IN BRIEF

Riordan wants answers on wire rope barrier cost
LIBERAL Polwarth MP Richard Riordan has called for an explanation for the 77 per cent increase in Victoria’s road toll and has continued his criticism of wire rope barriers. “More than $450 million has been spent on rolling out excessive kilometres of wire rope barriers, and millions more spent on advertising their virtues, while at the same time the death toll is going through the roof,” Mr Riordan said. “After more than five years of rolling out wire rope barriers, VicRoads still cannot tell taxpayers how much crucial road maintenance funding is being diverted from traditional road maintenance in order to repair broken barriers, which become dangerous once compromised.”

Harwood hits back at Queensland MP’s Geelong sledge
CITY of Greater Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood has hit back at criticism from a Queensland state minister about the $2 million committed by the federal Liberals towards Geelong- Melbourne fast rail. In response to Queensland Minister for State Development Cameron Dick’s comments, which included “Geelong is a place that no-one wants to visit”, Cr Harwood said fast-rail was long overdue for the Geelong region and would bring more local and international tourists to support our economy. “Minister Dick would do a lot better to concentrate on his own issues and resist commentary on matters he clearly knows little about. His comments are ignorant of the issues we are facing down in regional Victoria and the work we are doing for our communities.”

Soccer plan predicts 420 new Victorian pitches
FOOTBALL Victoria has launched its Strategic Plan 2019-2022 FootbALLways, off the back of data showing participation in soccer grew 24 per cent across Victoria in 2018, making the state the second-highest growth market for the sport in the country. The Strategic Plan, launched at Football Victoria’s annual general meeting, includes the ambitious targets of 50/50 gender participation by 2027 and the establishment of 420 new and equivalent full-size pitches across the state to keep up with growing demand for the game and population growth.