By Luke Voogt
Geelong commuters, patients and schools are set to benefit from the 2019/2020 State Budget with $102 million for local rail.
“This budget delivers on the commitments we made to the people of Geelong,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.
The budget papers confirmed $100 million to plan fast rail to Geelong and Ballarat, which State Government announced in April.
The budget also includes $2 million for design and pre-procurement on rail upgrades between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds.
The upgrades will include new signalling and the removal of level crossings at Fyans Rd and Surf Coast Hwy.
A $340 million commitment will deliver up to 18 new Victorian trains, some of which will ease overcrowding on Geelong services.
The budget would fund a new Armstrong Creek secondary college and upgrades to several Geelong schools, State Government announced.
Government invested $400,000 to plan a $318 million project to duplicate 4km of Barwon Heads Rd and construct a bridge over railway north of Marshall Railway Station.
Hospitality students would benefit from new $23.5 million facilities at The Gordon, Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.
“Whether it’s upgrading The Gordon TAFE or fixing local schools, we’re delivering for Geelong.”
Government reaffirmed health commitments from earlier this year, including $100 million for a Geelong women’s and children’s hospital.
It also announced $1.5 million for a statutory body to protect Great Ocean Road.
Municipal alliance G21 chief executive officer Elaine Carbines welcomed the commitments but described no State funding for council’s proposed Northern ARC as “extremely disappointing”.
The Norlane health complex was desperately-needed in “Geelong’s disadvantaged northern suburbs”, Ms Carbines said.
“What do we have to do to get funding for this crucial facility for people in one of the most disadvantaged communities of Victoria?”
Liberal Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur attacked the “divisive” budget.
Its free dental program for government schools discriminated against parents “making extraordinary sacrifices” to send children to non-government or Catholic schools, she said.
The budget would take Victoria’s debt to “stratospheric heights”, from $22.8 billion to $55 billion in four years, Ms McArthur said.
Ms McArthur accused the Andrews State Government of doubling land taxes and increasing payroll tax by 27 per cent since coming to power.
“Public sector wages have blown out by 42 per cent under this government, but with no discernible beneficial outcomes,” she said.
