council], G21 and other bodies the proposed Norlane complex has been overlooked in both the state and federal budgets,” she said.
“[Council] has allocated $21 million for the project, but they can’t do this alone.
“For how long are the wellbeing needs of the disadvantaged northern suburbs of Geelong to remain a low priority in Spring Street and Canberra?”
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher also noted the “absence of funding” and said council would “continue to strongly advocate” to state government “to find other funding sources”.
“Our Windermere ward councillors Anthony Aitken and Kylie Grzybek have been especially determined to see it fully-funded and their resolve will continue.”
Lara MP John Eren this week publicly blamed a lack of detailed planning by City Hall for state government choosing not to fund the project.
Mr Eren said the project lacked a detailed business case and designs.
But both G21 and City Hall welcomed $180 million for new social housing in Geelong, complementing council plans to build 12,000 new social housing dwellings by 2041.
Ms Carbines also commended a $184 million infrastructure and tourism boost for the Great Ocean Road and $41 million to complete the final stage of the Kardinia Park redevelopment.
Five million dollars for respite service Anam Cara House, $6 million towards a proposed women and children’s hospital and $15.31 million to upgrade Northern Bay College’s Goldsworthy campus drew praise from Ms Carbines as well.
“We also welcome funds for a new gym at Geelong South Primary, a new building at Barwon Valley School and a new classroom for Clifton Springs Primary,” she said.
But she criticised a lack of funding for a rail link to Avalon Airport and upgrades to roads serving Geelong’s new Spirit of Tasmania boat terminal.
“It would be a huge mistake to leave Avalon without rail, creating the same retro-fit challenges Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport is now facing,” she said.
