GOOD SPORTS

BELLARINE sport and surf life saving clubs have been the main focus of political funding pledges as local candidates gear up for the federal election this Saturday.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said a re-elected Liberal government would provide $3.5 million towards the Drysdale Sports Precinct, which followed a budgeted funding commitment of $10 million for a 50-metre outdoor pool on the North Bellarine.

Meanwhile, Labor Party Corangamite candidate Libby Coker pledged $3 million towards the sports precinct on behalf of an elected Shorten government, including $200,000 for a feasibility study to explore the construction of a pool.

Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club has also received bipartisan support from the Liberal and Labor parties to finish their clubhouse renovations.

The club has raised $4.8 million for the project – including $2 million of state government funding, $2.15 million of public contributions and $650,000 of federal government funding – but needs $5.4 million to fully complete the works, due to a shortfall in the costings.

Ms Coker recently announced that a Shorten Labor Government would contribute the remaining $600,000 to finish the project, which was matched soon after by Ms Henderson during an election debate broadcast at the studios of radio station 94.7 The Pulse.