Election pledge frenzy in full swing

Both sides of the State’s party political divide have been busily promising projects they would implement if in government after the November election.

Melbourne-Geelong fast-rail services have been a focus for both the Liberal- National Coalition and Labor.

The Coalition says it would upgrade Victoria’s passenger rail network, including delivering a European-style high-speed rail 32-minute Melbourne- Geelong commuter service by 2022.

The Coalition would also build a Geelong Metro commuter rail service linking Colac to Bannockburn and Werribee to Waurn Ponds, both via Geelong.

Labor announced a new Western Rail Plan, including full separation of regional and metro services on the Geelong and Ballarat lines – the first step in delivering fast rail to both cities.

It plans two new electrified metro lines to Melton and Wyndham Vale, additional tracks between Sunshine and the CBD, and a major overhaul to the express Geelong and Ballarat lines to run fast-trains, including the potential full electrification of those lines.

Labor has allocated $100 million and says its full plan is expected to bring Geelong- Melbourne travel times to under 45 minutes, with construction beginning in 2022.

Labor and the Coalition each committed $34.5 million to build a new secondary school as part of the Armstrong Creek Education Precinct by 2021, effectively relocating Oberon High School next to the existing primary and special school.

Both have also committed differing amounts and approaches to duplicating sections of Barwon Heads Road, to service growing Armstrong Creek traffic.

Labor committed to ensuring local jobs and businesses were put first when building a future Geelong Convention Centre, requiring a builder to use 90 per cent local content.

This is consistent with the objectives of the G21 and Give Where You Live Foundation GROW (G21 Opportunities for Work) project, to help create jobs in disadvantaged areas.

Both the Liberal-National Coalition and Labor have committed to blocking inappropriate development on the Bellarine Peninsula and along the Surf Coast.

The Coalition said it would identify specific areas and work with local governments on localised planning statements, with “strict planning rules” to be introduced within the first 100 days of office to “protect the liveability of our suburbs and towns”.

Labor committed to “planning protection enshrined in law” by declaring both the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula a Distinctive Area and Landscape under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

The complete tally of commitments against G21’s Priority Projects can be viewed at: g21.com.au